University at Buffalo (UB)
The complete beginner's guide to IT at UB
By Dan Heuskin and Blake Cooper
Published August 19, 2016 This content is archived.
There are tons of tech offerings to make students’ lives easier and more enjoyable at UB. From one student to another, here are a few things you’ll want to know before you even arrive on campus.
1) Your UBITName gets you the goods… but you need to activate it. Like, right now.
Your UBITName came with information you received either before or during orientation, so most of you will have already activated it well before fall semester. But, if you’ve been holding off for some reason, go activate your UBITName immediately.
Don’t know your UBITName? Look it up online.
Don’t have your one-time password? Get a new one from the UBIT Help Center.
Why the rush? Your UBITName is your digital identity at UB, which means you’ll need it to take advantage of all the tech perks you get just for being a UB student.
Get Set Up & Reset Your Password 24/7
Because your UBITName is so valuable, it’s important that the security and contact info attached to it is properly set up.
Use the UBITName Manager to set your security questions, then also register a non-UB email and cell phone number for easy 24/7 password recovery.
2) Check out the free software (and check it often!)
Yes, it’s true: UB students get Microsoft Office and a bunch of other software titles for free; most are available to download through our software pages. Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile, there’s a bunch of normally-expensive software available to you today at no extra cost.
Be sure to keep an eye on the UBIT News because new titles or upgrades are available most semesters.
3) Speaking of free software… take advantage of anti-virus and firewall software.
Symantec Endpoint Protection is anti-virus and firewall software that does its job…if you don’t believe me, read some of the reviews on Amazon.
Since it actually works, Symantec Endpoint Protection can be quite expensive. That’s why we want you to have it for free: because a network is only as secure as its weakest link. Think of it as getting your computer vaccinated: the more people do it, the safer we all are. So do your bit, protect your data, and save a bunch of money in the process. What’s not to love?
4) eduroam and ResNet are UB’s best kept secrets
UB has a few different networks to use, but eduroam and UB Secure are the only encrypted Wi-Fi networks available only to UB students, faculty and staff, and we recommend using (or switching to) eduroam. eduroam Wi-Fi is available on hundreds of university campuses around the world, so you can take it with you when you travel.
To connect to eduroam, use your UBITName and password to login, but your UBITName must be followed by @buffalo.edu to connect.
And did we mention that Wi-Fi is getting a boost at UB?
If you’re living in residence halls or on-campus apartments, don’t forget about ResNet, our wired network. For the mild inconvenience of using an Ethernet cable (25’ recommended), your Internet will be hundreds of times faster than Wi-Fi Internet—perfect for streaming or gaming. ResNet will only work with devices that have an Ethernet jack, like a desktop or laptop, or that have an adapter.
5) With UBbox, unlimited secure file storage is at your fingertips
UBbox is UB’s new cloud-based storage and sharing solution, free for all students, faculty, and staff. UBbox provides a simple platform for uploading, viewing, and organizing files and folders on any device, including your smartphone or tablet.
Not only does UBbox provide unlimited file storage; it also lets you share files and folders with collaborators using links. When sharing files with collaborators, you have control over folder security options and email notifications.
You can even edit documents in UBbox; just install the Box Edit add-on to make changes and save them directly to uploaded documents. Meanwhile, Box Sync keeps your UBbox files consistently up-to-date.
6) Get to know the web and mobile apps!
UB’s got web tools for daily student life that go wherever you go. Here’s a quick rundown:
Start with MyUB. It’s got links to other UB essential web apps (UBlearns, HUB Student Center, UBmail) as well as news, general announcements and access to the UB directory.
HUB Student Center is your online personal assistant. It keeps track of your schedule, tuition payments and financial aid, your grades and most other important aspects of student life.
UBlearns is an online course management system. Many UB professors use UBlearns to post lecture notes and readings, quizzes and exams, and grades. Check it daily!
UB Mobile makes the UB experience easily accessible from your phone or tablet. Track Stampede buses and shuttles, check out menus around campus, keep an eye on the Bulls’ score, and a whole lot more in one place. It’s available for Android and iOS, and a mobile web version works great on Windows phones.
7) Printing from your personal devices is easy with “iprint anywhere”
Thanks to the newly upgraded iprint anywhere, you can use your personal computer or mobile device to send documents to public printers… no hassle involved! Upload documents for printing using either a web form or a free app, available on your smartphone or tablet.
To access iprint anywhere, visit https://iprintanywhere.buffalo.edu or download the app, called Printeron, at no charge from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Don’t worry about setup or special plugins—there are none! With a max printable file size of 250MB, you’re good to go.
8) The UBIT Help Center has your back!
The UBIT Help Center is there for all your IT problems, with locations in the Lockwood 2nd Floor Cybrary and the Abbott Hall Health Sciences Library. Stop by during posted hours, call 716-645-3542, or submit a ticket online.