About Computing at Boston College
- Do I need a computer at BC?
- Do I need to have my own printer at BC?
- Can I bring a computer other than the ones specified in this brochure?
- Should I buy an Apple or a Dell?
- If I have questions about purchasing a computer or using my computer, what do I do?
- If something goes wrong with my computer, where do I go?
- What do I need to connect to the BC network on campus?
- Why do I need an Ethernet cable?
About the BC Laptop Purchasing Program
- Can I buy more than one laptop?
- What is the difference between Program laptops and ones I can purchase retail?
- How long will it take for my laptop to arrive?
- Which Apple laptop should I buy?
- Which Dell laptop should I buy?
- How are international orders handled?
- What is covered under the service warranties?
- How long is the warranty on the laptop battery?
- If I bought an Apple laptop through the Program, how do I get the Microsoft Office and anti-virus software?
- How do I back up my work on the laptop?
About Computing at Boston College
Do I need a computer at BC?
Nearly all students bring their own laptop computer to have the flexibility to use technology wherever they want, whenever they want. There are also several computer labs located on-campus.
Do I need to have my own printer at BC?
Many students find it more convenient to have their own printer; however there are printers at the Campus Technology Resource Center (www.bc.edu/ctrc) and other computer labs across campus.
Note: Students can print 500 pages per semester for free. A charge of 3 cents per page will be added to your Eagle Bucks account for any pages printed over the 500 limit.
Can I bring a computer other than the ones specified in this brochure?
Yes, but it should meet BC's “minimum specifications.” All computers that access the BC network must have Boston College’s version of Anti-Virus installed. Windows computers must also have ePO, a security tool, installed. These products are provided to all enrolled students via download free of charge.
Also learn which computer brands Boston College is certified to repair at the on-campus Hardware Repair Service Center.
Should I buy an Apple or a Dell?
If you’re more comfortable with one system over another, stick with what you know – both Apple and Dell computers are supported on campus. The Law School uses ExamSoft software to administer exams on laptop computers. ExamSoft does not run on the Macintosh Operating System, but can be used on an Apple computer with Windows XP or Vista installed via Apple's Bootcamp. For details see: www.bc.edu/bclawtechnology
If I have questions about purchasing a computer or using my computer, what do I do?
You may call the Boston College Computing Help Center at (617) 552-HELP (4357), email help.center@bc.edu, or visit the Help website at www.bc.edu/help. Staff at the BC Help Center are always available to help you. Feel free to call even before you arrive on campus.
If something goes wrong with my computer, where do I go?
Staff at the Walk-In Help Desk are available to assist students with software issues and diagnosis of hardware problems. The Walk-In Help Desk is located in O'Neill 248, next to BC’s main computing facility, the Campus Technology Resource Center (CTRC). If your laptop requires hardware repair, you may have it serviced at the BC Hardware Repair Service Center located in the Service Building. Call (617) 552-HELP (4357) for details. Most repairs are covered by the included service warranty.
What do I need to connect to the BC network on campus?
In addition to a BC username and password, you’ll need an Ethernet cable to connect your laptop to a network data jack in the residence hall. If you buy one of the Apple or Dell laptops through the Program, an Ethernet cable is included.
Why do I need an Ethernet cable?
Although secure wireless access is available across most of the BC campus, not all individual student rooms have wireless connectivity.
About the BC Laptop Purchasing Program
Can I buy more than one laptop?
There is a limit of one laptop per student, per academic year. A laptop must be purchased for or by a current Boston College student, faculty, or staff member.
What is the difference between Program laptops and ones I can purchase retail?
When comparing computers, be sure to read the fine print. BC Laptop offerings include Microsoft Office, an Ethernet cable, and a service warranty. Compare all specifications carefully, and if you decide to purchase a different laptop, make sure it meets BC’s “minimum specifications.”
How long will it take for my laptop to arrive?
Please allow 12 to 15 business days for processing and delivery. Order on or before August 14th to receive your laptop at your home address before you move to campus.
Which Apple laptop should I buy?
The MacBook will meet most students’ computing needs. If you are interested in graphics and/or gaming, the MacBook Pro may be a better choice since it has a larger display and two video cards. One card is integrated with the system board, and the other is separate. Together, the two cards provide improved graphic performance.
Which Dell laptop should I buy?
The Dell Latitude E6400 “Standard” will meet most students’ computing needs. The Dell Latitude E6400 “Multimedia” has a faster processor, a larger hard drive, more memory, and a better video card than the “Standard” model. If you are interested in graphics and/or gaming, the Dell Latitude E6400 “Multimedia” option may be a better choice.
What is covered under the service warranties?
The warranty covers everything that’s not accidentally or intentionally damaged. Spills to the keyboard or damage to the display are not covered by warranty.
- You are covered while using your laptop for study abroad. For additional information, visit: www.bc.edu/techabroad
- If you buy a Dell laptop, you are encouraged to purchase Dell’s “CompleteCare” for an additional $169, which will cover accidental damage including spills.
- As is standard, batteries only have a one-year warranty. Learn some tips for prolonging the life of your laptop battery at: www.bc.edu/battery
How long is the warranty on the laptop battery?
Both the Apple and Dell laptop's battery have a 1-year warranty, which is standard for all laptops sold by Apple and Dell. Learn some tips for prolonging the life of your laptop battery at: www.bc.edu/battery
If I bought an Apple laptop through the Program, how do I get the Microsoft Office and anti-virus software?
If you buy an Apple laptop, you are entitled to get this software for free from our software download site:
How do I back up my work on the laptop?
You can back up your work on MyFiles@bc (www.bc.edu/myfiles), a file storage and sharing system that is available to the entire Boston College community. You can also use CDs, DVDs, a portable flash drive, or an external hard drive to back up your work. The BC Bookstore stocks media for file backup. Learn more at: www.bc.edu/backup