Getting Started
The staff of Student Computing welcomes you to Harvard Medical School. One of our goals is to make your transition into medical school and/or a doctoral program run as smoothly as possible. So we have provided you with some steps to take as you prepare for the commencement of the academic year.
Getting Started is a mini-orientation that answers the most commonly asked questions to the staff of Student Computing. We hope that you will find it helpful as you settle into your student life at Harvard. If you have any questions, please contact the Student Computing Support Desk by filling out an online form.
Shopping for Computer Products
Connecting to the HMS Network
Logging into Your Student Accounts (eCommons/MyCourses, Outlook Web Access, Student Computers)
Locating Student Computing Facilities and the HMS Wireless
Network
Shopping for Computer Products
Thinking of buying a new computer or perhaps a personal digital assistant (PDA)? Well, before handing over that plastic card, we recommend that you ask yourself the following: how are you planning to use it and how much money are you willing to spend? These are important questions to ask. Some students have been known to travel to different countries to do research; others are entering rotations at local hospitals; still others are writing up their Powerpoint presentations for their thesis defense. In any case you want to make sure that you are putting money into something that is suitable to your present and future needs. Secondly, do your research by comparing not only product prices but also the duration of the warranty and kinds of technical support from the store or manufacturer.
• Recommended Specs:
Check out Student Computing's recommended specifications for desktops, laptops, wireless cards, and more!
• It's a PDA world out there...
Check out InfoSyncWorld.com which features news, reviews, views, overviews and a wealth of other content related to handhelds, mobile phones, PDAs, smartphones, communicators and everything else that can be classified as a mobile information device.
• Bargain Hunting for Brand New Computer Products:
Compare prices at these stores!
Connecting to the HMS Network
Having trouble connecting to the HMS network over in Vandy? Do you live off-campus and want to know if Harvard provides free Internet access? Or do you just want to access only your webmail account? These questions can be answered at the following links:
• Connecting to the HMS Wired Network from Vanderbilt Hall
• Remotely Accessing Your Student Online Storage
Logging into Your Student Accounts: eCommons/MyCourses, Outlook Web Access (OWA), and Student Computing Workstations
Sick and tired of trying to remember zillions of usernames and passwords? Well, we've worked hard at making the login process simpler for you. To create your login credentials, click on the following links and carefully read through the steps.
1. Creating Your eCommons Account
Your eCommons username and case-sensitive password give you access to many areas: your MyCourses account, MS Outlook Web Access (OWA), use of the student computer facilities as a matriculated HMS/HSDM/DMS/HST pre-doctoral student, and other services such as the Digital Library. With one username and password, life at the HMS quad becomes a little less complicated without the worry of remembering different usernames and passwords.
Note: If you already have an eCommons username and password, you must change your eCommons password to one that follows the new syntax rules.
• If you are not sure if you have an eCommons account, have forgotten it or just need to reset it, click LOGIN PROBLEMS on the eCommons homepage at http://ecommons.med.harvard.edu.
• If you are a new user, click OBTAINING AN ACCOUNT at the eCommons homepage at http://ecommons.med.harvard.edu.
You will receive a confirmation of your eCommons username and case-sensitive password which will be sent to your OWA account.
2. Logging into Outlook Web Access (OWA)
Your student OWA account can be accessed via a web browser anywhere in the world or through your MyCourses account. Just enter the URL, https://email.med.harvard.edu, in the location bar of your web browser to directly access your OWA account. Log in to your OWA account by using your eCommons username and password. You can set your signature, vacation message, and other features under the Options icon directly in OWA.
3. Logging into Student Computers at HMS
Enter your eCommons username and case-sensitive password at one of the student computers. See Locating Student Computing Facilites below.
4. Logging into Your MyCourses Account
Enter your eCommons username and case-sensitive password to access your MyCourses account.
Locating Student Computing Facilities and the HMS Wireless Network
Not sure where every single computer is located within the HMS quad? Using a wireless laptop and want to know where the access points are throughout the MEC and elsewhere? Click on the links below to find out!