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Computing at BC

faculty guide to technology at boston college

Boston College is committed to providing faculty with the hardware and software necessary to support their teaching & research.

HARDWARE and software

 

MOBILE AND HOME COMPUTING

 

SECURE COMPUTING

 

HARDWARE

Primary (BC Office) Computers

Faculty members’ office computers are supplied by Boston College and upgraded on a continuous replacement cycle through the Boston College Computer Replacement Program (BCCR).  BC provides the option of either a Windows or Macintosh laptop or desktop computer. Boston College Computer Replacement (BCCR)

BCCR computers have the latest operating system software installed (currently Mac OS X Snow Leopard and Windows 7). Computers distributed by the University arrive with standard software installed and are configured for the BC Network. Included software: Microsoft Office Suite, Anti-virus, Adobe Acrobat, Firefox web browser

Hardware Repair

ITS Hardware Repair services most popular brands of computers. View details on computer brands serviced, warranty work, and fees for computers no longer under warranty.

Software

BC Application Server

The BC Application Server at apps.bc.edu allows the BC community to securely access certain licensed software applications that were once only available on computers in the BC labs. Read the BC Application Server FAQs.

Software Download Site

The download site provides access to various common applications.

Software Supporting Research

ITS Research Services purchases, maintains, and provides technical assistance and training on software that supports research.

View a list of research software with information on where the software is installed at BC, and links to manuals and documentation.

Obtaining Additional Hardware and Software
Hardware and Software Website

To facilitate the purchase of hardware products for use in Boston College Departments, ITS has posted information and recommendations on the web. The Hardware and Software website also provides information about obtaining software, including a listing of BC’s site licensed software, which indicates whether or not it is available for personal/home use.

Mobile and Home computing

Network access from off-campus

Faculty must use an external Internet Service Provider (Verizon, RCN, or Comcast Broadband, etc.) to access the BC network from off-campus.

View the BC Help Center Remote Access web page.

Accessing BC resources from off-campus

When you use an Internet Service Provider to connect to the BC network, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection allows you to access secure resources on the BC network.

  • VPN tools are part of the Windows and Macintosh operating systems.
  • After some simple configuration, you can use the VPN connection to access departmental servers and other secure resources. Information will be encrypted as you access it over the Internet.
Software for Home Use
  • BC Anti-Virus Software - ITS highly recommends that you replace any existing anti-virus software on your personal computers with the free, robust, BC's enterprise version. Virus Help Page
  • Microsoft Office - Faculty may download and install Microsoft Office to a personal computer free-of-charge from the software download site.

SECURE COMPUTING

Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware
  • Anti-Virus Software - Anti-virus software is installed and configured on computers provided to faculty by ITS and is also available free of charge for personal/home machines. All computers activated on the BC network must have BC’s enterprise version of anti-virus software installed. www.bc.edu/virus
  • ePolicy Orchestrator - ePO is a required security tool for Windows computers that are activated on the BC network. ePO complements McAfee VirusScan Enterprise by allowing ITS to “push” software updates to computers on the network. www.bc.edu/epo
  • Anti-Spyware - Spyware is often installed on your computer, without your knowing, to track your web browsing. As a result, you may experience more pop-up windows, junk mail, etc. ITS strongly recommends that faculty install anti-spyware software. Many applications are available free of charge. View additional information and access free downloads at: www.bc.edu/spyware

Working with Confidential Information

  • Data Security Policy - Faculty are urged to read the revised policy available on the web at: www.bc.edu/policymanual (select Data Security Policy in the Index) It is the policy of the University that all confidential and other sensitive information be safeguarded from unauthorized access, use, modification, and destruction. All members of the University community share in the responsibility for protecting the security of data.
  • Confidential Information - Confidential information includes sensitive personal and institutional information, and must be given the highest level of protection against unauthorized access, modification, or destruction. Confidential information should not be stored on BC office computers; it may be stored on MyFiles@bc.
  • Confidential Student Information - Confidential student information includes any non-directory information (grades, courses taken, schedule, advising records, disciplinary actions, educational services received, birth date, medical information). 
  • Confidential Personal Information - Faculty should not store personal information, including credit card and bank information, passwords, tax records, etc. Faculty should also take steps to protect their own intellectual property and research activity.

Security experts from ITS offer consultative services to help faculty assess risks and understand best practices. security@bc.edu

Backup of Data
  • ITS strongly recommends that you either use a backup system for your files and data or store your data in a location that is backed up automatically.
  • Connect Backup Automatic Backup Service - Connected Backup service (formerly Iron Mountain) is available to back up each faculty member’s primary Mac or Windows computer. Schedule an appointment with your TC.
  • Backup Options and File Compression - A variety of other options for backup are available. Learn about storing, backing up, and compressing files at: www.bc.edu/backup