Skip to main content

MPA Technology Orientation

Welcome

Welcome to MPA Tech Orientation!

Technology is an important part of the learning environment at McCombs. The college has a sophisticated network and provides students with valuable resources like computer labs, McCombs email addresses and wireless internet access throughout our buildings.

This site contains several tabs that introduce you to various technology resources.  Click each tab to learn more about that specific resource.

Accounts

Your Computer Account

 

UT EID

Your UT EID is provided by the University to perform secure actions. You used this account to apply to the University of Texas. It is managed by the UT Information Technology Services (ITS) department. You should address any questions or issues with it to the ITS Help Desk. You can reset your password or look up your EID at the EID Self Service Tools Site. 

Your UT EID is used to perform many actions, such as:

  • log in to Canvas, the site used by professors to distribute documents, announcements, and grades
  • log in to the UT Direct portal, the site where you can perform secure functions with UT, to pay university fees (such as ID Center fees, library fines, etc)
  • access UT's wireless internet
  • use UTBox to store files
  • print to campus printers, including those in the McCombs School 

 

Acceptable Use Policy

When you use your UT EID or any other UT or McCombs technology resources, you must follow UT's Acceptable Use Policy. These rules apply every time you use any UT computing resource. That could be using a computer in one of the labs or using UT’s wireless internet access.

You are responsible for following all of the computing policies. Here are some of the most commonly broken policies:

  1. Do not let anyone else use your accounts. Never give out your password.
  2. Do not send rude, threatening, or harassing email, even as a joke.
  3. You may not profit from the use of any university computing resource.
  4. Do not send spam.
  5. Do not violate copyright laws.
  6. Do not hack into any UT systems.

Email

Email

Checking Your Email

Official correspondence from UT, the MPA Program Office, and your instructors will be sent to the email address that you have listed in the UT Directory. Please make sure that this is an email address that you check regularly. While you have the option to set up UTmail and Office 365 email accounts (see below), official communication will only be sent to the address that you have listed in the directory.

UTmail and Office 365 Email Addresses

There are two email environments available to current students. UTmail (powered by Google) and Office 365 (powered by Microsoft). Each environment has its own set of applications you’ll get access to once you claim a mailbox. UTmail is powered by Google and provides a 5GB mailbox and Google Apps for Education, which includes Google Drive for file storage and sharing. Your UTmail address will remain active after you graduate.

First, sign up for UTmail at http://utmail.utexas.edu to create your @utexas.edu address. We recommend that you use the Firstname.Lastname@utexas.edu format when setting up the account, particularly if you will participate in recruiting. This follows MPA resume guidelines.

An Office 365 account will give you free access to communication and productivity applications such as the Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook) in addition to Microsoft Teams, Sharepoint, Planner and more. You can find instructions for setting up this account and more information on the features here.

Network Access

Internet Access on Campus

 

UT-Provided Wireless Internet Access

 

The University offers free wireless access to the University community. Wireless access is supported by UT’s Information Technology Services (ITS), not by the McCombs School of Business. If you have problems, contact the ITS Help Desk at 512-475-9400.

Complete information about the UT wireless networks can be found here.

Security

Computer Security

It is of the utmost importance that you secure your computer and the files on it. Unlike other corporate environments, we do not have a firewall around the campus network, and we do not manage your computer's security. It is your responsibility to protect your computer.

 

Update Your Operating System

Most operating systems, whether Windows, OS X, Linux, or other systems, need periodic updates to protect against newly discovered security exploits.

 

  • Microsoft Windows - Generally, Windows includes its update application in the Windows Start menu, or in the Control Panel.  Implement a best practice, and configure Windows Update to download and install updates automatically.
  • Apple OS X - Generally, Apple updates its software on a regular basis.  Learn more at: www.apple.com/softwareupdate/

When you connect to the UT wireless network, it checks whether your computer is fully updated.  If you are too far behind on updates, the network will not let you connect. 

 

Use Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus software identifies and removes viruses from your computer.  It is important that you have one, and only one, anti-virus software on your computer.  In addition, it is important that the software continually updates its virus definitions.  If you purchased a computer that came with a 90-day free trial of anti-virus software, you should either pay for the subscription, or remove it and install a different anti-virus software. 

UT offers free downloads of anti-virus software on its Information Security Office "Getting Anti-Virus" page..

Feel free to browse through the IT@UT site for other free downloads.

Tech On Campus

Where To Go For Help

SWAT Shop, aka McCombs Technology Service Help Desk

GSB 3.132, and RRH 3.430, Website
Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 512-232-6616
The SWAT Shop is your first stop for tech-related questions at the McCombs School of Business and Rowling Hall. They answer general questions about computers and McCombs technology, such as email and software. SWAT also assists with basic computer issues such as wireless configuration for the UT restricted network.

 

ITS Help Desk

Website  512-475-9400
Monday – Friday, 6 am – 10 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm
Hours may vary during summer and winter breaks.  Check the website for the most up-to-date information.

The ITS Help Desk assists all UT students, faculty and staff with University technology services, including EID issues, Canvas, wireless, printing, and software. They also help with virus and spyware issues.

Tech Help Wiki 

For answers to tech questions at any time, search our Tech Help Wiki.

Tech On Campus

Tech Resources On Campus

 

Media Services Checkout Desk

GSB 3.132
Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.

The Checkout Desk checks out equipment for students, including projectors, screens, digital cameras, notebook computers, camcorders, and microphones. They also sell supplies such as DVDs, headphones, and white board markers.

Online Resources

Online Resources

 

Canvas

Canvas is the website professors use to share class documents, announcements, and grades.   

 

UT Direct

UT Direct is the student portal for all University of Texas at Austin students.   

 

 

UT Directory

The UT Directory is available for you to look up contact information and office locations for anyone at UT. You can access the directory by:

 

If you want to restrict what information is shown about you in the UT Directory, you can do so on the Registrar's website.

 

LinkedIn Learning

Current UT students, faculty, and staff have access to LinkedIn Learning where they can access free training on business, creative, and technology topics. You may login here.

 

McCombs Tech Wiki

The McCombs Tech Wiki contains answers to many helpful tech questions. You can search for information, or use the navigation.

The Cloud

Saving Files In The Cloud

If you don't already save all of your files, or at least your important files, in the cloud, then we highly recommend you start immediately. Saving files in the cloud means saving them on a remote location outside your computer's hard drive. This protects you from losing your important files. File loss can occur when your computer gets lost or stolen, your hard drive crashes, your computer gets infected with a virus, or other random acts of nature, like a fire. Just imagine having all your important class files saved on your hard drive, only to lose your computer the last week of class. Saving in the cloud prevents this, because even if your computer is lost, stolen, or crashes, then you can still access the files saved on the remote location, either through our computer labs or a different computer.

Saving files in the cloud also makes it easier to share and collaborate on files with team members. Teamwork is a cornerstone of study at McCombs, so saving in one place allows everyone to see the latest version, and keeps your Inbox smaller by eliminating the need to email files to everyone.

 

Third Party Online File Storage

There are a number of third-party online file storage options available to anyone. Many of these are available for little to no charge, and can be easy to use. These aren't associated with UT, so you can access them after graduation.

  • Google Drive, which comes as part of Gmail or UTmail
  • Windows Live Drive, which comes with a Hotmail or Windows Live account
  • iCloud, which requires an AppleID
  • DropBox.com
  • Box.com 

 

 

NOTE: Listing these third-party services does not indicate the endorsement of these products. Please review the user agreements, system requirements, ease-of-use, and options/prices available to make the best decision for your file saving needs.

 

UTBox

Box cloud storage is a free campus-wide service that allows faculty, staff. and students at the University of Texas at Austin to use Box Cloud-based file sharing for business and academic purposes.

  • 50 GB storage and file share accounts.
  • Quickly collaborate on documents and safely Cat-I data
  • Have a secure method to share files across campus or across institutions.
  • Easily sync important files between your desktop smartphone and table device.
  • keep files current with apps for iOS, Android and Blackberry.

To access UTBox, you will log in with your UT-EID and password. 

NOTE: Always have a backup copy of any important file! Do not store files in only one location, be it online or your computer.

Software

Acquiring Additional Software

 

Campus Computer Store

Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 109
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
512-475-6550
You can purchase software at a student discount at the Campus Computer Store. You are only allowed one license per piece of software. Visit their website for a full listing of software available and prices.