What you need to connect to the BC Wired Network

• You must be on campus in an area with access to a network wall jack.
• Your BC  username and password
• Computer must meet minimum specifications (including an Ethernet network adapter)
• BC's McAfee Anti-Virus software at www.bc.edu/virus
• Ethernet cable (see below for details)

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 (refer to 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  BC Bookstore.
   • The Ethernet jack looks like a large phone jack and is usually on the back or side of your computer.
   
   
   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 (below the picture of a computer) (refer to 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.

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

1. Open your Web browser and go to:  https://activate.bc.edu (refer to Figure 3)
   
   Figure 3.
   
   
2. Click on the button for BC faculty, students, staff, and affiliates. On the second screen of activation you will be required to review and accept the newtork Acceptable Use Policy. Click the I Agree button to accept the policy and continue activation. Follow the instructions on each screen throughout the activation process to activate your computer on the BC network. Note the following:
   • Important: If you have a Windows computer, you will be required to download & install ePO.
   • The directions on the Web are specific to your computer’s operating system. If you use Windows XP, you will see slightly different steps than for Macintosh, etc.
   • 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. (Note: Unix users only need to enter a new computer name on the Activation Web page - not change the computer name on their computer.)
   • Mac & Unix users: During activation, you are asked to enter your computer name.
     On Mac OSX, your computer name appears in the "Sharing" window, which can be accessed from your "System Preferences." On Mac OS9, your computer name appears in the "File Sharing" window, which can be accessed from your "Control Panels."
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.