CIS 2009/2010 Reference Guide
Welcome to Brown! We at CIS have created a handy reference card to get you up and running and inform you of services that are available throughout the year.
Click here to download a printable pdf guide.
Attention returning students! We've eliminated the need to distribute PAWPrints cards to students - there is now $30 in free printing that can be debited directly from your Brown account.
Upon your first login to a print release station, your account will be credited $30, which can be seen on the bottom left corner of the release station screen.
Getting Connected
- Plug an Ethernet cable (provided by CIS to all first-years) into your computer and the port on your dorm wall.
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/ports - Launch a web browser (e.g. Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari) and visit http://myconnection.brown.edu. You will be taken to MyConnection automatically upon opening your browser.
- Follow the instructions on the page - after a few minutes and a reboot, you'll be all set!
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/getconnected
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/getconnected
Wireless at Brown
There are two campus-wide wireless networks at Brown: Brown_EZ and Brown-Secure.
We strongly recommend using the Brown-Secure network, as it provides stronger encryption and has more features. For example, the Brown_EZ network cannot support services like chat and use of Brown license-managed or keyed software. Brown_EZ is better suited for equipment with simple browsing capability.
There's a short, one-time setup process to connect to Brown-Secure covered online in the link below
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/wireless
Fun Stuff
IPTV
Watch TV right on your personal computer. Brown IPTV brings you entertainment and educational content right to your residence hall computer! With 32 channels, including all those currently available on the old cable TV system channels, IPTV offers fast, easy, and convenient entertainment to anyone with a wired connection, within a resident hall.
Visit the main IPTV page to learn more about getting started at
IPTV Page
Gaming
Get your Xbox 360, PS3 or Wii online. Why FPS in single player mode when you can FPS the way it should be? Online! Brown University allows you to have your PS, Xbox, and Wii online so you can shoot 'em up cross campus or nationwide. This service requires an Ethernet connection and that the device be registered on the Brown Network via the Net Extend Form, located at
http://brown.edu/cis/policy/forms/netextend
Gaming consoles cannot access the network wirelessly.
Music Downloads
Options for commercial-free streaming music, based on your personal selection of artist or genre, are available on the Web. Several portable devices are supported. For a list of urls, see
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/music
Printing on Campus
For your printing needs, we have designated locations throughout the campus where you can use your Paw Prints account. You are able to use our high-speed printers to get your job done. With the ability to print duplex styled documents, you can print more information on less paper to help save our environment. For more information on printing to Paw Prints, go to
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/printing
During the first part of the semester, all undergrads on CIS' main mail server will be migrating their mail to the new Gmail@Brown service. Students will receive a 7GB mail quota, access to mail from anywhere, and a host of new features such as Google Docs and Google Calendar.
More information about Gmail@Brown is available at
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/gmail
MyStuff
MyStuff is a central location on the network for students to store up to 250MB of data. It is not necessary to install any software on your computer to use MyStuff. For more information about using MyStuff, see
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/mystuff
Public Computing Clusters
Public Computing Clusters
Computing clusters are located in each of the two main libraries (Sciences and Rockefeller) and in the CIT building. Both Windows and Mac computers are available. Laptop users can plug their computers into the taps of two dozen work stations located in CIT 165, when the room is not in use as a classroom.
Cluster Locations and Information
Internet Kiosks
Several public kiosks are located across campus where students and visitors can quickly check their email or surf the web. Locations include the lower level of Faunce House, the main dining area of Sharpe Refectory, outside of the dining area in Verney-Woolley, the Bear's Lair, T.F. Green Hall and the Olney-Margolis Athletic Center (OMAC).
Kiosk Locations
Phone Services
Your dormitory room is already equipped with a working telephone jack, and has been assigned a phone number. To set up free "available-from-anywhere" voicemail on your dorm phone, email voicemail@brown.edu with your Name, Phone Number, and Dorm Room. A complete guide to voicemail services is available at
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/telecommunications
Information on long-distance billing from PaeTec is included in your orientation packet. You can visit Telecom's website or call x32007 for additional information.
Cellular Discounts
AT&T is Brown's preferred service provider for telecommunication services, and generally has the best coverage across campus. You can get up to 5% discounts on AT&T Cellular Service by bringing your Brown ID to the AT&T Store at the Providence Place Mall. To receive the discount when you order services, provide Brown's "Foundation Account Number", 49723. New customers with Sprint Nextel can also receive a 10% discount off your monthly rate plan and 10% off accessories with your Brown ID at all Sprint/Nextel stores.
Software & Training
Software
Brown University faculty, staff, and students can download most Brown-licensed software from the web by visiting
http://software.brown.edu
This page also provides information about software available through CIS including lists of titles available for use on different operating systems and related information and resources. You will also find links to open source, freeware and shareware.
Training
The PASS program offers free classes on a variety of software and technology topics. Each class is short (only an hour and a half long), free and covers the topics that employers and professors demand: web design, Photoshop, Excel, multimedia and more! Sign up for classes online at the link below, and keep an eye on Morning Mail for new class announcements. Sign up online at
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/training
Buying a Computer
Dell and Apple are CIS' preferred vendors for personal computers. For great student discounts on software and hardware, visit
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/buy.
Course-Related Links
Registration and Course Information
You can find online information about and register for Brown course offerings by browsing the Banner course catalog at:
http://selfservice.brown.edu/
Want more course information? Visit Course Preview Pages to find additional information supplied by course instructors.
http://courses.brown.edu
MyCourses Course Access
Many of your classes will have online MyCourses course sites with materials such as lecture notes, readings, and assignments. Once you log in to MyCourses, you will see links to courses you are registered for if they have a MyCourses site.
To log into MyCourses, go to http://mycourses.brown.edu and enter your Brown username and password.
Want to preview a course during shopping period? Click "Log in as a guest" for access to numerous MyCourses course sites during shopping.
Computer Security
See 5 steps to keep your computer secure at
http://cis.brown.edu/information_security/get_control
Theft
If your laptop is stolen, immediately contact the Department of Public Safety at x33322 to report the incident.
If you have registered your computer with MyConnection, CIS can attempt to find your stolen computer on the Brown network. Follow the steps in the "Getting Connected" section on the front of this page.
Prevention
Every year, many students are victims of phishing - attempts by hackers to steal identities or take over computers. Tips for protecting yourself are available at
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/phishing
Support
Brown's Bookstore Technology Center is an authorized warranty service provider for Dell and Apple computers.