Computing and Networking
For educational computing needs, students have access to a computing environment that provides email services, computer labs, specialized software, data storage, and network access. Working on their own computer or in a campus lab, students can fulfill coursework requirements, store their academic data, print, browse the web, create web pages, and communicate with professors, classmates, friends, and family.
Student-owned Computers
Students are welcome to bring their own computers. Rice does not have specific computer requirements but students who need advice can read some purchasing tips and information about obtaining software.
Each college dorm room has one active network drop for every occupant, providing a direct connection to the campus network and the Internet.
Wireless zones on campus allow students to connect to the campus network. Information about connecting to the network in all of these ways is available online.
Using Rice's Computers
Computer labs are located across campus, including one in each residential college. Most labs are available 24 hours a day with a Rice ID and proper authorization. Some labs are limited to hours of operations for the building or may be used as classrooms during posted times. Most labs have printers available for student usage at a minimal fee. Some specialized printers (for color printouts, posters, transparencies, theses or resumes) are also available in a centralized location on a fee basis. More on the locations and rates of labs and printers is available online.
Help
Students can obtain computing assistance via the OIT Help Desk. To request help, call xHELP (x4357), drop by Mudd 103, email helpdesk@rice.edu, or submit a request online.
Students can obtain help on their own by visiting Rice's KnowledgeBase (KB).
Computing Policies
Students using Rice computing facilities and services are required to observe Rice's policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws, governing computer use. These guidelines exist for using the university's computing resources including the labs and the Rice campus network. Violations can have severe penalties. Prohibited activities include: commercial usage, sharing accounts, network games, copyright infringement, obscene materials, spamming, harassment, unduly increasing network load (MP3 sharing, games, spam) and more. The complete text of Rice's Appropriate Use of Computer Resources Policy is online.
Telephone Services
Campus and local calling service is provided to college residents and includes features such as voicemail, caller ID, and 3-party conference calls. Free domestic long distance service is also available. Each college room/suite has one telephone jack (residents must provide the telephone) with an assigned campus telephone number (713-348-xxxx).
Additional information can be found online, or via phone at 713-348-5555.