CIS 2012/2013 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.
Get 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!
For further information about using Brown's wired and wireless network resources, see: http://cis.brown.edu/guide/getconnected
Wireless at Brown
To connect to Brown's secure network for the first time, visit the following address to configure your
computer or mobile device (e.g. iPhone):
http://cloudpath.brown.edu
We strongly recommend using the Brown-Secure network, as it provides stronger encryption and supports the use of chat and Brown license-managed or keyed software. However, an unsecured network, Brown_EZ, is available for equipment that is unable to connect to Brown-Secure.
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 37 channels, including all those currently available on the former cable TV system channels, IPTV offers fast, easy, and convenient entertainment to anyone having a wired connection within a resident hall.
Visit the main IPTV page to learn more about getting started.
The University no longer supports cable television. Students who wish to bring a television to campus, for their personal use, will need to rent an IPTV Set Top Box. Set Top Box rentals are available from the Office of Residential Life (27 Brown Street, Wayland House). This box will need to be plugged in via Ethernet - you can use the cable you received from CIS when you picked up your room key.
The Set Top Box installation page andmanual will help get you tuned in.
Gaming
Get your gaming console 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 PAWPrints account (automatically tied in to your Brown ID / Bear Bucks account) to print to the print release stations in the clusters. 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 PAWPrints, go to
http://cis.brown.edu/guide/printing
GoogleApps@Brown
With Google Apps for Education, students receive over 25GB mail quota, access to mail from anywhere, and a host of features such as Google Drive and Google Calendar. Share and store up to 5GB of documents, create websites with Google Sites, and connect with other students through chat!
Accessing Your Brown Email
Check your email at gmail.brown.edu from any computer using your GoogleApps@Brown username (e.g., Josiah_Carberry) and secure password. To log in to other Google services directly, use your full email address as your username. Information for configuring GoogleApps on your mobile device can be found here: https://sites.google.com/a/brown.edu/google-migration-project-site/home/clients/mobile-devices
Learn more about GoogleApps@Brown on Brown's Google Help Site.
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
Always Remember to LOG OFF all public machines when leaving them.
Phone Services
Each residence hall room is already equipped with a working telephone jack and has been assigned a phone number.
- To set up voicemail: Please send an e-mail to voicemail@brown.edu and include the following informaion: Name, Phone Number, and Dorm Name. Upon receipt of this information, your Voice Mail will be activated and a return email will be sent with instructions and a password within 3 business days.
Cellular Phones
Brown Students are eligible for cellular service and equipment discounts with AT&T, Sprint/Nextel and
Verizon. Phones with email capabilities can be configured to connect to Brown's Gmail service.
- Cellular Discounts: Brown Bear Bargains
- How to set up email on your mobile device
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. The recommended anti-virus software is Microsoft Security Essentials for PC and Sophos for Mac.
Learn about additional software purchasing options here: http://www.brown.edu/cis/guide/studentsoftware.php
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 course information and register for Brown courses using the Banner course catalog at:
http://selfservice.brown.edu/
Course Preview Pages offer additional information like syllabi and reading lists supplied by course instructors.
http://courses.brown.edu
MyCourses and Canvas
Brown currently has two learning management systems: MyCourses (mycourses.brown.edu) and Canvas (canvas.brown.edu). Since MyCourses is being phased out, many faculty have begun a transition to Canvas. Please check with the instructor of your course to see if they are using either system.
Each system can be populated with digital materials such as course syllabi, lecture notes, readings, links, and discussion boards.
Safe Computing
Check out “5 Quick Tips” to keep your computer safe and secure at http://cis.brown.edu/isg/5_quick_tips
Protect Your Valuables:
Keep your laptop or mobile device at hand or locked up to protect it. Install the free laptop loss and recovery app from FrontDoor Software, available at http://www.frontdoorsoftware.com/brown.htm
Illegal Filesharing
Brown’s Copyright Policy prohibits the illegal sharing of copyrighted materials. Do the right thing and don’t share media. ttp://cis.brown.edu/policy/copyright.php
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 above.
Prevention
Every year, many students are victims of phishing (attempts by hackers to seal identities of take over computers). Learn to protect your identity, bank account and more at http://cis.brown.edu/guide/phishing
Support
Brown's Bookstore Technology Center is an authorized warranty service provider for Dell and Apple computers.