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Questions
- How do I set up my new Bowdoin-issued Mac for the first time?
- What do I do when my new MacBook starts up and shows Setup Assistant?
- I received a Mac that is not a CAP replacement — how do I get it configured?
- How do I enroll my Mac in Bowdoin's Remote Management (MDM)?
- How do I install apps on a new Bowdoin Mac using Self Service?
- What apps are pre-installed on a new Bowdoin Mac?
- How do I restore my files to a new Bowdoin Mac using Druva inSync?
- What is FileVault and why is it encrypting my Mac after setup?
Environment
This article applies to Bowdoin faculty and staff setting up a Bowdoin-issued Mac running macOS Sequoia (15.x) or Tahoe (26.x) that was not received through the Computer Allocation Program (CAP) process. For a new CAP Mac, see macOS Computer Setup: New CAP Computer in the Related Articles section instead.
Resolution
Before You Begin
- Connect your Mac to a power source.
- Use the included USB-C multi-port adapter to connect your Mac to a campus Ethernet port. A wireless network will also work, but a wired Ethernet connection on campus is preferred for speed and reliability.
You must be connected to the internet to complete this process. Do not proceed without an active network connection.
Step 1 — Run Setup Assistant
The first time your Mac starts, Setup Assistant walks you through enrolling the computer, creating your account, and configuring the operating system. Read each prompt carefully. The process has built-in pauses — pages may not advance quickly, and the enrollment steps can appear to pause or freeze. This is normal; the process will continue on its own.
- Follow the on-screen prompts in Setup Assistant to begin setup.
- When prompted to enroll in Remote Management (MDM), enter your Bowdoin email address and authenticate through Okta with two-factor authentication to complete enrollment.
- When prompted for Accessibility settings, choose Not Now. These can be configured later in System Settings.
- When prompted for Touch ID, choose Set Up Touch ID Later. Touch ID can be configured in System Settings after setup is complete.
- When Setup Assistant asks you to create a password for your computer account, choose a password you will remember.
Your computer account password is separate from your Bowdoin account password. Changing your Bowdoin email password will not change your Mac login password. You can set them to the same value if you prefer, or change your computer password later in System Settings.
- After you reach the desktop, a background configuration process will run for approximately 10–20 minutes and then prompt you to restart.
- After restarting, you will see a message that FileVault is encrypting your computer. Click OK to continue logging in. Encryption runs in the background and does not prevent you from using your Mac.
Step 2 — Install Apps from Self Service
The following apps are pre-installed on your Mac: Self Service, Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, Druva inSync, and Cisco Secure Client (VPN).
Additional Bowdoin-approved software can be self-installed using the Self Service app. See Self Service for macOS & iPadOS in the Related Articles section for instructions.
- A list of software installed on your previous computer was provided to you — only reinstall software you plan to use regularly.
- If software you need is not available in Self Service, a Service Desk technician can install it during your scheduled remote appointment.
- If administrator credentials are required to change a setting or install an application, use the Privileges app. See Privileges for macOS: A Solution for Administrator Permissions in the Related Articles section.
Step 3 — Restore Your Files and Launch Apps
After installing any apps you need and after Druva inSync has completed restoring your files, restart your Mac. Then launch and sign in to the following frequently used apps:
- Outlook — See How to setup Microsoft Outlook for Mac for Bowdoin email in the Related Articles section.
- OneDrive — See How to setup the OneDrive sync client in the Related Articles section.
- Microsoft Teams — See How to log in and get started with Microsoft Teams in the Related Articles section.
- Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe apps — See Accessing Adobe software on a Bowdoin computer in the Related Articles section.
- Default email client — See Setting up a default email client in the Related Articles section.
- Printers — See How to install or delete a Bowdoin printer in the Related Articles section.
Need help? Contact the technician assigned to your ticket, or reach the Service Desk using the options below.
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.