Connect to Tech Student Guide

Penn State offers many Information Technology (IT) resources to help students get the most out of their time at the University. This website will help you familiarize yourself with these resources and help ease your transition to college life.

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IT Essentials

Penn State Account

Your automatically assigned Penn State user ID is a combination of your initials and a few random numbers, e.g., abc123. There are no password limitations, but we suggest you create a “passphrase”—a phrase, sentence, or random series of words—which is much harder to hack.

You will use your Penn State Account to log in to all the University’s sites and services for as long as you’re affiliated with Penn State. Visit the Accounts page to update your contact info, change your password or recovery email address.

LionPATH

On LionPATH, you can view transcripts, access financial aid information, pay tuition bills, schedule courses, and more.

Multifactor Authentication

After you receive your Penn State Account, you are required to enroll in multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA is an additional layer of security that requires verifying your identity on a secondary device. We recommend adding backup options for Microsoft MFA by enrolling more than one device.

  1. Visit the MFA Enrollment Page
  2. Log In with your Penn State Account (abc123@psu.edu)
  3. Register Your Device(s)
  4. Download the Microsoft Authenticator App (Apple App Store or Google Play Store)
  5. Add Your Account to the Authenticator App by scanning the QR code provided during the setup process
  6. Use the app to verify your identity and complete the enrollment process
  7. Manage Devices: To manage your enrolled devices, visit the Manage MFA Devices page

Personal Laptop Recommended

Penn State recommends that you own a laptop that meets or exceeds the minimum technical specifications listed below. Having your own laptop that meets certain standards better positions you to complete assignments, collaborate effectively with classmates, receive hands-on instruction, and make use of flexible educational environments and online resources.

Note that some majors or colleges may have technology recommendations or requirements that go beyond the University’s specifications. Please consult your college’s website for additional information.

Windows Laptop

Basic Recommended Specifications:
  • Intel 11th generation Core i5 CPU with built-in Intel DirectX 12 GPU or AMD Ryzen 3000 equivalent
  • 16 GB dual channel DDR4 RAM
  • 500 GB NVMe Hard Drive
Better Recommended Specifications:
  • Intel 12th generation or higher Core i5 CPU with built-in Intel DirectX 12.1 or higher GPU or AMD Ryzen 5000 equivalent or higher (Core i7 or Core i9)
  • Discrete DirectX 12.1 or higher GPU instead of built-in GPU
  • 32 GB dual channel DDR5 RAM
  • 1 TB NVMe Hard Drive

MacBook Pro Laptop

Basic Recommended Specifications:
  • 13” MacBook Pro
  • Apple M2 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 10-Core GPU
  • 8GB unified memory
  • 512GB SSD storage
  • 16-Core Neural Engine
Better Recommended Specifications:
  • 14” MacBook Pro
  • Apple M2 Chip with 12-Core CPU and 19-Core GPU
  • 16GB unified memory
  • 1 TB SSD storage
  • 16-core Neural Engine

MacBook Air Laptop

Recommended Specifications:
  • 13.6-inch MacBook Air
  • Apple M2 Chip with 8-Core CPU, 8-Core GPU
  • 256GB SSD storage
  • 16GB unified memory
  • 16-Core Neural Engine

The Penn State Bookstore has several laptops available for purchase at a discounted rate, which can be shipped to you or picked up on campus. While you can purchase any laptop that meets these requirements from any vendor, we encourage you to purchase them through the Bookstore as some of these solutions come with multiyear support plans or promotional rebates. If you already have a laptop that meets the minimum specifications, you do not need to purchase a new one.

Students who do not have access to a laptop may be able to borrow one for a short-term loan period from among a limited number of laptops, if any are available at your campus library. Find your library online and look under the “Equipment to Borrow” section on the library’s landing page if it is displayed.

Communication & Learning Tools

Email (Outlook)

Outlook provides email, calendars, and contacts in one place. Available on desktop, mobile, and web. You will receive access to your Penn State email account, and other Office 365 applications, before course registration begins for the semester in which you plan to start. You can use Outlook in the browser, install Outlook on your PC, and/or Outlook for iOS & Android.

Canvas

Penn State’s online learning management system where you can access your courses, take quizzes, submit assignments, monitor grades, and collaborate with instructors and classmates. You can customize your notification settings to stay updated on course activities.

Starfish

Stay on track with your academic progress! Starfish is Penn State’s main system for course progress reports and will connect you to academic advisers and others who are here to help.

Libraries

Access a wide range of digital resources, databases, and study materials. Explore online databases, e-books, and other digital resources. Set up interlibrary loan and reserve study spaces if needed.

Internet and Connectivity

Wireless (WiFi)

Connecting to campus WiFi requires a one-time download and configuration to use. Students, faculty, and staff members should connect to the “psu” wireless network using their Penn State user ID and password. Visitors or guests to Penn State campus locations
should connect to the “psu-guest” wireless network. For more information, visit Penn State WiFi FAQ.

GlobalProtect VPN

GlobalProtect VPN is required for secure remote access to some of Penn State’s services such as virtual labs (WebLabs) and network storage (WebFiles) from outside PSU networks. Most commonly used University resources do not require that you use a VPN connection.

Penn State Go

Use Penn State’s official all-in-one mobile app to access Canvas, LionCash+, campus maps, campus dining, and more. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Software & Apps

Office 365

Office 365 includes your Penn State email via Outlook, all of the other Microsoft programs you’re likely familiar with—from Word to Excel—and much more. Explore new ways to unleash your creativity and increase your productivity.

Cloud Storage

As a Penn State student, you have unlimited cloud-based storage space through Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive.

Google Workspace

A Google Workspace account—which includes apps like Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Groups, Chat, Meet, Sites and Jamboard—is available to all Penn State students.

Adobe

Creative Cloud (CC) accounts are also provided at no additional cost to eligible students, faculty, and staff members and allow you to access programs like Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, and After Effects.

Zoom

Zoom allows you to join, host, and record meetings from your computer or smart device.

Kaltura

Kaltura is for storing, publishing, and streaming videos and other media in the cloud and works in tandem with Zoom.

Sites/WordPress

With Sites at Penn State, you can easily build websites, blogs, and portfolios at no additional charge.

Software Downloads

Access free and discounted software for academic use.

  1. Visit Software at Penn State.
  2. Browse the available software and select the ones you need.
  3. Follow the download and installation instructions provided.

Computer Labs & Printing

Labs

Find a computer lab, discover lab hours, and even check which computers are available.

Paw Prints

This modern cloud-based print system is available to students, faculty, staff, and visitors at many convenient locations around campus.

Media Commons

Penn State’s Media Commons help you envision, produce, and publish multimedia projects.

One Button Studio 

Film a video in the One Button Studio, a simplified production area available at a growing number of campus locations.

Maker Commons

Maker Commons offers services to help you envision, produce, and document maker projects with 3D printers.

Immersive Experiences Lab

The Immersive Experience (IMEX) Lab is designed specifically for 360° video creation and viewing as well as other immersive technology and experiences.

WebLabs

WebLabs provides remote access to classroom and lab resources via a web browser.

Protect Yourself

IT Alerts

Sign up for Penn State IT Alerts to receive email notifications about the status of services such as wireless, Canvas, LionPATH, and more.

Phishing

Phishing is an attempt to steal your personal information with a fake email message or call. Learn how to protect yourself and where to report a phishing attempt.

Password Safety

It’s important to keep your Penn State Account information private and only log in to secure sites.

Stay Legal

Intellectual property laws and guidelines can be complex and difficult to navigate. Make sure you’re familiar with Penn State’s policies.

Virus Detection/Spyware Tools 

Download free anti-virus software and learn best practices for keeping yourself safe online.

Student Workers

WorkLion

WorkLion is the University’s human resources portal. If you are an employee of Penn State while studying, you can use it to access your pay history and much more.

LinkedIn Learning

Visit LinkedIn Learning’s library of thousands of free, on-demand tutorials to enhance your coursework and build your resume.

Learning Resource Network

The Learning Resource Network (LRN) offers online and instructor-led opportunities to continue developing skills across all disciplines. Courses cover Box, Zoom, Canvas, and Office 365 applications along with subject-specific classes.

IT Learning & Development

IT Learning and Development (ITLD) provides free personalized professional development resources for a variety of software systems and technology tools.

Research Network

The Research Network gives graduate student researchers access to secure, high-performance research data transfers.

Help

IT Service Desk

The IT Service Desk provides troubleshooting and help with technical services, programs, and devices, and can be accessed at on-campus locations, by phone 814-865-HELP, or online via chat.

Knowledge Base

The Knowledge Base contains step-by-step instructions, general information, and frequently asked questions about many Penn State IT services.

Penn State IT Website

This is the central hub where you can view a list of all Penn State IT services, find knowledge articles, request services, report issues, and get help.

Penn State Learning

The University’s multi-disciplinary academic assistance program supports individual and group tutoring and is staffed by undergraduate tutors, scholars in residence who are content experts in their respective fields, and by professional and administrative staff members.

Tech Tutors

Technology tool assistance is available for all students online via Zoom, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tech Tutors can help you use Canvas, Office 365, Kaltura, Zoom, and more.