1. What is a CNET ID and how do I get one?
You will need a CNET ID to do just about anything on the University’s network. It is the main form of identification and authentication used by central computing systems and Social Sciences computing resources. See if you qualify for a CNET ID, go here [link]. To apply for a CNET ID, go here.
If you are not eligible but can demonstrate a legitimate need, you can apply for a temporary account following the Trusted Agent Guidelines (TAG) here: http://sscs.uchicago.edu/pages/tag.shtml
2. How can I get my office computer hooked up to the campus network?
For any network connectivity questions, please contact Social Sciences Computing Desktop Support services at 773-834-4146 or by email at sscstech@listhost.uchicago.edu. We will promptly take care of network jack activation and new IP address requests, and we will configure your computer for network access. Please note that in some circumstances you will need to provide your CNET ID
3. I have a laptop, how do I connect wirelessly to the campus network?
The University’s wireless network is available in most places on campus. To access the internet through it you must have a CNET ID. Every time you start up your computer and open your web browser (such as Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer or Safari), your browser will be re-directed to the University wireless authentication page. You will need to provide your CNET ID username and password when prompted. After that you will have full access to the internet on your wireless laptop. For help with this or any other network connection issue, contact Social Sciences Computing Desktop Support services at 773-834-4146 or by email at sscstech@listhost.uchicago.edu.
4. My network connection seems to have dropped off. What can I do?
Please do not plug your computer into a different network jack. Make sure your network cable is fully connected to both your computer and the wall jack. Open your web browser to http://www.google.com. If Google’s web page does not appear, contact Desktop Support services at 773-834-4146 or by email at sscstech@listhost.uchicago.edu. While waiting for a technician, do not plug your computer into a another network jack, as this may spread viruses to other computers on the network.
5. Where can I get software for using the internet, such as to check my email or surf the internet?
NSIT, the University central computing services organization, freely provides a set of programs for using internet, known as the U of C Connectivity Pack. The Connectivity Pack is available to qualifying University members on CD or by download. Included in the Connectivity Pack are: the web browser Mozilla Firefox, the email program Mozilla Thunderbird, the ssh client Putty, the sftp client WINSCP and several other useful programs.
The Connectivity Pack CD can be picked up from the NSIT Solution Center or downloaded from: http://nsit.uchicago.edu/services/connectivity/
SSCS will assist you with the installation of the Connectivity pack. Contact us at 773-834-4146 or by email at sscstech@listhost.uchicago.edu.
6. How can I get commonly used productivity software for my computer, such as Microsoft Office?
Most major software packages can be obtained through the NSIT Solution Center (formerly named the Campus Computer Store): http://nsit.uchicago.edu/groups/solutioncenter/
The University of Chicago participates in academic site licensing programs with many major software companies (Microsoft, Corel, SPSS, Stata, etc.), which allows faculty and staff to purchase yearly licenses for software at deep discounts. For more information on this, go to U of C's Site Licensing Office web page: http://nsit.uchicago.edu/services/licensing/
There are also several software packages already purchased for wide use by qualifying members of the University. Some are distributed without charge via the University’s Site Licensing Office’s web page (see link immediately above). These programs include McAfee Viruscan, an antivirus program for Windows and Mac computers. The University also has a site license for Microsoft Office (the suite of programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook). For help with the installation of such programs, call our Desktop Support services at 773-834-4479 or email us at sscstech@listhost.uchicago.edu.
7. I can’t access certain U of C web sites when I’m off-campus. What can I do?
Some U of C web pages, such as Library’s Lexis-Nexis pages, are restricted to viewing within the campus network. When you are off-campus and want to view these pages, you will need to use the University’s Proxyit! web proxy service.
If you receive an "Access Denied" error, you can manually invoke the proxy by following these Web Proxy instructions.
If you need help with this, please contact Desktop Support services at 773-834-4146 or by email at sscstech@listhost.uchicago.edu.
8. How do I access my files on the server from my computer?
Refer to #7 on server page.
9. How can I get a personal web page?
The University enables current University of Chicago staff, students and faculty to set up a personal web page. Eligible persons can create a personal web page by going to http://nsit.uchicago.edu/docs/home/setup/ and following the on-screen instructions there.
10. How do I get an email account at the University of Chicago?
To get an email account, you must obtain a CNET ID [link to #0]. This is done online. When you create a CNET ID for yourself, you are also creating an email account for yourself.
If you are an eligible faculty member, student or staff, you can claim your CNET ID by going to http://nsit.uchicago.edu/services/cnetid/ and following the on-screen instructions. You will need your University of Chicago ISO Number, Student ID, or Social Security Number.
If you are not eligible but can demonstrate a legitimate need, you can apply for a temporary account following the Trusted Agent Guidelines (TAG) here: http://sscs.uchicago.edu/pages/tag.shtml
11. How can I check email if I'm away from the University of Chicago?
There are two ways that you can check your University email from off campus: webmail, which is recommended, or an IMAP client email program, for which you will likely need to have assistence from SSCS in configuring before you leave.
- Webmail. Simply open a web browser on a computer connected to the internet and go to: http://webmail.uchicago.edu/. You will be prompted for your username and password.
- IMAP. You have your choice of compatible email programs. IMAP client email programs that are compatible with the University’s email system include Mozilla Thunderbird, Microsoft Outlook, and Apple Mail. Mozilla Thunderbird is included in the University's Connectivity Pack. To configure the program properly on your computer to get and send your email, please be sure to follow carefully the detailed setup instructions at http://nsit.uchicago.edu/docs/email/configuration/
If you need help with either of these, please contact Desktop Support services at 773-834-4146 or by email at sscstech@listhost.uchicago.edu.
12. How do I Configure / Run the NSIT VPN Client for Windows?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. When you are using your computer off-campus, you are restricted from accessing some network services and servers. The VPN software makes your computer appear to be part of the campus network so that you can access these restricted services and servers.
To install the VPN software, you first have to download it to your computer from http://nsit.uchicago.edu/services/licensing/vpn/
Once you have downloaded the installer, you must carefully follow the instructions at http://nsit.uchicago.edu/docs/network/vpn/
If you need help with this, please contact Desktop Support services at 773-834-4146 or by email at sscstech@listhost.uchicago.edu.
13. I will be out of town and would like all incoming email to receive an automated email response. How can I have my account automatically respond to email when it comes in? How can I turn it off when I return?
You can set up an automatic reply to an incoming messages to your email account. Go to the following web page: https://cnet.uchicago.edu/cmail/bind.cgi?to=autoreply
When prompted, provide your CNET ID username and password. You will then be presented with a screen in which you can turn on the auto-reply function and compose the auto-reply message that will be sent in response to all incoming messages. When you return from vacation, be sure to go to the same page and turn off the auto-reply function.
14. What do I do if I think my computer’s security has been violated?
There are two aspects of computer security: physical and electronic. If you think there has been a physical compromise (e.g. a break-in, robbery or unauthorized use of your computer by someone who has gained physical access to your computer), please contact University Police at 123 from any campus phone or by dialing 773-702-8181. Also contact Social Sciences Computing Desktop Support services at 773-834-4146 or by email at sscstech@listhost.uchicago.edu.
If you think the electronic security of your computer has been violated by a hacker or virus, please unplug your computer from the network and contact us immediately. It is best not to try to resolve these problems on your own. The longer a compromised computer remains on the campus network, the more damage that it can suffer or cause to other computers on the network. contact Social Sciences Computing Desktop Support services at 773-834-4146 or by email at sscstech@listhost.uchicago.edu.
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