What Does My Computer Need to Connect to the BC Network?
If you will be bringing a computer with you to Boston College, review the minimum specifications below to ensure that it will be able to connect to the campus network. Note that in some circumstances Windows "Home" versions are not recommended.
Required Minimum Specifications
Windows |
Mac |
|
|---|---|---|
| Operating System |
Most BC services will work with Microsoft Windows XP Professional, but BC recommends Microsoft Windows 7 Professional with the latest system updates. Note: Microsoft will stop supporting Windows XP on April 8, 2014. |
Most BC services will work with OS X (10.5) Leopard, but BC recommends OS X (10.8) Mountain Lion with the latest system updates. |
| Anti-Virus Protection | Make sure to install BC's version of Anti-Virus software (McAfee Enterprise) and ePO before you get to campus. If you do not, your network access may be discontinued until you do so. Get the free Anti-Virus software, and learn more at: bc.edu/virus. Download ePO for free from bc.edu/epo. |
Download Sophos Anti-Virus software free and learn more at bc.edu/virus. |
| Software Updates | It is extremely important that operating system software, application software (i.e., Microsoft Office), web browsers (i.e., Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, etc.), and all browser plug-ins (Java, Flash, RealPlayer, etc.) are ALWAYS kept up-to-date. Learn how to stay protected by keeping your software up-to-date. |
|
| BC Wireless Access | A wireless network card (most Windows computers come equipped with one) |
A wireless network card (most Apple computers come equipped with one) |
| BC Wired Access | An Ethernet network card and Ethernet cable (most Windows computers come equipped with an Ethernet card) |
An Ethernet network card and Ethernet cable (most Apple computers come equipped with an Ethernet card) |
connecting to the Internet
You must activate your computer on the BC network to access the Internet.
Concerned about Malware?
Learn what BC recommends to remove malware from your Windows computer.