https://spire.umass.edu
Your OIT Account gives you access to most computing resources at UMass Amherst, including the student information system (SPIRE), email, wired and wireless Internet, and free software downloads. If you haven’t already, use the NetID and initial password sent to you via email to activate your account. On the SPIRE Logon page, click Activate Your Account under OIT Accounts (right side of the page).

• Forgot your NetID? Come to OIT Account Management (Room A113, LGRC, M-F, 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.) with a picture ID.
• Forgot your password? On the SPIRE Logon page, click Password Help under OIT Accounts (right side of the page) to get a new temporary password.

https://umail.oit.umass.edu
Don’t miss out on important information! Check your OIT email (a.k.a. UMail) regularly. The University uses OIT email addresses for all official email communications (e.g., excess check notices, enrollment updates, etc.).

www.oit.umass.edu/hardware/

• Check OIT’s recommended computer configurations before bringing your computer or buying a new one. If you have a declared major, check with your academic department for their recommendations.
• Get a discount with U$ave. The U$ave program provides competitive prices on desktops, laptops, and other peripherals for Windows and Macintosh.

www.oit.umass.edu/software/

• Download free anti-virus software for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux.
• Get big discounts on Microsoft Office and Adobe software via the Microsoft and Adobe Select programs.
• Download free copies of Windows operating systems and other Microsoft software from the MSDN-AA Web site.
• Get a free copy of UbuntUMass, a customized version of Ubuntu Linux, adapted specifically for UMass Amherst.

Note: You can also use the OIT Web site to download browsers (e.g., Firefox), email clients (e.g., Mozilla Thunderbird) or open-source applications (e.g., OpenOffice).

www.oit.umass.edu/security/
You will not be able to connect to the Internet if your computer is infected or compromised. Be sure to:

• Update your operating system with the latest security patches from Windows Update (Windows) or Software Update (Macintosh). Enable automatic updates and you will receive security patches as soon as they are released.
• Install and use anti-virus software from the OIT Web site. Make sure you have the latest virus definitions and run a full scan of your computer.

www.oit.umass.edu/copyright/
Downloading copyrighted materials puts you at risk for hefty fines, University sanctions, civil lawsuits, even criminal charges. Please remove P2P programs from your computer (e.g., LimeWire, KaZaA, BearShare, BitTorrent) and use legal alternatives to obtain music, books, or movies. Try iTunes, Rhapsody, Pandora, or imeem.

https://spire.umass.edu
Log on to SPIRE and look around! You will use SPIRE to register for classes, view your grades, sign up for on-campus housing, manage your University finances, and a lot more.

http://telecom.oit.umass.edu/students/
Need a new cell phone? AT&T offers exclusive discounts on phones, plans, and accessories to all UMass Amherst students.

Students living in residence halls receive unlimited local and on-campus telephone service at no additional charge. You and your roommate(s) need to provide one touch-tone phone and line cord per room.

www.oit.umass.edu/network/
To connect to the campus wired network, you will need an Ethernet cable (available from OIT Hardware Support, A22 LGRC).

To connect to the wireless network, you will need a wireless card or adapter (most laptops will have one). Bluetooth and 2MB wireless cards are not compatible with our network.
Note: Do not install your own wireless access point! They are not secure and slow down the wireless network.

www.oit.umass.edu/classrooms/
Choose from the 10 Windows and Macintosh classrooms on campus or the 130 computers in the Learning Commons. Download our remote printing software and print your files to the Learning Commons from anywhere on campus. For classroom locations, real-time computer availability, and available software, see the OIT Web site.

http://telecom.oit.umass.edu/students/
Set up your voice mail as soon as you move on campus. The University uses the voice mail system for important announcements. To receive messages at a different number, please update your preferred phone number in SPIRE (look under My Personal Information).

In case of emergency, call 911 from your dorm telephone (not your cell phone). This will enable emergency responders to locate you faster.

www.oit.umass.edu/security/

• Use the latest versions of anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Enable automatic and on-access scans, and run a full scan of your computer every month.
• Back up your files. Use CDs, USB drives, and other portable storage devices for regular files, and UDrive, OIT’s secure online storage system, for sensitive information (e.g., financial statements).
• Buy a laptop security cable from any computer supply retailer.

www.oit.umass.edu/security/email
Avoid the risk of stalking and identity theft! Do not post your address, birth date, class schedule, or other identifying information on Facebook or elsewhere on the Web.

Learn how to spot fraudulent emails that 'phish' for your personal information and try to steal your identity. Never send sensitive information via email even if the message requesting it appears official. OIT will never ask for your NetID, password, or other sensitive information via email.

www.umass.edu/campusalerts/
Use SPIRE to subscribe to Campus Alerts text messages, a free service that provides emergency notifications to subscribers’ cell phones. You must have a U.S.-based carrier and phone to subscribe. Note: Text messaging fees may apply.

www.oit.umass.edu/spire/for_students/ferpa_waiver/
Under federal law, the University cannot discuss your student record with anyone, not even your parents. Use the FERPA Privacy Waiver to make your financial and housing information available to up to 4 people. Set up the Waiver in SPIRE (under Holds & To Dos).
Note: The Waiver does not apply to your academic records, including your grades.

• Check the OIT Web site for campus technology news and resources.
  www.oit.umass.edu
• Use the Atomic Learning video tutorials to learn new software.
  www.oit.umass.edu/workshops/atomic_learning.html
• Browse the Library’s E-book Collections for in-depth technology information.
  www.library.umass.edu/ndl/view/type/ebookcollections