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 recommended at Boston College. Information Technology Services encourages students to upgrade, but it is not required.
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). Note: Due to high volumes during the first week of classes, please wait until at least the second week of classes to get assistance with your upgrade.
Learn more about Windows Vista at Boston College.
Other Software Applications
The BC Application Server is a web-based service where BC users can log in with their BC credentials to access applications including Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash, Stata, Mathematica, and others. After downloading the necessary software (users are prompted the first time they log in), applications are available any time and anywhere there is web access. Files are saved and accessed through MyFiles.
Visit apps.bc.edu to log in and learn more.