Parents' Guide to Technology at UMass Amherst [1]
Parents can use this guide to learn more about technology services offered by UMass Amherst IT and get answers to frequently asked questions about computing and technology on campus.
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Students have a rich array of services at their disposal, including access to:
And much more... [8] |
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Students are not required to own a computer, but most students choose to purchase their own. Before bringing a computer to campus or buying a new one, check our recommendations for the configurations that work best in the UMass computing environment. For discounts on computers and peripherals, visit the U$ave program web site [9].
Students who have declared a major should check with the academic department for their recommendations. |
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*Certain restrictions apply |
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All residence halls at UMass Amherst are wireless-only. To access the Internet from these buildings, students will need a wireless-capable laptop or desktop. We recommend purchasing a computer with a wifi-certified, dual-band adapter that is 802.11ac - compliant. Newer laptops and some desktops have one built-in. Wireless connectivity at UMass Amherst is provided by eduroam, an international wireless access service available in over 12,000 locations worldwide. Students should avoid bringing devices that can cause wireless interference and slow down their wireless connections, such as wireless printers and wireless game controllers. More about Wireless Network Access... [14] |
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Per the Federal Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA), the university must have students' written permission to share information from their records with anyone, including parents. Here are two topics you can discuss with your student:
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We strongly recommend that students download and use the university-recommended anti-virus software [18] and update their computers' operating systems before arriving on campus. Students' connection to the Internet may be disabled if their computers are compromised. We also recommend that students avoid posting sensitive information (e.g., birth date) on Facebook or elsewhere online, and be wary of emails requesting such information. The university will never ask students for their NetID password or other sensitive information via email. |
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UMass Amherst receives thousands of complaints from copyright holders each year. Each notice carries potential fines, university sanctions, or even criminal charges. Out-of-court settlements, typically paid by students' families, could cost over $7,000. We strongly recommend that students uninstall peer-to-peer applications (e.g. BitTorrent) and stay informed about copyright issues. More on Copyright Infringement... [20] |
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IT Help Center Consultants are available to answer students' technology questions in person, online, or over the phone. We also provide diagnostic and repair services for computers and peripherals, as well as software consulting services, including operating system support services. More on Technology Support... [21] |