Important:

• "BostonCollege" is not a secure wireless network, but is an alternative for older laptops that do not meet the requirements for "bcsecure."
• If you plan to use your laptop's wired (Ethernet) interface for network access, we strongly recommend that you configure and activate the wired network interface first. Learn how to connect to the Internet from a residence hall, office, or other wired location.

• Windows Vista Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise version.
  Note: Learn why Boston College does not recommend Windows XP Home and how you can get a free upgrade.
• Your computer must have a wireless card.
• Update the drivers for the wireless card in your laptop.
• To activate your laptop's wireless access, you must be in an area of the BC campus with wireless service. Check the  list of buildings and areas on campus that have BC wireless network access or see the  Wireless Campus Maps page .

Part 1

Update your laptop to meet wireless requirements:

Update wireless card drivers for security and performance

Wireless network cards, even those in new laptops, require updates to the driver to work correctly and provide the best and most secure wireless network service.

To find out which kind of wireless card you have:

1. Click Start.
2. Right-click Network and select Properties.
3. In the left column, click Manage wireless networks.
4. Click Adapter properties.
5. On the Networking tab, the wireless card name is listed under the Connect using heading.

Dell laptops purchased through Boston College

To update the wireless card driver:

1. Go to Intel's download page: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Default.aspx?iid=business+dc_all#
2. On the left menu, click Wireless, then click WiFi Products, then click the wireless driver you have.
3. Follow the instructions on the page to download & install the drivers for your wireless card.

Other laptops

To update the wireless card driver, go to the manufacturer's website to download and install the latest wireless card driver.

Part 2

To configure and enable the wireless network connection:

1. If you have an Ethernet cable plugged into your computer, unplug it.
2. If your laptop has a physical on/off switch, make sure that your wireless card is switched on and active.
3. Make sure you are currently in an area of the BC campus with wireless network service. Check the  list of buildings and areas on campus that have BC wireless network access or see the  Wireless Campus Maps page .
4. Click Start, then select Connect To (see Figure 1).


Figure 1.



5. Select BostonCollege, then click Connect (see Figure 2).
   
   Figure 2.
   
   
6. When the window saying, "Successfully connected to BostonCollege," appears, make sure the options “Save this network” and “Start this connection automatically” are checked before clicking Close.

Part 3

You MUST activate your computer for wireless network access (even if you have already activated your computer for wired network access).

To activate your computer for wireless network access at BC:

1. Open your web browser and go to (see Figure 3):  https://activate.bc.edu.
   
   
   Figure 3.
   
   
2. Click the button for BC faculty, students, staff, and affiliates and follow the directions.
   Note the following:
   • If you have a Windows computer, you will be required to download & install ePO.
   • If you get a message prompting you to change your computer name, another computer on the network already has the name you chose. There cannot be more than one computer on the network with the same computer name. Follow the instructions provided on the web page to change your computer name.
3. Restart your computer after activating. There may be a short time delay after you activate before you can access your BC email and the web.