If you're lucky enough to get a new computer for Christmas there is a big temptation to get it connected to your network and start surfing.  However, it's a really great idea to do the less interesting stuff such as updating your anti-virus and installing security patches before you get too carried away on the Internet!

For Windows:

• First thing I always do in make sure my anti-virus (AV) application is up-to-date.  Most new computers come with a time limited AV package pre-installed that they want you to pay for at some point in time.  You can either uninstall this now and install <https://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials> or make sure the current one is up-to-date and worry about it when it's due to expire - but never run a computer without up-to-date AV.

• Second thing I do is visit Windows Update, this can be found under Start->All Programs

• Lastly, there are always some essential applications that need installing. A great site called <http://ninite.com/> allows you to easily install many applications in one go.  I'd recommend installing Firefox, MSN Messenger, iTunes, Adobe Reader, MalwareBytes, and all the items under 'runtime'.  Of course there are plenty of other things to install from <http://ninite.com> and it save a whole load of time.

For MAC OSX:

• First off, contrary to popular belief, OSX does get viruses.  Protect yourself using the free AV package from Sophos <http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/free-mac-anti-virus/>

• Second, go to the Apple icon in the top left corner and click Software Update.

I hope this helps you avoid some of the pitfalls of owning a new computer, but if you do get stuck and need a hand then the Student Laptop Clinic is open from Wednesday 12th Jan 2011.

We've got a new version of the ResNet bandwidth quota monitoring sidebar gadget, which fixes a problem experienced by Windows Vista and Windows 7 users, where the gadget refused to accept their keys.

If you tried the sidebar gadget and it didn't work, upgrade to the latest version from http://toys.resnet.bris.ac.uk and give it another go!

Student Laptop Clinic

Computer running very slow, got a virus, or won't start up? Take your laptop to the Student Laptop Clinic! We can't fix all problems but will help as much as we can. Clinics are free of charge and first come first served.

For the latest times and locations of the laptop clinic see http://www.bristol.ac.uk/laptopclinic

MyResNet

MyResNet is a control panel to manage your ResNet connection. With MyResNet you can transfer your connection if you move rooms or get a new computer, check your usage, print receipts and buy top-ups for your connection, such as ResNet Wireless or extra bandwidth allowance.

Go to http://www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/myresnet to try it out!

Student IT Training Courses

Training courses in IT skills are available to book at http://www.bris.ac.uk/studentskills/

Courses cover a variety of subjects including Microsoft Office packages, web design and image manipulation. New titles this year include:

• Word 2007: Using foreign languages
• Excel 2007 level 3: Making the most of Excel.

There are also links to self-study resources for IT and information about other development opportunities in areas such as Careers skills and Information Literacy.

This is the first ResNet newsletter of the year, also sent by email to ResNet subscribers.

MyMobileBristol - campus info on your mobile phone

MyMobileBristol is a new mobile webapp for the University. It includes info useful on the move, such as maps of the campus, locations of wireless hotspots, and live bus departure info for the whole city. It is designed for recent smartphones such as the iPhone and Android devices.

To try MyMobileBristol go to m.bristol.ac.uk on your mobile.

AskIT - community IT support

Also new for this year - AskIT! is a new way to get help with ResNet, wireless, and your own IT equipment. AskIT is particularly suitable for less urgent or more specialist problems. If your ResNet connection doesn't work please give us a ring, but if you can't get email on your mobile try AskIT. AskIT is a community support site, so you can contribute your own expertise and help other people who own the same equipment as you.

To try AskIT go to askit.bris.ac.uk

ResNet bandwidth widgets

Most students don't need to worry about how much they upload and download on ResNet, as the weekly usage allowances in ResNet Standard & Max cover most people easily. We do have some very heavy users - if that sounds like you try the ResNet bandwidth widgets. We've got widgets for the Windows sidebar, OS X dashboard, and the web. We've also got a public API and some great widgets contributed by students, including one for Android phones.

Go to toys.resnet.bris.ac.uk to try them out.

It's 10.30am on Day 2 of Freshers Week. 4100 students have already successfully connected to ResNet! On the other hand if you are one of the 800 still to connect not being online can be frustrating.

This year we've found that a lot of new students can't connect as they haven't set or have forgotten their University username and password. If you don't know what your password is, please visit the IT Help Desk in the Computer Centre, Tyndall Avenue. Come in person and bring some ID to prove who you are, and you can then set a new password on the spot. The IT Help Desk is open for visitors from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday - Friday.

It's very easy to connect to ResNet, but sometimes things go wrong and you need someone to help.

The first and easiest way to get help is to phone the ResNet start of term hotline. Open 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday, there are lots of extra staff at this time of year to help you out. Ring on 89001 internal from your room free of charge, or 0117 928 9001. If you ring us from your room with your computer in front of you we can sort out most ResNet problems there and then.

Another option is the Student Laptop Clinic. The next clinic is on Tuesday 5th October, and then there are more clinics throughout Freshers week and the rest of term. See the website for the time and location of clinics.

If you have forgotten your University username and password you won't be able to get on ResNet. Visit the IT Help Desk at the Computer Centre to get a new password.

If your problem is less urgent, try our new website AskIT! There you can ask questions about any personal-owned and mobile IT equipment you would like help on. Answers on AskIT could come from anyone else at the university, not just the IT staff - it's a great way for people to help each other out.

ResNet is now live for 2010! If you are a new student arriving in Bristol everything will be ready for you to get online when you arrive. A cable and instructions to connect to ResNet are either in your room or available from your Senior Resident / Hall Office.

It helps if you can pay online before you get here, but if you can't don't worry - you can still connect immediately with a seven day free trial.

It's easy to connect, but if you need help give our special ResNet start of term hotline a ring - 0117 928 9001, or 89001 free internal call from your room. We'll be glad to help.

[update 16th Sept: when originally published yesterday this story had the wrong dates in it, we've now corrected them. Sorry for the mistake].

• Returning students can now apply and pay for your ResNet connection online ready for the 2010/11 academic year.
• New students can register online with the University and then apply for ResNet from 21st September.

There is a separate charge for ResNet, it is not included in your rent.  Different packages are available, depending on whether you are a light or heavy user. The ResNet Standard package costs 68 pounds for three terms. In some residences you can also get ResNet Wireless for an extra 5 pounds per term.

For more info see ResNet info for new students

It's great if you can apply in advance it's one less thing you need to do in Freshers Week. However if you can't don't worry - you can still connect  to ResNet as soon as you arrive in Bristol.

Most students bring their own computer to university - it's a great help to connect your own computer to ResNet and wireless. If you're thinking of getting a new one, see our AskIT community forum for some advice. For example:

• Should I get a laptop or a netbook?
• Should I get a Windows laptop or a Mac laptop?

AskIT is for Bristol staff and students, for help with laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile and personally-owned IT equipment. If you've got questions about ResNet, wireless, or what to please have a look or ask a question on the site. You can also give your own suggestions and help to other people.

You can sign in to AskIT with your Bristol username and password, but just for the moment if you haven't got these yet you can create your own account on the site.

Congratulations if you received your A Level results yesterday and secured a place at Bristol for 2010!

If you will be living in University halls and houses you can use ResNet to connect to the Internet from your study bedroom. ResNet provides a high speed connection to the Internet, faster than you are used to at home.  Different packages are available, and you can pay for your ResNet connection before you get to Bristol (cost from £68 for three terms). Everything is available in your residence for you to connect the day you arrive. For more info see www.resnet.bristol.ac.uk/newstudents