By Michael Canfield
IT Communication Specialist

Michael Ip starts his day in Silverman Library. It’s one of his favorite study spots. But when he’s not hitting the books, he’s helping peers with common tech problems.

“The two more common issues I see are setting up their Wi-Fi and the Duo mobile pushes because they need those to get their work done,” he said. “eduroam is very useful and every student needs it. And it’s one of the most stable connections on campus.”

Abhi Ramtel, another UB Tech Squad member and computer science student, urges students to use their Microsoft 365 access for all it's worth.

“Take advantage of the tools we give you,” he said. “Use that Microsoft account. Word, Excel, PowerPoint. It’ll save you money and time. You’ll be set for success.”

His other tip? Don’t fall for scams. 

“As someone who works in IT right now, I would just say be safe. Don’t give out your password,” Ramtel said. “If you do, come back to [Tech Squad] and we will change it for you. "

Psych major Azaria Fulton swears by the high-powered computers in Silverman Library, especially for editing projects. 

“[Use] computers in the library. Like, when I’m doing a project for like editing or something, or if I don’t want to use my own computer because they have very big monitor screens. I’ll just use the ones in Silverman Library," she said.

Fulton also recognizes the importance of setting up the Duo app.

“Try to download the Duo app and use it and become familiar with it before the semester because you need it to access basically everything, like all your assignments," she said.

Business student Elizabeth Waters keeps her tech game simple but effective, using the file storage software UBIT provides. 

“Organize your files,” she said. “Get a proper file organizer, whether that be on your device or as an external drive. Just organize your files by class and then inside those class files, organize them by assignment. It makes it so much easier to go back and find what you need versus searching through a thousand files. You look in one folder and you find exactly what you need.”

Law student Amina Hassan recommends keeping one eye on HUB at all times. 

"I would say keeping a hand on UB HUB because it's really helpful to manage your classes, look at your classes, look at your schedule and also to figure out when your final exams are," she said. "You could check your grades, and classes you want to join for next semester are on there. So, it's really helpful." 

Vansh Shah, computer science student, tech lover, and self-proclaimed "lazy dude" who uses the scooters on campus because he doesn't like to walk much, also had some advice for fellow students. Use the free software UB provides, but be safe.

“They always get you with these phishing scams. Don’t hit that link," he said. "Don’t be giving out your passwords and all that, you know? No [suspicious] QR codes...They lying." 

Hear what students are saying about UBIT's public computing sites.

The UBIT Help Center is here to help with your technology needs at UB. Students can also reach out to the UB Tech Squad for help; they can meet you anywhere on North or South Campus.