Activate Your Account

Your UMass Amherst IT Account gives you access to most computing resources on campus, including the student information system (SPIRE), email, wireless Internet, and free software downloads. Use the NetID and initial password sent to you via email to activate your account at:
www.spire.umass.edu
Click Activate Your Account (right side of the page). 

Check Your University Email

Don't miss out on important information! Check your UMass Amherst Google Mail account regularly. The university uses your UMass email address for official email communications (e.g., excess check notices, enrollment updates, etc).

apps.umass.edu

Prep Your Computer

• Check the recommended computer configurations for Windows and Mac before bringing your computer to campus or buying a new one. 
• Get a discount on desktops, laptops, tablets, and peripherals for Windows and Macintosh through the U$ave program. 

Get Free & Discounted Software

• Free anti-virus software for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux.
• Free Windows operating systems and other Microsoft software. Restrictions apply.
• Free Microsoft Office 365 while you are an active student.
• UMass Linux, a free Linux operating system customized especially for UMass Amherst.

More on Free & Discounted Software...

Secure Your Computer

If your computer is compromised, you may be disconnected from the campus network. Be sure to:

• Update your computer's software and operating system. Enable automatic updates to receive security patches as soon as they are available. Windows | Mac
• Install free anti-virus software from our website, then run a full scan of your computer. 

Security Checklist for Personal Computers

Uninstall Peer-to-Peer Software

Illicitly downloading copyrighted materials puts you at risk for fines, university sanctions, civil lawsuits, even criminal charges - and increases the risk of malware and system compromises. We recommend you remove BitTorrent clients and similar programs from your computer before coming to campus. Use legal alternatives to obtain music, books, movies, or software. 

More on Copyright Infringement...

Explore SPIRE

You will use SPIRE to register for classes, view your grades, sign up for on-campus housing, manage your university finances, and sign up for emergency alerts. Don't forget to add your cell phone number and non-UMass email address under My Personal Information. 

More on SPIRE... 

Get Connected While on Campus

• Confirm your computer has a wifi-certified, dual-band wireless adapter. Newer laptops and some desktops have one built-in. If your system does not, you may purchase an 802.11ac dual-band wireless adapter through many electronics retailers.
• Run the JoinNow setup wizard to set up the eduroam wireless network on your WiFi-enabled devices.
• Wireless connectivity at UMass Amherst is provided by eduroam, an international wireless access service available in over 12,000 locations worldwide.
• The UMASS-DEVICES network supports select streaming devices & gaming
  consoles (e.g., Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch).

More on Wireless...

Check Out our Computer Classrooms

• 11 Computer Classrooms around campus.
• High-end academic software available in these locations. 
• Some resources available remotely.

More on Computer Classrooms

Access Online Library Resources

Use the UMass Amherst Libraries Remote Access Bookmarklet to access library resources from off-campus. 

More about accessing library resources from off-campus

Follow us on social media!

@UMassAmherst_IT on Instagram

@UMassAmherstIT on Twitter

UMassAmherstIT on Facebook