Student Getting Started Guide

This checklist will walk you through the tasks necessary to get started with computing at Virginia Tech. Start by creating your PID and then buying your computer if you haven’t already done so. The next step is to get a VTnet CD. VTnet is a software collection assembled for current Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff only. This software also configures your email and connects you to the Internet with Ethernet or modem.

International students: The Cranwell International Center staff will be happy to help you with your computing needs. Call (540) 231-6527 for assistance.

Create Your PID

• Your PID is your unique Personal Identifier. Your PID and PID password grant you access to Virginia Tech services such as email, online courses, the library databases, personal Web space, and online personal information.

• Once you have received your acceptance from the Admissions office, create your own PID.

• Access to computer systems and networks owned or operated by Virginia Tech imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is granted subject to university policies, and local, state, and federal laws. For more information, see Acceptable Use of Information Systems at Virginia Tech.

Create Your Network Password

• Your PID and network password will allow you to access the Wireless Campus Network and Virtual Private Network. 
• To create your network password, see Creating a Network Password.

Get Your Computer

• Your computer is your essential tool while you are in college. Each academic year, Virginia Tech establishes basic computer requirements for incoming students; however your department may have additional specifications, as well.

• Transfer students must meet the requirement for the class level they are entering.

• For more information, visit the Computer Requirement Website.

Connect to the Internet

• Getting access to the Internet is one of the most important things to do when you first get to Virginia Tech. VTnet will help you configure your computer for network connection. Students in Residence Halls will find a VTnet CD in their room at the beginning of the Fall semester. Off campus students can get a VTnet CD from Student Software located on the 3rd floor of Torgersen Hall near the bridge.

• If you live on campus, your residence hall is equipped with a high-speed Internet connection. You will need an Ethernet card and associated cable for your computer. Use the Ethernet connection configuration instructions on the VTnet CD.

• If you live off campus, your apartment complex may offer a high speed Ethernet connection. Check with the rental office for more information. 
• Public Ethernet Portals are available in Torgersen Hall. Refer to Configuring Your Laptop to Use Public Ethernet Portals on the Virginia Tech Campus for instructions. 
• The Wireless Campus Network is available in many places on campus. You will need a valid PID to purchase and then register your wireless network interface card (IEEE 802.11g or b compliant) with Communication Network Services.

Configure Your Email

• All students, faculty, and staff have a VT Mail account provided by the university. For more information about VT Mail or email client configuration instructions go to the VT Mail page on computing.vt.edu.

• VTnet will configure your client for you.

• For out-of-town access to your VT Mail account, you can log on to WebMail.

Get Additional Software

• Virginia Tech offers software on the VTnet CD, including Symantec AntiVirus.

• Symantec AntiVirus is available at no charge to all Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff. Download it from antivirus.vt.edu or install it from the VTnet CD.

• Virginia Tech also offers software to all students at reduced prices, as well as software bundles for Engineering and Computer Science students. Visit the Student Software page for more information. Student Software Distribution is located on the 3rd floor of Torgersen Hall near the bridge.

• Some departments, such as Engineering and Computer Science, have additional software requirements. Check with your department before purchasing your software.

• The Virginia Tech University Bookstore also offers a variety of academically priced software packages.

Take Advantage of Computing Services

• Hokie SPA provides access to course requests, registration, your grades, student accounts, and financial aid information.

• My VT is a gateway to Virginia Tech online services and information.

• Scholar is an online tool used by many professors for classroom instruction and collaboration.

• Filebox is a Web publishing and file storage service that is provided free of charge for all current faculty, staff, and students.

• Innovationspace offers consulting, computer labs, scanners, audio/visual bays, and equipment loans.

• Lynda provides interactive tutorials which cover a variety of topics. 

Get Help

• computing.vt.edu is a directory of computing services offered by Virginia Tech.

• answers.vt.edu is a knowledge base that provides answers to common computing problems at Virginia Tech.

• security.vt.edu offers software, tools, and documentation that provide you with practical protection and prevention tips for your computer.

• antivirus.vt.edu offers contains important information on how to protect your system, as well as antivirus software and virus removal instructions.

• 4Help: Virginia Tech's Customer Support Center Computer provides computer support to Virginia Tech faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Contact 4Help by using the Help Request Form or by calling (540) 231-HELP (4357).