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When Windows "Home" versions are not recommended at BC

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When are Windows Home versions not recommended 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.

 

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.
    Figure 2
    Figure 1.

 

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 (for free) a newer version of Windows for students who bring their computers to the Walk-In Help Desk. Important: You must back up your data before installing a new operating system.