Getting Started with Technology at Williams

Summary

An introduction to the most commonly used systems at Williams. Okta Verification, WiFi, Printing, Software, VPN, etc.

Body

SSO| Okta| WiFi | Software| Printing| Backups| VPN| Assistance

Welcome to Williams!

The following guide will help you get started with some of the systems and services frequently encountered at Williams.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

We recommend starting your day by logging into sso.williams.edu to access Gmail, Workday, and other core applications. To save time, we recommend keeping your browser open throughout the day so you won't have to re-authenticate with Okta Verify.

Okta Verify

Okta Verify is an app that secures your account by requiring verification from a trusted device when you log in to your Williams account. Since you’ll be using Okta Verify frequently, enabling push notifications sent to your mobile phone helps to save time when signing in. 

To keep your account secure, only approve a push notification if you initiated the prompt and the location displayed matches your current location (or a nearby location if you're using cellular data).

For more information on setting up and troubleshooting Okta, see Williams Okta!

Wi-Fi & Internet

Williams' primary Wi-Fi network is called Eduroam. You can connect to Eduroam with the following credentials:

Username: your full Williams email address
Password: your Williams account password

For additional help connecting to Eduroam, see Joining Eduroam (Wi-Fi)

Software Suites

Google Workspace

Williams uses Google Workspace as our primary cloud-based platform. Workspace applications such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and Meet are our go-to services for collaboration and communication.

Williams users also have access to Gemini, Google's AI solution. Using Gemini through your Williams account ensures Gemini does not use your information to train its models. 

Microsoft 365 (formerly Microsoft Office)

Microsoft's 365 suite, which includes applications such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Teams are pre-installed on your Williams computer.

Adobe Creative Cloud

Applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere can be installed and managed through Adobe's Creative Cloud, which is pre-installed on your computer.

Printing

To print to a Williams networked printer, you must be logged into your PaperCut account. To log in to your account, open the PaperCut application (named PCClient on your device ), then control-click (or right-click) on the P icon in your taskbar and select "Login as...", using your Williams username and password.

Adding Printers

Mac: To add a printer, use Self Service Plus, which can be opened by clicking the tilted X located in your taskbar then selecting Get Software, or by using Mac's Spotlight Search (the magnifying glass at the top of your screen).

Within Self Service Plus, search for the printer name or the name of the building where the printer is located. Then click "Install" for the specific printer you wish to install.

Windows: There is a folder on your desktop named "Williams Printers". That folder contains folders of printers sorted by location. Once you find the printer you would like to install, simply double-click it to install.

For troubleshooting printing on campus, see PaperCut Troubleshooting and Adding Printers to Williams Issued Computers.

Backups

Williams provides data backup solutions that vary by operating system.

Mac: Your computer backs up to an external drive through Mac's native software, Time Machine, which creates backups automatically whenever the external drive is connected. 

Windows: Your computer backs up its data automatically to a secure server on campus through the software ALINA

You can learn more about these data backup solutions at Backing Up Local Data on College Issued Computers.

VPN (Virtual Private Network) Use

While on campus, it is not recommended to use a VPN as it may interfere with connections. When off-campus, use the pre-installed Cisco AnyConnect VPN to access Williams-licensed software. 

If you need to install Cisco AnyConnect on a personal device, please visit How do I setup and use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection? for instruction. 

Receiving Assistance

If you are in need of support for any IT-related issue, please visit our Knowledge Base to find how-to guides and information on using the many services offered by OIT. If you need assistance, you can Submit a Ticket, email itsupport​@williams​.edu, or call us at 413-597-4090. We're happy to help.

Details

Details

Article ID: 8897
Created
Fri 4/17/26 9:07 AM
Modified
Fri 4/17/26 9:18 AM