Getting Started with your BC Dell Laptop

BC Laptop Purchasing Program 2009

Thank you for purchasing a Dell laptop through the BC Laptop Program. We hope the following information is helpful to you as you get started with your BC laptop. If you have any questions, please call the BC Help Center at 617-552-HELP (4357) or email help.center@bc.edu.

On this page:

  1. The first time you start your Dell computer
  2. Activate your copy of the Windows Vista with Microsoft (1 time only)
  3. Update McAfee anti-virus software
  4. Update Windows
  5. Update ALL your software applications
  6. Keep all your laptop accessories with your laptop
  7. Backup your important files
  8. Learn more about your new computer
  9. Helpful links

1. The first time you start your Dell computer

When you first start up your new laptop, you are walked through a set up process:

  1. Turn on your computer. It will perform a set up procedure and automatically restart.
  2. Do the following:
    • Create a user name and password (must be 8 characters or longer).
    • Retype your password.
      Remember this password! You'll need it to log in to your computer.
    • Enter a password hint.
    • Select an icon.
    • Click Next.
  3. Enter a computer name and click Next. Important: The computer name must be unique or you won’t be able to activate on the BC network.
  4. Select your time zone, date, and time, and then click Next. Note: If you aren’t on the East coast, remember to change your time zone when you come to campus.
  5. On the Thank You page, click Start.
    It takes a few minutes for the computer to finish setting up.
  6. Press <CTRL> + <ALT> + <DELETE> to log in.
  7. Enter the user name and password you created in Step 2 above, then press <ENTER>.
    Your new computer is now set up and ready to use.
  8. The Welcome Center automatically opens, which can help you get started.

2. Activate your copy of Windows Vista with Microsoft (1 time only)

Microsoft requires you to verify that your copy of Vista is genuine:

  1. Make sure you are connected to the Internet, and then click the Start button: Start button
  2. Right-click Computer, then click Properties.
  3. Under Windows Activation, click on: Click here to activate Windows now.
  4. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, enter the password you created earlier or click Continue.
  5. Click Activate Windows online now.
    Your copy of Windows Vista is now activated.

3. Update McAfee anti-virus software

You'll need to update the pre-installed BC virus protection to address any anti-virus updates released by McAfee since your computer shipped. You may even see a message saying that your virus protection is out-of date. This is to be expected - new viruses are identified every day. Get the required anti-virus updates free of charge by right-clicking on the McAfee icon in the System Tray (bottom right corner of your screen): McAfee icon in system tray Then click Update Now.

4. Update Windows

You'll need to bring your computer up-to-date with any Windows updates released by Microsoft since your computer shipped. You should automatically be prompted to update your computer. If not, click the Start button, click All Programs, then click Windows Update.

5. Update ALL your software applications

Your laptop comes with Vista, the latest Windows operating system. Vendors are still releasing updates to make their software fully-compatible with Vista. Learn how to get software updates for iTunes, QuickTime, and other software.

6. Keep all your laptop accessories with your laptop

Make sure to keep all of the items included with your laptop, including the Ethernet cable and Recovery DVD, with your laptop and bring them with you to Boston College. You may find that you need them at some point.

7. Backup your important files

Start a good habit: Backup your important stuff on an external hard drive or your BC MyFiles@bc space at www.bc.edu/myfiles. Learn more at: www.bc.edu/backup

8. Learn more about your new computer

9. Helpful links