Set Up a New Bowdoin Mac Out of the Box

Questions

  • How do I set up a new Bowdoin Mac out of the box?
  • I just received a new Bowdoin Mac. What do I do first?
  • How do I enroll a new Bowdoin Mac in remote management?
  • How do I sign in with my Bowdoin credentials during Mac setup?
  • How do I create a local account on a new Bowdoin Mac?
  • What screens will I see when setting up a new Bowdoin computer?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff setting up a new Bowdoin-issued Mac for the first time. The steps follow the macOS Setup Assistant and include enrollment steps that are unique to Bowdoin-managed computers.

Resolution

  1. Open the box and plug the computer in to power. Connect a network cable if one is available.
  2. Turn on the computer.
  3. Choose a country or region and select Continue.

    Mac setup screen displaying a country or region selection list with United States highlighted and Continue button visible.

  4. Choose any accessibility settings you may need, or select Not Now.

    Mac accessibility setup screen with options for Vision, Motor, Hearing, and Cognitive, and Back and Not Now buttons.

  5. If you did not plug in a network cable, connect to a wireless network and select Continue.

    Wi-Fi setup screen listing available networks and options to go back or continue.

  6. At the Remote Management screen, select Continue.

    Remote Management setup screen stating Bowdoin College can automatically configure your computer, with Back and Continue buttons.

  7. When prompted, log in with your Bowdoin credentials.

    Bowdoin sign-in window with email input, Remember me checkbox, Next button, and links for help and privacy policy.

  8. Your Full name and Account name should be populated with your name and Bowdoin username. Do not change these. Enter a password (this can be the same as your Bowdoin password or something different) and select Continue.

    Computer account creation screen with form fields for full name, account name, password, and hint, and Continue button.

  9. Laptop models only: set up Touch ID, or choose to set up Touch ID later.

    Mac setup screen with options to choose Light, Dark, or Auto appearance mode, with Light selected.

  10. Choose your appearance and select Continue.

    Mac setup screen showing options to choose Light, Dark, or Auto appearance; Light is currently selected.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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