Welcome and congratulations on joining the ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ community! Here you will find information to help you connect to WiFi, hook up your gaming consoles to the internet, connect to ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨'s online streaming service (Xfinity on Campus), and beyond.
When you first start up your computer, you will be asked to create an Administrator account on your computer. Please remember your username and password! You will need them to log in to your computer.
Boston College requires all students to use antivirus software on their computers.
- Windows computers: You can use the built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus software.
- Mac computers: If you do not already have virus protection, ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ recommends installing the free version of Sophos Home.
First, make sure you are using a ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ recommended operating system version.
Then, make sure your computer is up to date with any Mac or Windows software updates released by Apple or Microsoft. You should automatically be prompted to update your computer. If you are not prompted, follow the instructions below:
If you do not already have it, get Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) for no additional cost.
Note: Microsoft rebranded Office 365 to Microsoft 365.
To make sure you don't lose important files if your computer stops working, you should back up your computer on a regular basis.
ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ Google Workspace
Students have 250GB of storage space to store files within ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ Google Workspace. ITS recommends you install Google Drive for desktop to safely store your files and access them from any device.
Nearly all students bring their own laptop computer to have the flexibility to use technology wherever they want, whenever they want. However, there are desktop computers available in University librariesÌýand various computer labs across campusÌýon a first come-first served basis. LaptopsÌýare also available forÌýshort term loanÌýat some University Libraries.
Most students do not need their own printer because they can print in the libraries, computer labs, and two dining halls on campus. Students are alloted $15 in PrintBucks each semester & are charged 3 cents for black & white pages and 50 cents for color pages. If you use up your PrintBucks during the semester, you will be charged to your Eagle Bucks account.ÌýNote:ÌýTwo pages, printed double-sided, are charged as one page.
Yes, but make sure you are using a ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨-recommended operating system version. Note: You can get technology help regardless of where you buy your computer.
Other important things to consider:
- Boston College requires all students to use antivirus software on their computers.
- Windows computers: You can use the built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus software.
- Mac computers: If you do not already have virus protection, ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ recommends installing the free version of Sophos Home.
- Be aware of your software needs and your computer's capacity. For example, Chromebooks and Tablets may not have the capacity to install large programs (such as Microsoft Project, Visual Basic, etc).
- Learn which computer brands Boston College is certified to repair at the on-campus Hardware Repair Service Center.
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If you’re more comfortable with one system over another, stick with what you know – both Mac and Windows computers are supported on campus.
Please be aware of your software needs and your computer's capacity. For example, Chromebooks and Tablets may not have the capacity to install large programs (such as Microsoft Project, Visual Basic, etc).
Note: You can get technology help regardless of where you buy your computer.
YouÌýmay call the ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ Technology HelpÌýCenter at 617-552-HELP (4357) or emailÌýhelp.center@bc.edu.ÌýStaff at the ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ Help Center are always available to help you. Feel free to call even before you arrive on campus.
Note: You can get technology help regardless of where you buy your computer.
Microsoft rebranded Office 365 to Microsoft 365.
Boston College requires all students to use antivirus software on their computers.
- Windows computers: You can use the built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus software.
- Mac computers: If you do not already have virus protection, ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ recommends installing the free version of Sophos Home.
- Staff at the Walk-In Help Desk (O'Neill 3rd floor) are available to assist students with software issues and diagnosis of hardware problems.
- If your computer requires hardware repair, you may have it serviced at the ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ Hardware Repair Service Center (in O'Neill 208). Call 617-552-HELP (4357) for details.
- You can also get technology help by calling, emailing, or chatting with us.
Note: You can get technology help regardless of where you buy your computer.
To make sure you don't lose important files if your computer stops working, you should back up your computer on a regular basis.
ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ Google Workspace
Students have 250GB of storage space to store files within ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ Google Workspace. ITS recommends you install Google Drive for desktop to safely store your files and access them from any device.
ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ strongly recommends you purchase at least a 3 year service warranty when you buy a new computer. Some computer bundles do not include a service warranty, but instead must be purchased separately. If available, we also encourage you to purchase some kind of accidental damage protection, which will cover accidental damage such as spills.
- Service warranties typically cover everything that’s not accidentally or intentionally damaged. Spills to the keyboard or damage to the display are not typically covered by a service warranty.
- You can purchase "AppleCare+ for Mac" to cover accidental damage.
- As is standard, batteries only have a one-year warranty.
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Laptop batteries only have a 1-year warranty, which is standard for all laptops sold by Apple, Dell, HP, and other major computer vendors.
Students can grant access to course and grade information to their parents (or advisors, friends, etc.).
- Students have to grant access. It cannot be initiated by the parent.
- Students can specify service access and expiration. Access can be rescinded or extended by the student at any time.
- To give proxy access, log into Agora Portal and click the "Grant Third Party (Proxy) Access to My Account" link (under Account and Personal Info).
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Currently, students can grant access to the following services:
- Courses and Grades
- My Grades
- Financial Aid Award Notification
- Financial Aid Application Status
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Proxy access accounts are only valid while the student has an active ÌÇÐÄvlogÖ±²¥Æ½Ì¨ account. Boston College reserves the right to deactivate proxy access at any time.
Security
Ensure you're up to date on the latest technology security requirements and best practices.