IT Services
Students must bring their own laptop. You will be reliant on your computer while on the program so bring one which is reliable and up to date. Computers are not provided by the program. WIFI internet access and black and white printing are provided. You will also need a USB flash drive for printing and scanning in the residence, and a headset and webcam for online learning.
BU login and email
All participants on the programs must have a BU login account and email. Non BU students who do not already have a BU login account will receive instructions for setting one up by BU enrolment services. Students must have these setup and working before arrival. Any email communication will be sent to your @bu.edu email address.
A BU login is also required for the Blackboard Learn educational platform for classes.
Spam controls
Spam controls can help stop unwanted emails, but they may also stop legitimate emails. You must ensure the spam settings on your email client do not block emails from safe domains such as @bu.edu
Blackboard Ultra educational platform
The program faculty and students use the Blackboard Ultra educational platform for communication and learning resources. If you have not used Blackboard before you must check that your login works once you have set it up. Click on the link below and enter your BU ID and kerberos password (your BU ID is the first part of your email before the @). If you cannot login then contact IT support for help at ithelp@bu.edu. You will be able to access your courses once the faculty have made them available.
If you have not used Blackboard before you should use the online resources to get up to speed on it before arrival:
https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student/Ultra
Internet Security
All students’ computers, regardless of their make or operating system, must have anti-virus software installed. This is a condition of using the network and is also very important for the student’s own security. Participants on the program can download endpoint protection for free from BU. See Link:
Make sure that your antivirus software updates automatically when you connect to the internet, and that you run a full virus scan every month. All your devices should be password protected.
WIFI Internet
In the Geneva residence we provide broadband WIFI internet service. There are antennas on all floors of the building including the basement area. The facility is an up to date installation however, demand can get high in the evenings so you may experience some sluggishness at this time. Reception may be better on the ground floor and the basement so you should go downstairs if you need a better signal strength. The network transmits at 5 GHz WIFI frequency and you should log onto this if your device supports it.
There is also free WIFI in Geneva University. Internship and Physics students will get a login code for the UNIGE WIFI during orientation.
While on BU premises you must use your computer(s) in accordance with the BU “University Conditions of Use and Policy on Computing Ethics”.
http://www.bu.edu/tech/about/policies/computing-ethics/
Free WIFI
Free WIFI is widely available in Geneva. Click on the link below for more information.
http://www.ville-geneve.ch/themes/environnement-urbain-espaces-verts/acces/
Important: Do not depend on internet based communication or WIFI alone for keeping in touch. You must have a cellphone subscription which will always work on the cellular networks where ever you are .
See http://www.bu.edu/geneva/life-housing/cellphones/
Support
Ensure that your software is kept up to date and backup all your documents. We do not have on site IT support so if your hardware malfunctions you will have to use third parties for repairs. You can try the BU IT Helpdesk for software issues: ithelp@bu.edu
Getting your computer fixed
You may be asked for an advance payment before they look at your computer and give a diagnostic.
Compuquick – 10 mins from the residence
36, Rue du 31 décembre
Sweetcom – Unimail Campus
102, Boulevard Carl-Vogt 1205 Genève
Apple store
Rue du Rive 4 Apple Store Geneva ( may require an advanced appointment for repairs). https://www.apple.com/chfr/retail/ruederive/
See also:
http://www.bu.edu/tech/support/