Support for Email and Computers

Computer resources and technology support.

BU Law’s Information Services & Technology (IS&T) office oversees support and administration of computer labs and their related peripherals (printers and scanners). They provide personalized consulting and support at their on-site service desk location and manage all aspects of the building’s networking framework.

A wireless network is available throughout the law school for students with mobile devices. All first-year students receive free email, LEXIS, and WESTLAW accounts.

Students at Boston University also have free access to a wide variety of computing resources through the University’s Information Services & Technology office.

Email configuration

All entering students will be able to establish an email account with the University and access the online resources available through the Student Link during the summer. We will be emailing information to set up your Early Access to email and online resources from the Information Services & Technology office. The email will give you the information necessary to setup your BU login name, Kerberos password and email account, and the Help Desk phone number at IS&T in case you experience any difficulties in setting up your account. The “Early Access” program allows you access to online services such as email, the Student Link, the Off-Campus Housing List, Financial Aid Entrance Interview, and Medical Insurance Waiver.

In order to establish an early access email account, you’ll need your BU ID number. It is important for security reasons that you do not lose this number. Federal regulations prohibit the release of this information over the phone.

Purchasing a computer

Students have their choice of using a Windows or Apple laptop.  BU Law uses ExamSoft academic examination software, which runs on both platforms (see requirements below). The majority of students choose to use a laptop for portability and convenience when writing exams.  Wireless network coverage is available in most locations on campus and throughout the LAW complex.

Students can purchase hardware and software at educational prices through our university computer store.

ExamSoft

Law exams are administered through ExamSoft – either via their online portal or using Examplify, software that students download and install on their laptop. Below are the minimum system requirements from the most recent academic year (2024-2025). More information regarding exams and ExamSoft registration will be provided in early-mid October.

Minimum Laptop Specifications

PC System Requirements:

  • Operating System: 64-bit Versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.
  • Only genuine versions of Windows Operating Systems are supported.  The versions certified for use are Windows 10 22H2, Windows 11 23H2, and Windows 11 24H2.
  • Alternate versions of Windows 10, such as Windows RT, Windows 10 S and 11 S, are NOT supported.
  • The English (United States) Language Pack must be installed.
  • ExamSoft does not support tablet devices other than Surface Pro.  If you are using a Microsoft Surface device, Windows S mode is not compatible with Examplify. Read more here.
  • CPU Processor: Non-ARM based processor supported by your operating system.
  • RAM: 4GB of usable RAM or higher.
  • Hard Drive: 4GB of available space or higher.
  • Screen Resolution should be at least 1280×768 or higher.  Scaling should be set to 100%
  • Internet connection for Download, Registration, Exam Download and Upload.  Students taking in-person JD exams must have your laptop configured for BU’s eduroam wireless network prior to the start of exams.
  • For onsite support, and to back up the answer files to a USB drive, a working USB port is required.  (Newer devices may require an adapter.)
  • For technical troubleshooting, account passwords, including BitLocker keys, may be required.
  • Administrator level account permissions (view instructions).
  • Examplify cannot be run within virtualized environments or environments that require persistent network (local or otherwise) connections during secure exams. This includes, but is not limited to, VMWare, Parallels, Citrix workspace, virtual disks, streamed images, etc.  Using Examplify in a virtual environment is a violation of the End-User License Agreement (EULA).

Mac System Requirements:

  • Supported Operating Systems: 13 (Ventura), 14 (Sonoma), and 15 (Sequoia). Only genuine versions of Mac Operating Systems are supported.  Support for macOS 12 (Monterey) was discontinued on November 5, 2024.
  • For a better experience, we recommend that you take your exam on the same OS version that you have completed a recent successful mock exam.
  • Server version of Mac OS X is not supported.
  • CPU: Intel or M series processor.
  • RAM: 4GB or higher.
  • Hard Drive: 4GB or higher available space.
  • Screen Resolution must be 1280 x 768 or higher.  Scaling should be set to 100%.
  • Internet connection for Download, Registration, Exam Download and Upload.  Students taking in-person JD exams must have your laptop configured for BU’s eduroam wireless network prior to the start of exams.
  • For onsite support, and to back up the answer files to a USB drive, a working USB port is required.  (Newer devices may require an adapter.)
  • For technical troubleshooting, account passwords, including device passwords, may be required.
  • Administrator level account permissions (view instructions).
  • Examplify cannot be run within virtualized environments or environments that require persistent network (local or otherwise) connections during secure exams. This includes, but is not limited to, VMWare, Parallels, Citrix workspace, virtual disks, streamed images, etc.  Using Examplify in a virtual environment is a violation of the End-User License Agreement (EULA).