BU OIT

ACS Accounts

What does ACS mean?

ACS stands for 'Academic Computing System,' and it's actually a cluster of UNIX systems which form the heart of the computing resources available to all those at Boston University. Having an ACS account means that this cluster recognizes you as a valid BU user.

ACS provides access to e-mail, the Web, statistical and scientific software packages, programming languages, text processing software, and your individual data on file with the University including your grades, contact informational and more.

 

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FAQ Topics

Getting an Account

I already have an e-mail account elsewhere. Do I still need to get an ACS account?
How can I have an account created?

Account Issues

I've forgotten my BU Login name and/or Kerberos password. What should I do?
Can I check my ACS quotas?

 

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FAQ Answers

Getting an Account

I already have an e-mail account elsewhere. Do I still need to get an ACS account?
Yes, because an ACS account offers much more than a BU e-mail account. If you want to dial in with a modem, set up a Web site, or use password-protected sites such as The Link, you will need a BU login name and Kerberos password. If you wish to you can set up forwarding from the BU e-mail account to an account elsewhere. See Quick Reference Guides forwarding details.

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How can I have an account created?
If you are an incoming student, you may receive instructions and a code to setup an Early Bird account from your programs office. The Early Bird Program enables you to use a temporary ACS account prior to arriving on campus. Once you begin your program, you must renew the account within a certain time period such that it becomes your permanent ACS account. For details see the Early Bird website.

For new faculty and staff and for students not using Early Bird accounts, there is an online application to register for an ACS account. Once you've completed it you'll need to activate the account by personally presenting your BU Terrier Card at OIT's Input/Output Services window in the basement of 111 Cummington Street. If you do not have Terrier Card, an official document containing your BU ID number (e.g., acceptance letter) and a valid photo ID (e.g., license) will do.

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Account Issues

I've forgotten my BU Login name and/or Kerberos password. What should I do?
You should review OIT's on-line instructions for information on how to change your password and/or your Login name. If you simply need to find out what your Login name is, you can search for yourself in the BU directory at www.bu.edu/directory.

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Can I check my ACS quotas?
Use the myacs online form to check your ACS quotas. Enter your BU username and Kerberos password on the form. This will show you all of your ACS quotas including your mail quota. If you are using the BU webmail program, Horde, you can check your quota there as well.

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