Stanford Residential Computing: For Students: Resources: Getting Started

This page is now maintained at http://acomp.stanford.edu/students/gettingstarted

For Students: Resources: Getting started

Get your SUNet ID: Your SUNet ID is your online identity at Stanford. You'll need it to sign-up for classes, use Stanford email, sign-up for an in-room network connection, and more. If you haven't gotten one already, get your SUNet ID now.
Don't have a computer?: If you are considering your options, or just want an overview of the computing environment here, consult ResComp's section from Approaching Stanford (SUNet ID required) that was mailed out to you over the summer.
Buying a new one?: If you don't want to wait and are looking for deals, be sure to check out your options for special educational pricing for Stanford students (SUNet ID required).
Don't need one?: While most students at Stanford have their own computers, you certainly don't need one, and some buy after they've arrived. Check out the Public Computer Clusters available around campus as well as the Residential Computer Clusters available in every residence on campus.

Get Free Software: Stanford provides software for Macintosh and Windows computers for students, faculty, and staff. Get anti-virus software to help keep your computer secure, email software to stay connected, and more. Visit Essential Stanford Software to download, but note that only anti-virus and anti-spyware are truly essential.
Be informed and be aware: Make sure you review the ResComp Acceptable Use Policy as well as general computing policies at Stanford.
Know your RCC: Resident Computer Consultants are the first line of support for residential students. They are dedicated students who live in each residence and serve on residence staffs by providing technical support and education. If you're already on campus, to find out who your current RCC is, visit the RCC Directory.
Get connected: In-room network connections are available in every on-campus residence. To learn more and sign up, go to the In-Room Network Connections page (SUNet ID required). It's simple, quick, and automatic, and you can do it five minutes after you move in.

Keep your computer secure and up-to-date: Help keep the Stanford network secure by keeping your computer secure and up-to-date. Visit our Practicing Safe Net site to learn more about secure computing practices.
Reach out and touch someone: Update your contact information on Axess so people on campus can find you (or not find you). Look for other Stanford community members at StanfordWho.
Learn more about computing resources at Stanford: Take a look at the Computing and Communication website, a list of links to computing resources at Stanford, from public computer clusters to online services and much more.
Learn more about Residential Computing: Watch the quaint old ResComp video to learn more about Residential Computing services.

Information for New Students: Take a look at Approaching Stanford, brought to you by New Student Orientation.
Graduate students-- we didn't forget you!: Take a look at the Graduate Student Resources page for information specifically for you.
Useful sites: Visit the ResComp Student Home Page and the main Stanford student home page for quick links to use Stanford Web sites and resources.
Stay informed: Get answers to many of your computing questions about everything from your in-room network connection to security to file-sharing by looking through the list of ResComp FAQs. And stay in the know by visiting our Information & News blog as well as our FYI: Interesting Items on the Net blog.