Computing resources

Get computing help

If you need help with computing hardware, software or access to UVic services, submit an IT support request.

Policies

Read UVic's acceptable use of technology guidance and related policies for your responsibilities when using university computers, accounts, networks and information.

Computer accounts

  • Students and employees: Once you have your V number, follow the NetLink ID setup instructions. If you already have a NetLink ID, use your existing account.
  • Visitors and other affiliates: Contact your UVic sponsor to arrange affiliate access. Your sponsor will provide the V number you need to create your NetLink ID.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds another identity check when you sign in. UVic supports Duo Mobile and other authentication options. Follow the MFA setup instructions to get started.

Computers

Computing servers

Hardware purchases

See the Technology Solution Centre and the UVic Computer Store.

Software and licences

Follow the linked instructions for eligibility, installation and licensing.

Software for LaTeX and mathematical figures

You can write LaTeX documents online or install a TeX/LaTeX system on your computer.

Online writing and collaboration

Overleaf is a browser-based LaTeX editor with tools for collaborating on documents. A free plan is available, with additional features offered through paid subscriptions.

For information about the Faculty of Science group subscription, including eligibility, current pricing, renewal dates and billing arrangements, contact Laura Cowen.

Project-level premium features depend on the project owner's subscription. Students collaborating with a supervisor who has a premium subscription can use these features on projects owned by that supervisor. See Overleaf's instructions for transferring project ownership.

Working on your computer

  • Windows: MiKTeX provides a TeX/LaTeX system for compiling documents on your computer.
  • macOS: MacTeX includes TeX Live and the TeXShop editor.
  • Linux: TeX Live provides a TeX/LaTeX system for compiling documents on your computer.

Accessible course notes and textbooks

PreTeXt is a free, open-source system for authoring mathematical course notes and textbooks. It uses structured source with LaTeX notation for mathematics and can generate accessible HTML, printable PDFs and other formats from the same source. See the PreTeXt Guide for getting started.

Creating mathematical figures

Ipe is a drawing editor for creating PDF figures with LaTeX text and mathematical labels.

Network access

  • Wired connections: Connect an Ethernet cable to an active network port in your office. If your connection is not working, request IT support.
  • UVic Wi-Fi: Students, employees and affiliates can connect using their NetLink ID. See the UVic Wi-Fi setup instructions.
  • eduroam: Visitors from participating institutions can connect using their home institution's credentials. UVic users can also use eduroam at participating institutions while travelling. See the eduroam instructions.
  • Guest Wi-Fi: Visitors without eduroam access can register through UVicStart. Follow the guest Wi-Fi instructions, including how to connect to the secure UVic network.

Email

  • UVic email and calendars — account access, setup and support for students and employees.
  • Recognize and report phishing — learn how to identify suspicious messages and report them through Outlook. Never share your NetLink ID passphrase.
  • For information about joining or leaving departmental seminar mailing lists, contact the department office. 

File storage

(wireless and off campus users must first connect to  vpn.uvic.ca using  Cisco Anyconnect .)

  • ​Work related documents must be stored on UVic file servers. You can also store files on your Office 365 OneDrive.
  • If you must store files on your device make sure the disk is encrypted using Bitlocker or Filevault, and make sure those file are backed up using TSM. Anyone who has teaching responsibilities at UVic will find this privacy toolkit helpful.

Printers and photocopiers

(wireless and off campus users must first connect to  vpn.uvic.ca using Cisco Secure Client.)

  • Instructions to  set up printers and photocopiers for printing.​ Please note that you need a code, which you should have received when you started, in order to use our photocopiers for printing, scanning and photocopying.

Web page hosting

Teaching resources

For teaching advice, workshops and help using educational technology, visit Learning & Teaching Innovation.

  • Brightspace — course materials, announcements, assignments, quizzes and grades. Sign in to Brightspace.
  • Crowdmark — administering and grading online and paper-based assessments, with Brightspace integration.
  • WeBWorK — online mathematics and statistics homework and quizzes.
  • Echo360 — recording lectures and sharing course videos through Brightspace.
  • Zoom — online classes, office hours, guest lectures and meetings.

See UVic's full list of teaching technologies for additional tools, including iClicker and Microsoft Teams.

Social media

Follow the Department of Mathematics and Statistics on Facebook and Instagram.

Further computing resources