An Ethernet card (also called a NIC or network card) is an adapter circuit board you insert into a computer so the computer can be connected to a network.
If you're bringing a computer from home, or purchasing one elsewhere, you need
one of the following Ethernet devices listed below to use the network connection
in your residence hall room, office, or lab. To purchase an Ethernet device
from BC, check out the BC Bookstore at 
www.bc.edu/bookstore.
You can also purchase an Ethernet device from a local or online computer store.
Important: While you are not obligated to purchase an Ethernet device from BC, you must purchase the exact Ethernet device type listed below, especially when dealing with laptops. If you purchase another type of Ethernet device and have difficulties connecting, we cannot provide you with support.
To use the network connection on-campus, you need:
Windows
Ethernet devices| If you have a... | You need this... |
|---|---|
| Desktop Computer | 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Ethernet card |
|
Laptop (standard Ethernet connection) This card is for a standard network connection only, which is used in the residence hall rooms, libraries, and other buildings on campus. If you also want wireless capabilities, you need an additional wireless card. (See wireless option below.) Note: Windows laptops purchased through the |
10/100 or 10/100/1000 Ethernet card (no installation needed, plugs into network slot) and Ethernet cable |
|
Laptop (wireless option) This card is for a wireless connection only, which is currently not available inside residence hall rooms, but is available in residence hall lounges, classrooms, libraries, labs, cafeterias, and some outdoor areas on both campuses. Learn what areas of the BC campuses are wireless by going to the Wireless Campus Maps page Note: Most new laptops already have a wireless card pre-installed.
Windows laptops purchased through the |
A wireless 802.11A, 802.11B, or 802.11G-compliant network card (with Windows software) (no installation or cable needed, plugs into network slot) |
Macintosh
Ethernet devices| If you have a... | You need this... |
|---|---|
| MacBook, MacBook Pro, G4 or G3 desktop, PowerBook, iMac, eMac, iBook,
Power Mac |
Ethernet cable (Ethernet card is built into these computers) |
| MacBook, MacBook Pro, iBook, or PowerBook (wireless option) The MacBook, MacBook Pro, iBook, and PowerBook come standard with Ethernet card built-in, which is used in the residence hall rooms, libraries, and other buildings on campus. The AirPort wireless network card is for a wireless connection only, which is currently not available inside residence hall rooms, but is available in residence hall lounges, classrooms, libraries, labs, cafeterias, and some outdoor areas on both campuses. Learn what areas of the BC campuses are wireless by going to the Wireless
Campus Maps page Note: Most new laptops already have a wireless card pre-installed.
Macintosh laptops purchased through the |
AirPort wireless network card |
CTRC).
