Hi! I’m (student’s name) and in this lesson we’ll cover just the very basic computing skills and information you need to get started here at UB.

First of all, you won’t be able to do much of anything online at UB without your UBITName and password. This information is what you need to use most of UB’s online resources such as your email account, MyUB, and UBLearns. This is the same information you used to log onto this course, so I know you already have a basic idea of what these are. While you don’t have the option to change the UBITName that has been assigned to you, you can change your password. In fact, this is one of the first things you should do when you log onto the UB network in order to ensure your security and privacy. We’ll talk more about this in a later lesson, but if you want to go ahead and change your password before we get there, just log onto the UBIT website (ubit.buffalo.edu/mail) and follow the directions listed there. Keep in mind, though, there can be up to a one-hour delay for the change to take effect for some applications. The best time to change your password is when you will not be logging into UB’s resources again for at least one hour.

The next basic skill you need is how to use and manage your UB email account. Your new email address will be your “UBITName@buffalo.edu”. For now, new users need to activate your UBIT mailbox from the UBIT website. Simply go to ubit.buffalo.edu/mail and follow the directions for activating your UBIT mailbox.  At this site you’ll also find directions on how to add filters or how to forward your email to another UB departmental address. Now, I know many students might already have email accounts set up through their local internet provider or on a free email site, but it’s important to use your UBIT email for all communication with UB departments, professors and students. Let me say that again, for ALL communication related to your work and studies here at UB. This is important because many faculty and staff use the “buffalo.edu” extension of your address to identify your email as important. Without this extension, there is good possibility that your email could get overlooked. Also, any official UB communication from faculty, advisors or even the registration office will be delivered to your UB email address. If you’re not using this address, you’ll be missing a great amount of important information.

Okay, that was pretty easy. Knowing your UBITName, changing your password, and using your UBIT email are the basics you need to get you started. This information alone will open up all the online resources available through the UB network.

Thanks for watching, and good luck with the next lesson!