Preparing for computing at Bentley
You can purchase a Lenovo computer that meets Bentley’s recommended standards at educational pricing. Learn how and why to purchase a Bentley recommended computer through Bentley’s Computer Purchase Program.
If you plan to bring a computer to campus that you did not purchase through Bentley’s Computer Purchase Program, it must meet Bentley’s minimum standard computer configuration.
On-campus computer repair services are available for both warranty and non-warranty computer repairs.
Bentley does not recommend the use of a Mac computer and cannot guarantee compatibility with Windows-only applications used in certain courses. Departments include Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Finance and several general business core courses. In most cases, students with Macs will need to purchase and install software to use Windows-only applications to complete course requirements. Installing virtualization software is both time consuming and requires advanced technical knowledge to install on your Mac computer.
- Some Windows applications are available through Bentley Virtual Apps (BVA), a virtual Windows environment. Go to the Bentley Virtual Apps page for more BVA information.
- If you need a Windows-based academic application that is not available via BVA, you will need to install Parallels for a fee.
Before you arrive on campus...
Log into your accounts to ensure that your credentials are working:
Install Microsoft 365 (available to no cost for active Bentley students):
- Install Microsoft 365 Apps on a Windows PC - This link will bring you to Microsoft’s support site where you will be instructed to sign-in using your Bentley credentials and then follow the instructions for installing Microsoft 365.
Ensure that you have Antivirus Protection Installed and Active on your computer:
- Windows Defender is included as part of the Windows Professional operating system
- Avast, Malwarebytes, Sophos are all popular AV solutions for Macs
After you arrive on campus...
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Connect to campus printing (Falcon Print)
- Connect your gaming or smart device
- Install Remote Desktop to access Bentley Virtual Apps (BVA) and run Windows-based applications from your Mac. If you are a Mac user, BVA is required for CS 100 and it may also be needed for other Bentley courses.
- Connect to Xfinity on Campus (XOC) to stream cable on your PC, Mac, or other devices and app, and get instructions for connecting to a larger screen. NOTE: Bentley no longer supports physical coaxial cable connections on campus. If a physical connection is currently working, it is not guaranteed that it will continue to work and no repairs will be made if it stops working.