MPA Technology Orientation
Welcome to MPA Tech Orientation. Technology is an important part of the learning environment at McCombs. We have a sophisticated network and provide students with valuable resources like computer labs, McCombs-specific email addresses, and wireless internet throughout our buildings.
Learn about our available resources:
Your Computer Account
UT EID
Your UT EID is provided by the university to perform secure actions (this is the same account you used to apply to the University of Texas at Austin).
EID accounts are managed by the UT Informstion Technology Services (ITS) office. Any questions or issues with your EID should be directed to the ITS Help Desk.
Use EID Self Service Tools to reset your password or look up your EID.
Your UT EID is used to:
- Log into Canvas, where professors distrubute course content, announcements, and grades.
- Log into the UT Direct Portal to securely pay university fees (ID Center fees, library fines, etc.).
- Access UT’s wireless network.
- Use UT Box to store, organize, and securely share files.
- Print to campus printers, including those in McCombs buildings.
Acceptable Use Policy
When you use your UT EID or any other UT McCombs technology resources, you must follow the University of Texas Acceptable Use Policy. These rules apply every time you use any UT computing rersource, including using a computer in a lab or connecting to UT WiFi.
You are responsible for following all computing policies. Some of the most commonly broken policies include:
- Do not let anyone use your accounts or your password.
- Do not send rude, threatening, or harassing emails or messages, even as a joke.
- You may not profit from the use of any university computing resource.
- Do not send spam.
- Do not violate copyright laws.
- Do not hack into any UT systems.
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, official communication will only be sent to the address that you have listed in the directory.
UTmail and Office 365 Email Accounts
There are two email account options available to current students:
- UTmail (powered by Google)
- 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.
Sign up for UTmail to create your @utexas.edu email address. We recommend using the Firstname.Lastname@utexas.edu format, especially if you will be using this account for recruiting. This follows MPA resumé 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.
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 with your internet, contact the ITS Help Desk at 512-475-9400.
Computer Security
It is of the utmost importance that you secure your computer and all files saved 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/Mac OS X: Generally, Apple updates its software on a regular basis. Learn more about Mac updates.
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.
Anti-Virus Software
Anti-virus software identifies and removes viruses from your computer. It is important that you have only one anti-virus software installed on your computer.
In addition, the software must continually update 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 Austin offers free anti-virus software downloads through the Information Security Office.
Recommended anti-virus software by OS
Windows: Immunet
SWAT Shop
AKA: McCombs Technology Services Help Desk
Location: GSB 3.132 and RRH 3.430
Hours: open M-F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Phone: 512-232-6616
The SWAT Shop is your first stop for tech-related questions at the McCombs School of Business, with locations in both the main GSB building and Rowling Hall. They can answer general questions about computers and McCombs technology, such as email and software. SWAT also assists with basic computer issues such as wireless connection/configuration for the UT restricted network.
UT ITS Help Desk
The ITS Help Desk assists all UT students, faculty, and staff with university technology, including EID issues, Canvas, wireless, printing, and software. They can also assist with virus and spyware issues.
UT ITS hours
M-F: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
Weekends: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Hours may vary during summer and winter breaks. Visit the UT ITS website for the most up-to-date information.
Canvas
Canvas is the tool UT professors use to share class documents, announcements, and post grades.
Log into Canvas using your UT EID and add it to your bookmarks/browser favorites for quick access.
Contact the ITS Help Desk with questions or login issues.
UT Direct
UT Direct is the student portal for all students at UT Austin.
Log into UT Direct using your UT EID.
Contact the ITS Help Desk with questions or login issues.
UT Directory
The UT Directory is available for you to search contact information and office locations for anyone (faculty, staff, or students) at the university.
Access the UT Directory:
If you want to restrict your directory-shared information, visit the Registrar’s Office.
LinkedIn Learning
Current UT students, faculty, and staff have access to LinkedIn Learning, which houses free trainings and courses in business, creative, and technology topics.
McCombs Tech Help Wiki
Search our Tech Help Wiki for answers to tech questions and other general information.
Saving Files in the Cloud
We strongly recommend saving your files in the cloud if you do not already.
Saving files in the cloud means saving them in a remote location outside of your computer’s hard drive. This protects you from losing important files. File loss can occur if your computer is lost/stolen, your hard drive crashes, your computer is infected with a virus, or other issues. Saving in the cloud can prevent losing important class documents, projects, etc.; even if you lose your computer, you can still access the cloud from a computer lab on campus or a different desktop/laptop.
Saving files in the cloud also makes it easier to share and collaborate with team members. Teamwork is a cornerstone of study at McCombs, and saving group work in one place allows all members to see the latest version(s) while keeping your email inbox clean by eliminating the need to send updated files out to everyone.
Third Party Online File Storage
There are a number of third-party online file storage options available to anyone at the university. Many are available for little to no charge and are easy to use. Since these aren’t directly tied to UT, you will still be able to access them after graduation if needed.
- Google Drive (included with UTMail or your personal Gmail account)
- Microsoft OneDrive (included with Microsoft Windows account)
- iCloud (requires Apple ID)
- DropBox
- Box File Sharing
Listing these third-party services does not indicate any endorsement of these products by UT. Please review 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 UT Austin to use Box cloud file sharing for business and academic purposes.
Features:
- 50 GB storage and file share accounts
- Collaborate on documents and safely Cat-I data
- Secure method to share files across campus or institutions
- Easily sync important files between your devices (desktop, laptop, tablet, phone)
- Keep files current with apps for iOS and Android
Log into UTBox with your EID.
Note: always have a backup copy of any important files. Do not store your files in only one location.
Getting Access to Additional Software
Campus Computer Store
Location: Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 109
Hours: M-F, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Phone: 512-475-6550
You can purchase software at a student discount from the Campus Computer Store. You are only allowed one license per software. Visit the Campus Computer Store website for a fill listing of available software and pricing.