Computing at Brown for Summer Students

Welcome to Brown! This page has information to get you up and running as quickly as possible. Click here to download a printable pdf guide (also included in your orientation packet).


Activating Your Account

Before you can use the internet at Brown, you need to activate your account. If you didn't bring a computer, you can do this from a computing cluster.

  1. Have your ID card ready - you will need your 9-digit Brown ID number
  2. Plug in your Ethernet cable or connect to the Brown wireless network
  3. Visit activate.brown.edu, click on the "Activate Your Account" link, and follow the instructions. If you are having problems activating, try a different web browser or a cluster computer.
  4. During the process, you will need to provide a personal email address. Mail sent to your Brown address will be forwarded to this personal address
  5. Visit http://www.brown.edu/myaccount and enter your Mobile Phone number. This is important - Brown will use it in case of an emergency.

Getting Connected

  1. Plug an Ethernet cable into your computer and the port on your dorm wall. For more information on ports, visit http://cis.brown.edu/guide/ports.
  2. Launch a web browser (e.g. Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari) and visit http://myconnection.brown.edu. You may be taken there automatically upon opening your browser.
  3. Follow the instructions on the page - after a few minutes and a reboot, you'll be all set!

http://cis.brown.edu/guide/getconnected

Wireless at Brown

There are two wireless networks at Brown: "Brown" and "Brown-Secure." We strongly recommend using the "Brown-Secure" network, as it's both more secure and has more features - the "Brown" network, for example, doesn't allow for certain services like chat and Brown software usage. 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

Currently, most WiFi handhelds can connect to "Brown" wireless, which allows for basic web browsing and internet access.

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

Printing on Campus

Print jobs can be sent to print release stations from cluster, dorm rooms, and department buildings. There is a small charge for printing. You can add money to your Brown ID using the machines located near each computer cluster.
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/printing

Email

If you chose to set up a Brown email when you activated your account, mail sent to the Brown email address will be forwarded to the personal email address you indicated during the activation process. Please note that your Brown account will only be active during your summer program, so don't give it out to people who you want to stay in touch with after the program.

Phone Services

Your dormitory room is equipped with a working telephone jack (phone not included) and has been assigned a phone number. You will be able to make campus, local (Providence-area) toll-free, and operator assisted calls. Long distance calls are restricted.

Dialing Instructions

Computer Security

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 (instructions here), CIS can attempt to find your stolen computer on the Brown network. Writing down the serial number/service tag and the MAC address of your computer can help when identifying stolen property or filing an insurance claim.

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

Note: CIS staff will *NEVER* ask you for your password, nor will Brown send you email requesting your password information. Ignore all email messages requiring you to provide such information.

Getting Help

Documentation

More information about computing at Brown is available on the CIS web page.
http://cis.brown.edu/support/documentation

Help Desk

If you still need help after reading the documentation, technical support consultants are available to assist you with supported software. To reach the Help Desk,

  • Submit a Help Request ticket online at
  • http://cis.brown.edu/support/help_desk
  • Email help@brown.edu
  • Call 3-HELP (401-863-4357)
  • Visit room 101 of the Center for Information Technology (CIT) during the posted hours

Your Responsibilities

  1. Abide by all copyright regulations - this includes music and/or video files you may download or share. Failure to do so could result in loss of network privileges! See Brown's Copyright Policy for details at
    http://cis.brown.edu/policy/copyright.php
  2. Do not use another person's computer account or ID
  3. Do not share passwords
  4. Do not access another person's email, files, data, etc.
  5. Do not destroy or damage any computing equipment
  6. Keep your computer free of viruses and spyware
  7. Be aware of and observe all policies - see the link below

http://cis.brown.edu/policy