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Connecting to the BC Network with Windows Vista
Wired Access for On-Campus Offices and Residence Hall Rooms
Summary:  Learn how to connect your computer running Windows Vista to the Internet from a residence hall, office, or other wired location.

What you need to connect to the BC Wired Network

Step 1: Physical Set-up

Plug your computer into the BC network using an Ethernet cable:

  1. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet jack on your computer (see Figure 1):
    • An Ethernet cable looks similar to a phone cable, but the ends are wider. If you do not have an Ethernet cable they are available for $5.95 at the New Window BC Bookstore.
    • The Ethernet jack looks like a large phone jack and is usually on the back of your computer.

    Figure 1: Plug the Ethernet cable into your computer's Ethernet jack.
    Figure 1.
  2. Find the wall jack in your office, lab, or residence hall room. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the network jack which is below the picture of a computer (see Figure 2).
    • Once you activate your computer in one network jack, you will be able to access the network from any network jack on campus.
    Figure 2: Plug your Ethernet cable into the network jack.
    Figure 2.
Step 2: Configure and enable the wired network connection

To configure and enable the wired network connection:

  1. Click the Start button and select Control Panel.
  2. Note: Click the Classic View link if displayed in the left pane of the Control panel (see Figure 3).
    Figure 3
    Figure 3.

  3. Double-click on the Network and Sharing Center icon.

  4. Under Tasks in the left view pane, select Manage network connections (see Figure 4).
  5. Figure 4
    Figure 4.

  6. If there is a Wireless Network Connection icon, right-click it and select Disable (see Figure 5).
  7. Figure 5.
    Figure 5.

Step 3: Activate your computer for wired access

To activate your computer on the BC network, do the following:

  1. Open your Web browser and go to: New Window Will Open https://activate.bc.edu (see Figure 6)

    Figure 6
    Figure 6.

  2. Click the button for BC faculty, students, staff, and affiliates and follow the instructions. Note the following:
    • Windows computer users are required to download & install ePO, a required piece of Anti-Virus protection.
    • If you get a message prompting you to change the name of your computer, 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 Activation 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.

Related Help Link

  • Connecting to network printers, servers, and other BC services
  • Connecting to the Internet using wireless on your laptop

    Need more help?

    • Contact the Help Center: 552-HELP (2-HELP from on-campus), help.center@bc.edu, or www.bc.edu/gethelp.
    • Students: You can also visit the walk-in Help Center in O'Neill 248 next to the Campus Technology Resource Center (New Window Will Open CTRC).

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