Undergraduate and Graduate Students

New account info will be sent prior to your arrival at Caltech to the email address provided on your application.

Getting Started with your Caltech Account

• Your Caltech Account
• Incoming students are required to enable Duo (multi-factor) authentication on their account.

Getting Started with IT Services at Caltech

Connecting your devices to the Caltech network

Before connecting your device to the Caltech network, update your operating system and software to keep critical security patches up to date, run antivirus software, and use a firewall.

Register Your MAC Address to help IMSS contact you much more quickly in the event that there is a problem or concern with your devices.

• Wired, Wireless, and VPN access
  • Caltech Secure - Wireless network
  • Eduroam - Wireless access worldwide at other institutions
  • Wired Network
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  • Student Apps and VPN Requirements

Learning, Communication, and Tools

• Online Learning
  • Canvas - Course management system that supports online learning and teaching
• Email, Calendar, Messaging
• Collaboration, Backup and Storage
  • Zoom - Video conferencing
  • OneDrive for Business - 50GB individual storage
  • Box - 50GB cloud storage
  • Caltech Dropbox - Exchange files too large to email someone
  • Crashplan - Secure cloud backups for your PC
  • LabArchives - Electronic notebook that enables researchers to securely store, organize, and publish their research data
• High Performance Computing - Caltech Central Cluster, private cluster maintenance, and cloud-based computing options
• Voice, Mobile and Conferencing - Campus phone services, mobile phones and conferencing services

Keeping Your Account Secure

• Information Security
  • Is my computer blocked from the network? Click here to find out.
  • Duo Multi-factor authentication for secure computing
  • DMCA Copyright Infringement Policy
    • If in doubt, always call the Help Desk at 626.395.3500
  • Password Guidelines
  • Phishing Emails - Avoid email scams
  • Software - Campus-Licensed
    • software.caltech.edu webstore for Adobe, Matlab, Mathematica, etc.
    • Microsoft software for students

Help Desk Contact Information

Online: Caltech Help
Phone: 626.395.3500
Email: help@caltech.edu
Remote Help: TeamViewer
In-Person: 367 S. Holliston Avenue
Room 204 (Bldg. 85)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM