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Setting Up Your New Mac Computer

Setting Up Your New Mac Computer

When faculty and staff receive their new Mac from the PC Refresh Program, they should follow these steps to get up and running.

Prerequisites

  • Computer has an asset tag affixed to its body.

  • Computer is plugged in or fully charged.

  • Stable internet connection. You do not need to be on-campus.

  • About 10 minutes for setup time.

  • Active UConn email address. University affiliates (contractors, etc.) must have an email address created by their account sponsor to use a university computer.

  • You are the primary user of the machine. If this computer will be shared among multiple users, check with your IT support to ensure it was set up properly first.

Get started

  1. Unbox and power on the computer: It is recommended to plug your laptop into wall power during the setup process. If connecting to new external monitors, you can follow this guide: https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/26013826103

  2. Connect to the internet: To set up the computer, you must connect to the internet. You can complete the setup on your home network; it is not necessary to be connected to the UConn network.

  3. Enroll the computer: If your computer does not display a UConn-branded login screen upon startup (see below), you will need to complete the first-time setup process. Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the UConn-branded login screen.

If you are asked to sign in with an Apple Account (formerly “Apple ID”) or create a personal account, stop the setup process and do not continue. You must bring your computer to your IT support to set up your computer for access to UConn resources.

UConn-specific Mac login screen
UConn Mac login

  1. Sign in with UConn email: At the login window, use your UConn email and password to sign in. Accept the Duo 2-factor authentication prompt.

  2. Encryption: During the first login, you will be prompted to enable encryption. Click Enable Now. Do not defer the encryption if given the option.

Make it yours

You should now be at the desktop and see the dock with your apps, as well as the menu bar up top. The computer is generally ready to use, but you should continue these instructions to better tailor your experience.

Your computer will continue to download customized configurations from ITS that will improve your computing experience. During this time, the computer may run slower and you may get occasional popups that are unexpected. This behavior should not last longer than the first hour of use.

  1. Install software with Self Service+: Open the Applications folder and open the Self Service+ application. If prompted, enter your UConn email and password and log in. You will now see available software from UConn and choose programs to install.

  2. Install software from the web: You can install applications from the web. You may need administrator rights before and during the installation. If this is a shared machine, you may not have access to grant yourself administrator rights. In this case, reach out to your IT support.

  3. Sync your data to and from OneDrive: Keeping your data backed up ensures your work stays safe in the cloud. Computers break in the most unexpected moments, so be prepared. https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/26228753649

If you need assistance with the setup of your new Mac, please reach out to your department's IT support.

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