Getting Started
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Top Tech Tips for Students!
Review McMasters Tech Tips for Students so you can be ready for the upcoming semester!
Expandable List
These basic tools are essential for all McMaster students.
McMaster Mail (powered by Microsoft 365) is the email and calendaring service for Faculty, Staff, Emeritus Professors, Undergraduate and Graduate Students. This page provides setup and support information for this service.
Your MacID allows access to McMaster resources and learning applications, such as Avenue to Learn, Microsoft 365 and library services. MacID is not the same as your student number – a 9-digit numerical code.
For frequently asked questions, support and more information about MacID:
Mosaic is McMaster’s administrative information system, which includes student finances, administrative components and job postings. The administrative components encompass student admissions, class enrollment, some Registrar Office services and academic advisement.
All students have access to use and download Microsoft 365 for web and desktop. Microsoft Word, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote and more are available.
For download, quick-start guide and support:
Student-specific training sessions for various 365 applications are also available.
The use of the McMaster VPN is only intended for students working and learning outside of Canada. To access many McMaster resources, such as email and Mosaic, some students outside of Canada may need to use a VPN.
Online Learning Tools
WEB AND VIDEO CONFERENCING TOOLS
McMaster has three recommended web and video conferencing tools for students. The specific video conferencing tools will be specified by the instructor. Some instructors may require the use of some or all of these tools.
Microsoft Teams is a highly collaborative platform and allows students to host and participate in video conferences, share and edit documents together and engage with rich chat functionality. All students can access Microsoft Teams through their Microsoft 365 license. Student-specific training sessions for Teams are also available.
All eligible McMaster faculty, staff and active students now have access to licensed accounts. In some cases, users may need to make an additional request to obtain a zoom license. You can use Zoom on a laptop, smartphone or tablet through your browser or app.
*NOTE: Students need to activate their accounts by signing in via the zoom portal for McMaster with MacID and password. Failing to do so will prevent the use of features such as breakout rooms.
While licenses are available for the campus community, UTS strongly recommends that students, staff and faculty members use Microsoft Teams for any sessions or interactions containing sensitive information. Students can view a ‘Features & Use Cases’ comparison table here, which shows the strengths, accessibility and security levels of each McMaster-provided web and video conferencing tool.
ADDITIONAL TECH RESOURCES
These additional tech resources will allow students to maintain their access to McMaster tools from online.
Students can access UTS computer labs anywhere with internet. Currently, the Virtual Desktop service has a capacity of 330. When you are finished using these services, please promptly logout so others can access resources. This service is available 24/7
LinkedIn Learning is an on-demand learning platform to help learners gain professional, technical and career skills. All students have access to LinkedIn Learning and do not need a LinkedIn profile.
Echo 360 is a free, active learning and lecture-capturing platform that allows students to view content, take notes, and discuss.
McMaster’s libraries are dedicated to providing students with research and learning resources, expert help and friendly service as it moves online. Many resources have increased remote access, such as e-books, journals, databases, along with off-campus access to computers.
Drive Recommendations
As you pursue your studies this term, you will be using your personal devices for course work more than ever. McMaster’s IT team has identified the following minimum technical recommendations to run key online learning tools. Students should check with their department or Faculty for specific program needs.
Some programs may require higher performing devices, so students should refer to their faculty, department, or program for more specific device recommendations.
Requirement |
Windows |
Apple |
Operating system | Windows 10 |
Big Sur 11.0 (or latest)
|
Web browser | Firefox or Google Chrome |
Firefox or Google Chrome
|
Screen resolution |
1024 x 768
|
1024 x 768
|
Webcam |
640X480
|
640X480
|
Processor | Intel Core i5 7th or 8th generation minimum | Intel Core i5 7th or 8th generation minimum or Apple M1 processor |
RAM/Memory | 16 GB minimum | 16 GB minimum |
Hard drive (Storage) |
256+ GB minimum, 500 GB recommended (SSD-Solid State Disk recommended) | 256+ GB minimum, 500 GB recommended (SSD-Solid State Disk recommended) |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) minimum Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) recommended | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) minimum Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) recommended |
Headset |
USB or Bluetooth with built-in mic |
USB or Bluetooth with built-in mic
|
IT Security
With an increase in online work, there is an increase in cyber threats. Email phishing and malware attacks are on the rise. Learning about these threats and why creating strong passwords are an important security measure to keep you safe.
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Email Phishing Take the Course
Don’t take the bait. Stay up to date on email phishing tactics used by criminals. Many phishing emails will try to lure you by clicking a link, downloading an attachment, or giving up personal information. Identify phishing scams, Report suspicious emails to is-spam@mcmaster.ca and Delete the email from your inbox and deleted folder. Click the link for phishing training.
Anti-Virus Software Anti-Virus Software
Protect yourself from malicious software. All computers are vulnerable to malware, and Android mobile devices have become increasingly a target. These threats have the potential to seriously disrupt your studies. Block and reduce these malware attacks by securing your devices.
Anti-Virus Software - Anti-Virus Software
It is important to protect all your computers and mobile phones with anti-virus software. The most common way for malware to infect your device is through your web browser. This is why phishing emails entice you to click on links! Installing a browser security and/or privacy plugin provides an additional layer of protection against malware.
Choose an anti-virus product that you trust and run periodic scans of all of your files. Keep all of your software up to date. And most of all, practice safe browsing!
Available anti-virus software
- TrendMicro Anti-Virus Licenses are available for purchase on the Campus Store website.
- The McMaster IT Security Team also recommends Microsoft Defender, AVG, Bitdefender.
Read this article for more detailed information about anti-virus software and how it works to protect your devices
Password Tips More Tips
Passwords should be Long, at least 8 characters. They should be Complex and not contain common dictionary words or names, while also using a mix of numbers, upper case, lower case, and symbols. Use a Unique password for your MacID that is separate from other accounts. Your password should also be Secret—never share it with anyone.
Accessibility
McMaster maintains its commitment to accessibility as students shift to online learning. Find out how to use accessibility features for online learning tools below.
For more Technology Resources please visit the Office 365 Hub
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Accessibility Hub Learn More
McMaster’s Equity and Inclusion Office has resources on accessibility for web and video conferencing tools.

Accessibility Webinars Sessions
Learn about accessibility features of Microsoft 365, such as Word and PowerPoint.

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Visit SAS
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) provides academic accommodation assistance and related supports to students with disabilities at McMaster.