Technology & Remote Access

Minimum Hardware

• Updated Windows 10 (or above) 64-bit operating system
• Intel i5 or AMD A10 1.6 gigahertz (or faster) processor
• 4GB RAM
• 6.0 GB of available disc space to install Microsoft Office 365, Kaltura Capture, and WebEx Meetings
• 1280 x 768 screen resolution
• Graphics hardware acceleration requires DirectX 9 or later version with WDDM 2.0 or higher for Windows 10 (or WDDM 1.3 or higher for Windows 10 Fall Creators Update)
• Broadband connection that supports 5 Mbps or higher
  • Take the Speed Test

Minimum Hardware   

• macOS 10.13 High Sierra (or above) operating system
• Intel i5 processor
• 4GB RAM
• 12 GB of available disk space to install Microsoft Office 365, Kaltura Capture, and WebEx Meetings. HFS+ hard disk format (also known as macOS Extended or APFS)
• 1280 x 800 screen resolution
• No graphics requirements
• Webcam with microphone
• Broadband connection that supports 5 Mbps or higher
  • Take the Speed Test

The NEXT Apprenticeship Program will provide any student who does not have appropriate technology to complete their course work with laptop computers. Students will be able to check out these computers and utilize them during this time of need.

Please know that this is open to ALL students and you do not need to be an IT or Tech major to take advantage of this program.

• Comlpete a NEXT Apprenticeship Program sign-up form to check out a computer.
• Email Aaron.Burdette@uc.edu with any questions about borrowing a laptop.
• View more information about the NEXT Apprenticeship Program.

Setting up secure WiFi at home is easy. The first step is to change the default administrator password, which is usually not very strong.

It is also extremely important that you choose a secure encryption protocol. Encryption protocols are what protect your password, keys, data, and all other types of information sent over the wireless connection. We strongly recommend using WPA-2 (WiFi Protected Access II) or higher and disabling WPS (WiFi Protected Setup).

At home, we recommend that users:

• Avoid using a router’s default admin password.
• Create a strong, unique password for the WiFi connection.
• Use UC’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) when working remotely over an unsecured network or when connecting to remote desktop functionality, shared network drives, and UCFlex.
• Disable WiFi Protected Setup (WPS).
• Use the best/latest encryption available.
• Keep the router’s firmware updated (turn on auto-updates if available).

Having trouble with your internet at home? The IT@UC Service Desk recommends taking the following actions.

• Try resetting your modem/router.
  This is the device that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) issued to you that provides WiFi and wired network within your home. If you have any wireless repeaters/switches or other devices on your network, you can try resetting them as well.
  
• If you are using WiFi, try to locate yourself in a room as close to the modem/router as possible.
  WiFi connections lose speed as you move further away and put more objects (like walls and furniture) between your computer and the modem/router.
• Try restarting your computer.
  Sometimes the source of internet slowness is within the computer itself. If there are a lot of processes running, the computer may slow down and not be able to use its network connections effectively. A reboot can help clear this condition.
• Still having trouble? Contact your Internet Service Provider.
  If none of this helps and there are multiple devices on your home network experiencing slowdowns, the best thing to do is contact your ISP. They may be experiencing trouble and can help you with additional troubleshooting steps.

The following colleges provide virtual access to software for enrolled students. Please select a link from the list below for college IT contact information.

• Business
• CECH
• DAAP
• Nursing
• UC Clermont

UC Bookstore's digital course materials platform, RedShelf, is offering free access to ebooks for students who may have lost access to course materials. 

If you previously accessed textbooks via the library, shared a book with a classmate, or left your books on campus, please visit www.follet.com/RedShelf to access free ebooks.

UC Libraries offers access to thousands of eBooks.

• View a ist of general eBooks
• View a list of STEM-focused eBooks

If your materials are not available at RedShelf, there are other options.

• View information about VitalSource Helps, another ebook provider offering free access.
• View the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County's collection of eBook options.*

* You will need a Library Card to access eBooks from the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

• View the Library's FAQs.

Research related to COVID-19 will receive priority access to the high-performance computing resources established by the Advanced Research Computing (ARC) initiative within the Office of Research.

IT@UC Research Computing Services compiled a list of similar opportunities for COVID-19 researchers to fast-track their access to HPC resources across the country.