An assortment of software is available to facilitate your computing experience at Boston College. Enrolled students can download free software from www.bc.edu/software. You can download applications such as anti-spyware, Web browsers, file compression tools, FTP clients, media players, and Microsoft Office suites.
Microsoft Office Suites
Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is available for free download at the software download site.
- Windows: Office 2003 and Office 2007
- Mac: Office 2004 and Office 2008
Important Note: Faculty and staff at Boston College use Office 2003/2004. Read more about use of Office 2007 at BC.
- Check out the CTRC (Campus Technology Resource Center) to see what software they have on their computers for your use.
Windows Operating Systems
Home editions of the Windows operating system are not supported at Boston College. Information Technology Services encourages students to upgrade.
UPGRADING - We highly recommend that you get assistance with upgrading. We can assist students who bring their upgrade CDs and laptops to the Walk-In Help Desk. We can install free upgrades to Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista Enterprise (similar to Vista Business edition).
- Using Windows XP Home? You should at least upgrade to XP Professional. Or, if you want to get the latest operating system, you may upgrade to either Vista Business or Vista Ultimate.
- Using Windows Vista Home? You should upgrade to Vista Ultimate, which includes Windows Media Center.
- Using Windows Vista Enterprise? You may upgrade to Vista Ultimate, which includes Windows Media Center.