Technology Checklist

The following is an overview of the technology resources available to you as UMBC students: guidance on technology recommendations and requirements, essential software and applications, and valuable links to campus resources.

View Student Technology Resources →

Step 1: Technical Requirements


To effectively complete your studies at UMBC, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) recommends the following:

Step 2: Essential Applications


There are some applications and websites that you will need to use on a daily basis. Start at the UMBC Software Downloads page to find most of these applications for students, faculty, and staff of UMBC.

  • myUMBC – Easy access to university resources like your Profile, class registration, account balance, Blackboard, online groups, and more.
  • Blackboard – Access your online course content, interact with instructors and peers, post discussion, upload assignments, review instructor feedback, and participate in Blackboard Collaborate sessions.
  • Office365 – Use the Microsoft Office suite online, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.
  • Webex Meetings – Everyone has their own personal Webex room with an easy to remember name https://umbc.webex.com/meet/<username>
  • eLumin VDE – UMBC’s Virtual Desktop Environment available to all students 24/7
  • Panopto – Watch your instructor’s recorded lecture content from inside your Blackboard course on any device. Create, edit, and upload videos through the Panopto dashboard.
  • Google Meet – Quick and easy video conferencing for meeting as a group or one-on-one.
  • Microsoft Teams – Chat, call, or meet with your classmates from a single application.
  • Windows Defender (PC) – Free virus protection for Windows devices.
  • Avira AV (Mac) – Free virus protection for your Mac device.

Step 3: Resources for Success


A large variety of software is available to download or use on your own computer to do homework or projects assigned in class.

Step 4: Ask for Help