Follow this technology "to do" list to get your semester off to a smooth start!
Before you arrive on campus
After you arrive on campus
Before You Arrive on Campus
- Get to know URSA
URSA is used for a wide variety of functions at the university. You will use URSA to register for classes, view your grades, sign up for on-campus housing, and much more. You will log in to URSA with your Banner ID (found on your I-Card) and your PIN. See What to do if you forget your PIN if you can’t log in to URSA.
- Know your IUP username
You can use URSA to Find Your IUP Account Information.
- Know your network (IUPMSD) password
This will be used to access various resources needed for your courses, such as the IUP network (both wired and wireless). Network passwords expire every 180 days, so you may need to Reset Your Own Network Password.
- Pack your computer
Check out the Hardware Guidelines for Student Computers to make sure your computer will meet the minimum recommendations. If you’re in the market for a new computer, you’ll be interested in Technology Deals for Students.
- Get free and discounted software
Sophos Endpoint Security and Control is free for all IUP students. If you know your username and network password, you can download Sophos. You can also get the student version of Microsoft Office, available at the IUP Co-op Store at a discounted rate.
- Protect your computer
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 using Windows Update (Windows) or Software Update (Macintosh). It’s best to enable automatic updates.
- Install and use anti-virus software, and be sure to keep it updated with the more recent virus definitions.
- Run a full virus scan of your computer.
- Uninstall peer-to-peer (P2P) software
Most file sharing is against the law because it involves the distribution of copyrighted materials without permission from the copyright owner. This is usually music (MP3) or movie files, but can also be TV programs, books, and images. If a complaint is received that you are illegally sharing copyrighted material, you will be disconnected from the network until you remove that file sharing software, and a fee will be charged to reconnect. See Frequently Asked Questions about File Sharing.
After You Arrive on Campus
- Connect to the network
- Find the public computer labs
Even if you have a computer, you may need to access a computer between classes. Public computer labs also provide printing capability and software that you may not have on your own computer.
- Get a Cleanup CD at the IT Support Center
The IT Support Center will provide a Cleanup CD upon request. This CD includes software for anti-virus, anti-spyware, and other utilities that will help to safeguard your PC.
- Protect your computer
- Use the latest versions of anti-virus software and anti-spyware software.
- Run a full scan once a month.
- Back up your files to portable storage devices (CDs, DVDs, USB drives).
- Purchase a laptop security cable.
- Never leave your laptop unattended in an unsecured area.
- Protect your privacy
- Learn how to identify fraudulent—or phishing—e-mail messages that request personal information. Never send sensitive data via e-mail. IUP personnel will never request your username, password, or other sensitive information via e-mail.
- Sign up for the Anti-Spam Service. The Anti-Spam Service will flag most phishing messages, alerting you to their fraudulent nature.
- Do not share your passwords or PIN with anyone!
- Sign up for theEmergency Notification System
The Emergency Notification System is maintained solely for the purpose of notifying the university community in times of critical emergency situations. The system notifies registrants through university e-mail accounts, voice and text messaging to cell phones, and voice messaging to home phones.
- Learn more about technology at IUP
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