On this page:

1. Remember your username and password
2. Get anti-virus software
3. Update your Mac or Windows system software
4. Get the Software you need to register for classes
5. Install Microsoft Office
6. Keep all your accessories with your computer
7. Backup your important files
8. Helpful Links

1. Remember your username and password

When you first start up your computer, you will be asked to create a username and password for the Administrator account on your computer. Please remember your username and password! You'll need them to log into your computer.

2. Get BC's required anti-virus software

Get BC's required anti-virus software for free at: www.bc.edu/virus
Important: All computers on the BC network must be running BC's required anti-virus software. You must uninstall other anti-virus software before installing BC’s anti-virus.

3. Update your Mac or Windows system software

Make sure your computer is up-to-date with any Mac or Windows software updates released by Apple or Microsoft. You should automatically be prompted to update your computer. If you are not prompted, do the following:

• Mac: From the Apple menu, select Software Update.
• Windows: Click the Start button, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.

Windows Note: Learn when Windows “Home” versions are not recommended at BC at: www.bc.edu/winhome

4. Get the software you need to register for classes

• Learn how to download & install BC UIS.
• Learn how to use BC UIS to register for classes at BC.

5. Install microsoft office

If you don't already have it, install Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) for free from the Software Download site.

6. Keep all your accessories with your computer

Make sure to keep all of the items included with your computer, including the Ethernet cable, System Disks, and Recovery Disks with your computer and bring them with you to Boston College. You may need them at some point.

7. Backup your important files

To make sure you don't lose important files if your computer stops working, you should back up your computer on a regular basis. The easiest way to do this is to use an online service (to find one, search for: “online backup services”) that will do it automatically for you. You can also use an external hard drive or the BC MyFiles@bc service at www.bc.edu/myfiles. Learn more at: www.bc.edu/backup

8. Helpful links

• Log in to the Agora Portal (the BC Intranet): http://portal.bc.edu
• Use WebMail to get your BC email at: http://mail.bc.edu
• Learn how to configure your favorite email software (ex. Apple Mail, Outlook, Thunderbird) to get your BC email: www.bc.edu/email
• Learn how to connect to the BC Network:
  - Wireless - www.bc.edu/wireless (BC sign-in required)
  - Wired - www.bc.edu/network
• Get more technology help and documentation at: www.bc.edu/help