A computer account is created automatically for all main campus students. To access the account, you need to log into PLUS (using your student identification number and your PIN) and then click on the e-mail/passwords button. From there, you can set passwords for your e-mail account, your web page account, and your computer lab and remote dial-up access (IdentiKey).

Use PLUS to set your password (see above), and then access webmail at webmail.colorado.edu

Your PIN, in combination with your student number, allows you to access web registration, the Personal Look-Up Services (PLUS) on the web, and the financial aid telephone system. Certain data specific to you is available on these systems, and your PIN controls access to this information. Your PIN is a randomly set number and must be kept confidential. Be sure to memorize your PIN as it remains the same throughout your career at CU-Boulder.

If you feel that your PIN is not secure and you wish to change it, you can do that via PLUS or by going to the Registrar’s Office in Regent 105.

If you forget your PIN, you can call or go to the Registrar’s Office (303-492-6970, Regent 105), or call or go to Ralphie’s Resource Center (303-735-7253, Norlin E156).

An IdentiKey account:

• Consists of your e-mail login name and a password (that is different from your e-mail password)
• Allows you to use CU-Boulder's free modem pools from home
• Allows you to use ITS computing labs on campus
• Allows you to use SmartForce (Computer-Based Training)

No matter what kind of computer you use, or what operating system you are running, first you'll need to connect to the Internet.

If you live off-campus or in family housing, you must first dial into CU's modem pools (303-218-8000 for those who live off campus; 4-9900 for those in family housing), or connect to another Internet Service Provider (a.k.a., ISP). Then log onto your e-mail account using your login name, password and the e-mail program of your choice. Most students now use CU-Boulder’s web-based e-mail accounts. To access your "WebMail" account, go to webmail.colorado.edu and login.

For further instructions on connecting to the Internet and checking e-mail, check out the booklet Getting Started with Computing on line at www.colorado.edu/ITS/gettingstarted/. You also can call the IT Service Center at 303-735-HELP (5-4357), 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

All of the on-campus residence halls have direct, high-speed Internet access. If you have a computer with a compatible Ethernet card, you will be able to connect your machine to the university network and the Internet. To assist residents with connecting to ResNet, Information Technology Services (ITS) has established a ResNet Help Desk (available by calling 5-2666) and a ResNet service center located in the main lobby of the Cheyenne Arapaho residence hall.

The WebMail system is composed of two parts: a new e-mail server, called mail.colorado.edu; and a web browser-based e-mail program to send and receive e-mail called WebMail.

Students are encouraged to use the new web browser-based e-mail reader called WebMail, though this is not a requirement to take advantage of the server. However, if you want to use the WebMail e-mail client, you must be on the server mail.colorado.edu.

Approximately 85 percent of CU-Boulder undergraduates bring computers to campus. We want students to take advantage of our exceptional information technology (IT) environment at CU-Boulder, which includes one fast network (100 mg) access port per resident in all rooms, so we recommend that every student have a personal computer if this is financially feasible. You can find computer recommendations on the ITS web site at www.colorado.edu/its/recommendations.

Because computer ownership may present a financial burden for some students, there are computer laboratories thoughout campus available to all students. Several of the residence halls also have their own computer labs that are open to residents. Students who intend to purchase a computer and wish to have its cost included in their financial aid calculations are strongly encouraged to consult the Office of Financial Aid before their purchase. Students who are eligible for the campus Student Computer Lending Program will be contacted by the program's administrator. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 303-492-5091.