Welcome to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign! We are so happy you are here. This guide is intended to help staff get started with the technology tools they need for a successful career.
Essentials
Cloud Storage Essentials
Your guide to cloud-based storage options for university files.
Zoom Essentials
Your quick start guide to using Zoom at Illinois.
Remote Work Essentials
Your guide to helpful technology resources for remote or hybrid work.Get Connected
Your NetID and password are required for many services and websites at the University. When you claimed your NetID, you should have also set a password recovery option. The recovery option will allow you to reset your password at any time.
Your password will expire once per year. You can see this expiration date at the NetID Center.
Two-factor authentication secures our University accounts by confirming your login using something you know (a password), and something you have (like a phone). University faculty, staff, and graduate/professional students are required to use 2FA for many University services and websites.
The DUO Mobile App allows you to confirm your login with a press of a button, and provides a login code if your phone loses internet connectivity.
You should always try to connect to the IllinoisNet network using your NetID and password.
All new faculty, staff, and students automatically receive Exchange (Outlook Online) email accounts when completing the NetID claim process. Please note it can take up to two hours after claiming your NetID before you can log in to your email inbox.
Access Microsoft Office 365 (type in your NetID@illinois.edu)
All faculty, staff, and students have access to Microsoft Office 365 for free. You can access apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint in your browser or download them to your computer.
Browse Free and Discounted Software at the WebStore
Other free and discounted software are available at our WebStore. Some software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, MATLAB, LabView, Mathematica, SAS, and ArcGIS are free for everyone. Additional free software may be available depending on your department/college.
Communication Technology: Video, Voice, Chat
Depending on your unit, you may use a variety of communication platforms in addition to email. The following services are commonly used at UIUC, and supported by Technology Services. Check with your department to see which services are needed for your group.
SIGN IN TO YOUR ZOOM ACCOUNT – ILLINOIS.ZOOM.US OR DOWNLOAD THE DESKTOP OR MOBILE APP
If you are using the Zoom desktop or mobile app, you should select “Sign In with SSO”, then type “illinois”.
Virtual (Cloud) Storage & Collaboration Tools
You have access to several options for virtual storage and file sharing at the University. Check with your unit or group for their preferred collaboration tool.*
*U of I Box is the recommended storage solution for information such as research data or FERPA-protected information.
Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service that allows users to store, synchronize, and share files across devices. Since many people are already familiar with the Google suite of applications, Google Apps @ Illinois allows staff to hit the ground running with a familiar set of productivity tools.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Learn How to Download, Install, and Connect to the VPN
The campus VPN is not required to access most University services off-campus. When connecting to the VPN, use the default Split Tunnel setting unless the resource or webpage requires you to use TunnelAll.
Training
Need to learn how to navigate Microsoft 365? Want to learn how to use Adobe Photoshop? Just want to organize your Outlook email better? Join in on a free technology training through our training services group. Or, check out our training page for more learning possibilities including LinkedIn Learning and Research IT Trainings.
Professional Development
Canvas Catalog is another instance of Canvas separate from Canvas @ Illinois that is a platform exclusively for professional development programs outside of the traditional non-registrar-affiliated courses.