Pitt-Bradford Student Technology FAQ

ResNet: Campus Internet Access

ResNet is the high-speed residential network available in all Pitt-Bradford residence halls.

• Powered by a 10G backbone for reliable and fast performance

• Offers both wired and wireless access

• Connect to Pitt resources such as library databases, CourseWeb (Canvas), email, and the general Internet

• More Information here.

Gaming on Campus

Love to game in your free time? We do too! Pitt‑Bradford supports online gaming devices on the campus network — just make sure you’re prepared before you arrive.

Register Your Gaming Device Early

If you're bringing a game console, smart TV, or streaming device to campus (like an Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or Roku), you'll need to register the device for the network before you can connect it.

Go to the Pitt Device Registration Portal and submit your device’s MAC address.
You can usually find your device's MAC address in its network settings — look it up before arriving on campus.

Please allow at least 48 hours for the Help Desk to process your request — we recommend registering your device 1–2 weeks before move-in to avoid any delays in getting online.

Alternative Option: Internet Connection Sharing

If you’d rather not register your console for the Pitt-Gaming network, you can instead connect your console through a PC using Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).

This method lets your computer act as a bridge between your console and the campus network.

ICS requires some technical knowledge of your device’s operating system and network configuration. It’s recommended only for users comfortable adjusting network settings.

Learn how to set up ICS in this step-by-step guide from Pitt IT. (Scroll down to "More Ways to Get the Most from the PittNet Gaming Network")

For PC Gamers

If you’re gaming on a PC or gaming laptop, we highly recommend using a wired Ethernet connection for the best performance.

• Bring a Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cable

• Use the provided Ethernet port in your residence hall room

• Enjoy lower lag, faster speeds, and a more reliable connection

While Wi-Fi is available throughout campus, gamers know that a wired connection delivers the best experience for online play — with lower lag, faster speeds, and more stable performance.

Devices Not Supported

Please note that wireless printers, smart home devices, and some IoT gadgets are not compatible with the campus wireless network due to authentication protocols required. For best results, leave these devices at home.

Computing Labs

There are four computer labs across campus, fully equipped with all required academic software.

• Student computing labs are located in the following buildings:

  • 110 Fisher Hall

  • 106 Swarts Hall

  • 220 Duke Hall

  • 158 Sports and Fitness Center

  • These labs are available whenever the respective building is open. For the most up-to-date access times, please visit the Facility Hours page.

• Printers are available in each lab free to use as part of your Print Quota.

• Labs are maintained with up-to-date systems to support coursework.

• Access the Virtual Lab anytime, from anywhere.

Printing on Campus

Students can print from campus computer labs or directly from their personal devices to network-connected printers across campus. A printer in the Swarts Hall lobby is available 24/7.

• Each student receives a 900-page print quota per semester.  Additional pages may incur a fee.

• Wireless printing is available through Pitt’s print portal and does not require a physical connection to the printer.

• More information on Wireless Printing

There’s no need to bring your own printer — campus printers are readily available in multiple locations and easy to use.

Please note: Wireless printers (like those designed for home use) cannot connect to the campus Wi-Fi network. We recommend leaving them at home to avoid setup issues.

For help with mobile or remote printing, or to check your remaining print balance, visit the Wireless Printing page.

Free & Discounted Software

The University's Software Download Service offers free and discounted software for students, including:

• Windows 11

• Microsoft Office 365

• Access to Pitt’s Virtual Computing Lab with over 150 applications

To access, log into my.pitt.edu and select “Software Downloads” from the Resources menu.

Technical Support & Repairs

CTM offers free technical support to all Pitt-Bradford students, including:

• Virus/malware removal

• Operating system repairs, application installation, and configuration

• Hardware diagnostics, troubleshooting and repair.

  • ⚠️ Note: Students must purchase replacement parts if needed (e.g., hard drives, RAM, batteries).

• Visit us in 269 Duke Hall or email upbhelpdesk@pitt.edu to open a help ticket.

Email & Account Support

Every student receives a Pitt email address, which is the official method of University communication.

• All Pitt Accounts are protected by Duo multifactor authentication.

• Used for billing, class notifications, and academic updates

• Be sure to check your inbox regularly

• Reset passwords via forgotpassword.pitt.edu/ or call the 24/7 IT Help Desk:
  412-624-HELP (4357)

Recommended Computer Specs

Most new computers are compatible with Pitt-Bradford’s network, and CTM Services will support any device running a currently supported operating system, including Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux. Devices with outdated or unsupported operating systems may not be eligible for full support.

For general academic use, we recommend the following minimum specs:

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 (or AMD Ryzen 5/7) or any Apple M-based processor

• Memory (RAM): 8–16 GB

• Storage:

  • SSD for faster performance

  • 1TB+ HDD if you need lots of storage space

These specs are suitable for web browsing, coursework, email, and most commonly used academic applications.

Additional Recommendations for Engineering and CIST Majors

Students majoring in Engineering or Computer Information Systems and Technology (CIST) will use more advanced, performance-intensive software such as CAD tools, development environments, and virtualization platforms.

You will have full access to on-campus computer labs equipped with machines capable of running all required software. However, we understand the convenience of having your own laptop — and we agree it's great to have that flexibility!

If you’d like to work independently on projects outside the labs, the specifications below will ensure your laptop can handle the same tools used in your courses.

CIST Student Recommendations (Recommended but not required)

CIST majors are encouraged (but not required) to have a personal computer with the following specs to ensure a smooth experience with programming, networking, and virtualization tools:

• Processor: Quad-core CPU (4 cores) that supports Virtualization

• Memory (RAM): 16 GB

• Storage: 512 GB SSD (solid-state drive)

Don’t worry if your computer doesn’t meet these exact specs — CTM provides remote access to virtual lab environments so you can still run all necessary course software from any device, even a lower-powered one.

🛠️ Engineering Student Recommendations (Especially for CAD/3D software like Fusion 360 Pro)

Engineering majors use software that is both graphically and computationally demanding. If you’d like to run that software on your own device (instead of just in the labs), here are the suggested specs:

Minimum Specs (Will run software, but may be slow)

• CPU: 3.0 GHz, 2 cores / 4 threads, 64-bit

• RAM: 8 GB

• Graphics:

  • Dedicated GPU with 1 GB VRAM (DirectX 11 compatible), or

  • Integrated graphics with at least 6 GB of shared RAM

Recommended Specs (Best performance for all coursework)

• CPU: 3.0 GHz, 8 cores / 16 threads, 64-bit

• RAM: 32 GB

• Graphics: Dedicated GPU with 8 GB or more of VRAM (DirectX 11 compatible)

Tip: Many high-performance gaming laptops meet or exceed these specs and can be a cost-effective option for Engineering students.

OneDrive Cloud Storage

All students receive free cloud storage through Microsoft OneDrive, which can be accessed via your Pitt account through https://my.pitt.edu.

Computer Discounts

Students can save on devices through Pitt's educational discount program.

• View Discounts from Apple and Dell

• No need to purchase Microsoft Office—it’s free to all Pitt students!

Cellular Coverage

• AT&T and Verizon have strong 4G (and in some areas, 5G) coverage on campus

• Other providers may roam on these networks

• Check with your provider for coverage specifics

Contact CTM Services

If you have questions or need assistance, we're here to help!

CTM Services
📍 269 Duke Engineering & Technology Building
📞 814-362-7660
📧 upbhelpdesk@pitt.edu
🌐 upb.pitt.edu/technology

Panther Card Overview

Your Panther Card is your official Pitt‑Bradford ID — used for building access, dining, campus purchases, library checkout, and more.

 View full Panther Card details

My Card Isn’t Working

If you're having trouble using your Panther Card for dining, building access, purchases, or any other service, CTM Services is here to help.

Email upbhelpdesk@pitt.edu to open a help ticket.

Be sure to include as much detail as possible, including:

• Your name and student ID number

• The date, time, service (lock, vending, register, etc.), and location where the issue occurred

• A brief description of the problem

We'll investigate the issue and get back to you as soon as possible.