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.

Important note: If you connect using the wired jack in your room or office, disable the wireless connection to ensuure that you are activating your computer's wired connection.

1. If you see an AirPort icon in the menu bar, click on it and select Turn AirPort Off from the drop down menu (refer to Figure 3).


Figure 3.
2. Select System Preferences from the Apple menu (refer to Figure 4).



Figure 4.

3. Click on the Network icon form the Systems Preferences window (refer to Figure 5).


Figure 5.

4. From the Show pull-down menu select Built-in Ethernet and complete the following (refer Figure 6):
   • Click on the TCP/IP tab.
   • From the Configure pull-down menu select Using DHCP.
   • In the Search Domains box enter bc.edu
   • Click the Apply Now button.


Figure 6.

5. Quit System Preferences.

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 7)
   
   
   Figure 7.
   
   
2. Click the button for BC faculty, students, staff, and affiliates and follow the instructions. Note the following:
   • 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."
   • 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.