New Residents

Please complete the checklist on this page to avoid delays in using campus computer systems and in using your own laptop on campus.

Before You Start

• BlazerID: This is a required login name needed to access all technology resources at UAB.  When completing the form, YOU MUST SELECT "YES" TO THE UAB EMAIL QUESTION.  Apply for your BlazerID as soon as possible by clicking here. Please note: The online form will ask for your student ID. You can use your SS# or contact Cindy Edwards at 205-934-3387 and ask for your BOO number to use as an ID.
• UAB email accounts are required and are the only email addresses that will be used during your time here.  While UAB currently permits forwarding to off-campus accounts (Gmail, HotMail, etc) this service can be unreliable and may be discontinued in the future.  Please note that you are responsible for the consequences of lost or undelivered email.  Complete information about UAB email can be found here.

Immediately After You Start

• Laptops:  You may select any Apple MacBook Pro model that fits your budget here. If you prefer a Windows laptop, we highly recommend the Dell Latitude E-Series line. You may select the Latitude model that suits your needs here. For either manufacturer we highly recommend the purchase of an extended warranty that covers at least your time in residency. You may use a laptop that you currently own, of either platform, as long as it meets the minimum specs listed below.
  
  • PC (Dell Latitude series preferred) or Mac (Intel only) Core 2 Duo 2.X ghz cpu or higher
  • 2gig ram or above
  • 80gig HD or above
  • No more than 2 years old
  • Wireless card (N preferred)
• In addition, your laptop must also
  
  • Have anti-virus installed, updated and working properly
    
  • Have automatic updates turned on
    
  • Have encryption software installed.  Encryption protects the data on your laptop in case of loss or theft and is a campus and school REQUIREMENT.  Encryption is provided to all residents free of charge. The process usually takes 1-3 days to complete. Schedule your encryption as early as possible and at a time when you can be without your laptop for a few days. Go here for scheduling information (requires BlazerID and password).  There are certain laptops that present challenges regarding encryption.  If you have a dual-boot (dual operating system) system, Dell Inspiron M1210, Dell E5400, Dell XPS, Dell Media Direct, PowerPC Macintosh, Linux or IBM system, please call at 205-996-5555 before you schedule your encryption appointment.
    
  •  For security reasons, laptops that fail the encryption process may not be used unless special circumstances exist. Please contact the Assistant Dean of Informatics regarding these units.
  • Additional software must be installed to use the wireless system, access clinics and classroom systems, and access certain school resources from home.  This will be scheduled with your encryption.
• Flash Drives:  Only approved encrypted flash drives may be used for sensitive data, including patient and research information.  Please see your program director regarding encrypted flash drives.
• General Information Security:  You will receive an orientation to our IT systems and a booklet which covers our basic Information Security guidelines.  The pdf of this booklet can be accessed here.  Please observe the policies and recommendations set forth in this booklet.

If you need additional information or can't find what you're looking for please contact staff to submit a request for service or additional information.