macOS Setup Instructions

When on-campus, How do you want to connect?
  1. Wi-Fi: For the security key for the TCGeneral network contact the Service Desk.
  2. Wired: Plug your computer into a wired network jack using a network cable.

Required:
  1. Add your username to the name of your computer to help us identify you if there is a problem, for example: SmithJ-MAC (Open System preferences, choose General, Then choose About, enter new computer name, click OK)
  2. Check your macOS version. You must have macOS 14.8.3 or higher in order to connect to the Thomas network (since Apple only supports and provides security fixes for the last two versions). Note: unlike Windows, MacOS updates are not automatic and you must install them manually. Also, large updates may not even show up as available if there is not enough space on your hard drive. We recommend keeping at least 35GB free for updates.
  3. Configure Apple Software Update
  4. Read and accept the Acceptable Use Policy on MyThomas for Students. Make sure there are no security alerts at the top of the menu.
  5. Check to make sure you can log into Canvas for your course information.
  6. See which devices are banned or problematic on our network

Recommended:
  1. Set your default web browser's home page to the Thomas Daily Page
  2. Download Microsoft 365 Apps (Office) for Mac here, install other updates via Apple Update.
  3. If you didn't get Microsoft Teams with Microsoft 365 Apps, download and install the app for group work. (Download the Work and School version here)
  4. Configure Microsoft Software Update
  5. Run speedtest to test your individual device WiFi capability. NOTE: Most people get between 100Mb-800Mb. If yours is significantly less, talk to IT Services professional staff about options.
  6. Setup Outlook for e-mail
  7. OneDrive Client (download, install, and configure)
  8. Upload a picture to Canvas by going to Account, Profile, and click the Pencil icon on the picture. You can get your ID photo from MyThomas for Students.
  9. Add an alternate contact method for self service password reset here. Sign in with your Thomas account, then add and then verify at least one alternate authentication method (either a phone number or an email address)
  10. Connect with the Thomas College Library & Service Desk on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Optional:
  1. Connect to Thomas printers
  2. Other Software
  3. If you are using the Microsoft Authenticator app for multi-factor authentication, some of your logins can now be password-less (and just as secure). You can do this using the instructions here
  4. Link your Thomas Office 365 account with LinkedIn. This allows you to share information from your LinkedIn profile with the Thomas community automatically through Outlook. For more information please see here. After setting up sharing, you can disable Thomas-to-LinkedIN sharing here. This will keep LinkedIN-to-Thomas sharing, which should be helpful.
  5. To watch Spectrum TV on-campus, go to https://watch.spectrumutv.com/guide.
  6. Get OneNote Web Clipper.
Service Desk Troubleshooting:
  1. For testing the speeds of a client to the AP that they are connected to there is a built in test from Meraki. From what I can see anyone can get to the page and run the test as long as they are connected to an AP.
    1. From a device connected to an AP type in http://my.meraki.com.
    2. This will send you to the local status page of the AP that your device is connected to.
    3. There is a "Run Speed Test" button. This will test Client to AP speeds.
    4. There is also a "Signal" reading under the "Your client connection" section which lists the signal strength between the client an AP. Meraki recommends that the client's signal strength be above 12dB for basic speeds. Signal strength over 30dB is recommended for high speeds.
    5. To see if the devices Wi-Fi capabilities are high enough, sign-out from the Library and try one of the College's USB-based Wi-Fi adapters.