Current Student FAQ

Basic Technology

Am I allowed to use file sharing programs on campus?

Using programs to illegally download files (movies, music, etc) is prohibited on the UConn network. Certain common programs such as BearShare, Limewire, etc are blocked to help protect students from the possibility of a copyright violation.

More information on copyright violations can be found in our violation section

Is there a way to legally download music?

The best way to avoid a copyright violation is to pay for whatever you download. You can do this through programs like ITunes or Amazon.

Ruckus is a program provided by the Connecticut Education Network that gives access to free and legal downloads of more than three million songs for UConn students.

Computer

Why is my computer slow and having problems with pop-ups?

Your computer is most likely infected with a virus or some type of malware. All of these issues are hard to avoid with the number of viruses and spyware cropping up. Solving this problem may be as simple as running spyware scans. If at any point these issues become extremely problematic the best course of action might be to drop it off at the HuskyTech shop to get serviced.

Why is my computer keep showing a blue screen or not able to start properly?

At this point your computer is missing key system files needed to start up. This could be because of a virus or some other malicious program that deleted it. The best course of action would be to bring it to HuskyTech to see if we can diagnose the issue. In some cases, a computer not starting up could also mean a hardware problem, which we would then refer you to the manufacturer.

What can I do if my computer gets a virus?

If you see a message that pops up telling you that your computer has a virus, the first thing to do is try and clean it yourself. Many times if you run an anti-virus scan it will get rid of the virus. The HuskyTech call center can help walk you through this, but if it becomes a more serious issue you will be referred to our shop.

What can I do to get rid of the spam emails?

There isn’t anything that can be done when receiving spam emails other than blocking the email address if the mail program allows.  Huskymail does not have the feature to block spam.

You do not want to reply to the email as it may only confirm to the spammer that your email address is legitimate resulting in even more junk email.  To help reduce spam do not sign up for any services online and be careful when downloading programs.

Internet

Where can I get wireless access?

In addition to wired network access, the University has now provided wireless internet in the study lounges of all Residential Halls. Shippee and Buckley are the only residential halls, where wireless int ernet is available throughout the entire building.

UConn provides two wireless networks in these areas:

• UConn-Secure is the recommend wireless network which provides a secure wireless connection with data encryption. Please click here, and follow the setup procedure to connect to UConn-Secure.
• UConn-Public is an authenticated open network accessible to NetID and GuestID users. This network does not offer encryption of data over the air, thus being unsecure. To connect to UConn-Public, please refer to this website.

These wireless networks are also available in various academic and multi-purpose areas around campus. These locations include the Student Union, MSB, Gampel Pavilion, and the UConn Co-op. (For a full list, please refer to this website)

Why can't I register (Netreg) my computer on the network?

The NetReg process is required for using the UConn network. It requires the use of your NetID to register your computer for use. Before completing NetReg your computer should have a log on password, anti-virus (Windows only) and operating system updates completed. If any of this is missing, the system might give you an error that relates to one of those issues. If you cannot properly NetReg please call HuskyTech for assistance.

Do I have to Netreg my computer every year?

In July the NetReg database is purged so each year students must NetReg when they come on campus. This is done so that people who leave, graduate, etc are taken out of the system. This is the same for SelfReg devices such as game consoles and routers.

How can I use a router or game console (PS2/3, Xbox, Wii or TiVo) on the network?

Students are allowed to extend their network using a router. However they must first Self Register their device before they connect it to the network. They can go to the SelfReg website to find out what they will need to register it.

Game consoles are also allowed to be hooked up to the network however they must also be self registered. Follow the same procedures for these devices.

Do I have to Netreg my computer every year?

In July the NetReg database is purged so each year students must NetReg when they come on campus. This is done so that people who leave, graduate, etc are taken out of the system. This is the same for SelfReg devices such as game consoles and routers.

How many devices can I registered on the network?

Students are allowed to have five devices registered to their NetID at any given time. For example they could have NetRegged their laptop, and then Selfregged a router and an Xbox 360. This would make them have 3 devices, with the ability to register two more devices.

If for whatever reason you need a device unregistered (whether you registered something incorrectly or just want to get rid of one device) you will need to contact the HuskyTech call center.

Why can't I get online?

There are a multitude of reasons why you could be not getting on the UConn network. The easiest way to diagnose this is to find your IP address and see what that refers to. Remember to always first check if you have the right cable (Ethernet not phone) and the right jack (Data not phone) as these are the most common problems. From there it could be a network setting on your computer and the best route would be to contact the HuskyTech call center.

What is Bandwidth and how do I check my usage?

UITS measures each student’s amount of traffic on the internet, which is referred to as bandwidth.  Bandwidth usage is tracked by each student’s NetID. Each student is allotted 10GB of bandwidth per seven days.

You can visit the Bandwidth Monitor website (link), which is updated hourly and you will see how much bandwidth is allocated to you. If you have any questions regarding a Bandwidth Violation, please refer to our violation section.

Why am I getting the Network Access Block page and what is it?

UITS blocks computers from the UConn network if they believe they are a threat to the network’s security. For instance, if your computer is infected with a serious virus, it may be detected by UITS and blocked so the virus does not spread throughout the UConn network. Other reasons for being blocked are network abuse and copyright violations. If you have any questions regarding a Network Access Block please refer to our violation section.

Accessories

Should I have a way of backing up the data on my computer?

Though it is not required, it is always a good idea to have some form of device to back up the important data on your computer. This could be anything from a flash/USB drive to an external hard drive. These devices come in all sizes and have become relatively cheap to purchase. A 1GB drive is suggested for just documents and files – larger needed for music and photos.