BCIT Student Computing

Mandatory Computer Setup

The following instructions are steps you must take now to ensure that your computer will be safe from viruses and other malware. If you have arrived with an infected computer, or if it becomes infected while you’re here, you may lose access to the Internet until you clean it up. 

If you use macOS, first check what version of Mac OS X you have by clicking the apple in the left-most corner of the screen and then selecting “About this Mac”. ;A window will pop up and it will tell you what version of the operating system you have in this format: 10.X.x. The last number refers to software updates.

Before Connecting to the Network

Step 1: Turn on Built-in Firewall

macOS

  1. Open System Preferences by selecting it from the Apple menu (click the Apple symbol located in the upper left corner) or clicking it in your Dock.

  2. Select or search for Security & Privacy.

  3. Click on the Firewall tab.

  4. Click the lock on the bottom left-hand corner and enter your computer password to unlock it (if it is not already unlocked).

  5. Click Turn On Firewall.

Windows 11

  1. Click on the Windows button and search ‘firewall’

  2. Select ‘Firewall & network protection’

  3. Ensure that it says ‘Firewall is on.’ under all three sections: Domain network, Private Network, and Public Network

  4. If the firewall is off for any section, click the ‘Turn on’ button in the section

Step 2: Turn On Automatic Software Updates

Automatic software updates will make it easier to keep up with critical updates that are released to protect your machine from dangerous viruses and other malicious programs.

Every time your computer finds new updates, you will see a notification message on your screen that new updates are ready to be installed. Do not ignore this software update message! Just say yes and allow the installation to proceed. After the installation is complete, you will usually be prompted to close down and restart your computer.

macOS

Software Update is enabled and configured for weekly updates by default. To confirm that it is set up to do so, please follow these instructions:

For MacOS 14 and higher: 

  1. From the Apple Menu, choose System Preferences, and click on Software Updates. Select “Automatically keep my Mac up to date," and close the window to save the settings.
  2. Also, open App Store, go to App Store from the top menu bar and click on Preferences, and select "Automatic Updates." Close the window to save the settings.

Windows 11

  1. Click on the Start button and then choose Settings.
  2. Click on the last option on the page called Windows Update.
  3. Turn on ‘Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available'.

Connecting to the Barnard Wireless Network

Step 3: Connect to Barnard Secure

If you are on the Barnard campus, you can connect to the Barnard Wireless Network. BCIT provides two wireless networks: Barnard Guest (for visitors on campus, including Columbia students and faculty), and Barnard Secure (for members of the Barnard community). Wireless service on both Barnard networks is available everywhere on campus, except for these residence halls: Cathedral Gardens, 537 W 121st Street Residence and 601 W. 110th St Residence. The wireless networks in these locations are provided by external Internet Service Providers such as Verizon and Spectrum and do not connect to Barnard Secure or Barnard Guest. 

macOS

  1. Open System Preferences from your dock or from the Apple menu and select Network.
  2. Choose “Barnard Secure” under Network Name.
  3. Enter your UNI as the username and your Barnard password as the password.
  4. When connecting, you will be prompted (once) to accept a security certificate from radius.corporatefilmfest.com. You must accept this in order to connect to the network.

Step 4: Updating the Operating System

It is critical that you update your operating system regularly. Without doing so, your machine may not be stable and will be much more vulnerable to attack. In Step 2 of these instructions, you configured automatic updating of the operating system, but once connected to the Barnard Secure wireless network, you must check for and install updates. 

macOS

  1. Click the Apple icon at the top left-hand corner of your screen and choose App Store… from the drop-down menu.
  2. Click Updates at the top of the window that appears and update your computer if a Software Update is available.

Windows 11

  1. Click on the Start button and then choose Settings.
  2. Click Windows Updates and then Install now.
  3. If you cannot find Settings or Windows Updates, search Update after clicking on the Start button.

Step 5: Installing Computer Security Software

Malwarebytes is an antivirus software provided to all students of Columbia University and Barnard College at no additional cost. It will help in protecting you against viruses and other malicious programs. If you already have an antivirus software installed that provides full protection, do not install Malwarebytes, as the two programs may interfere with each other. 

For instructions and to download the software, please navigate to my.malwarebytes.com/portal/email and follow the setup instructions located here.

If you are having difficulties with the installation process, please visit Student Computing during NSOP or call us at 212-854-7172.

Step 6: Scanning for Viruses

Once Malwarebytes has been downloaded, begin by running a Full Scan. If you need assistance, please visit the Student Computing office or call us at 212-854-7172. 

Step 7: Configuring PawPrint

PawPrint is the campus printing service used on both Barnard's and Columbia's campuses. You must activate your PawPrint account at least one hour before printing for the first time by signing into the PawPrint Center using your Columbia UNI credentials.

In the PawPrint Center, you can send B&W print jobs, manage your print jobs, and check your print quota. You cannot print in color from the PawPrint Center.

We recommend sending print jobs from your personal computer by installing the PawPrint print drivers onto your personal computer. In order to print in color, you must install the PawPrint drivers, you cannot print in color from the PawPrint Center. Find the drivers and installation instructions here.

As per Columbia, please note that Home editions of Windows 10 and 11 do not have supported printer drivers. Windows Home users can use mobile print or print on campus.

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