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When Windows "Home" versions are not recommended at BC

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When are Windows Home versions not recommend at BC?

If you are using Windows 7 Home Premium, Vista Home, or XP Home, please be aware of the following:

  • Home versions do not support a multi-lingual user interface. 
  • Home versions do not let you join the BC domain. If you need access to on-campus servers and BC printers, you need to join the BC domain. You do not need to join the BC domain to print to the CTRC or Libraries. Note: Students can access the web and most BC online services (Agora Portal, MyFiles@bc, etc.) by just connecting to the BC wireless or wired network, so it's not necessary to join the BC domain. 
  • Since you cannot be added to the BC domain, if you use remote printing at Boston College, your remote printer settings are not retained after you restart your computer. So, if you print to the CTRC (Campus Technology Resource Center) or Libraries, you will have to repeat setup each time you restart your computer.

If you need a multi-lingual user interface, need to join the BC domain, or you do not want to repeat CTRC or Library printer setup each time you restart your computer, BC recommends you upgrade to Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows Vista Enterprise, or Windows XP Professional. Learn how to upgrade your version of Windows.

 

Why can't I use Windows Me or Windows 98?

In order to be on the BC network, it is required to have anti-virus software installed on your computer. McAfee does not support VirusScan anti-virus software version 4.5.1, which runs on Windows Me and 98. For this reason, it is necessary to upgrade your anti-virus software version to 8.8i, which only runs on Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP Professional, and Windows 2000.

 

What version of Windows do I have on my computer?

To see what version of Windows you have:

  1. Click Start, right-click My Computer/Computer, and then click Properties
    - OR -
    On your desktop, right-click My Computer, then click Properties
  2. Your version of Windows is either shown under Windows edition (see Figure 1) or on the General tab (see Figure 2).
    Figure 2
    Figure 1.

    Figure 1
    Figure 2.
  3. If you are using Windows Me or 98: You need to get and install at least Windows XP Professional.

 

How do I upgrade my version of Windows?

Faculty and Staff
  • Contact your Technology Consultant (TC) to help you get an upgrade. Who is my TC?
Students

BC can install free upgrades for students who bring their Windows upgrade CDs and laptops to the Walk-In Help Desk. Note: Due to high volumes during the first week of classes, please wait until at least the second week of classes to get assistance with your upgrade.

If you have:

  • Windows 7 Home Premium: Get the upgrade to Windows 7 Enterprise for free at the Walk-In Help Desk in O'Neill 248. Learn more about getting Windows 7 at BC.
  • Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium: Get the upgrade to Windows Vista Enterprise for free at the Walk-In Help Desk in O'Neill 248.
  • Windows XP Home - Get the upgrade to Windows XP Professional for free at the Walk-In Help Desk in O'Neill 248.
  • Windows 98 or Me - Get the full version of Windows XP Professional for free at the Walk-In Help Desk in O'Neill 248. Note: Make sure your computer meets the hardware requirements.