Logging into your new Mac
Welcome to your new Mac! This device is the property of USC and is assigned to you for the duration of your employment, to be used exclusively for University purposes related to research, teaching, and professional pursuits.
The first time that you turn on your new device, you will be prompted to go through a few setup steps before you can log in:
- Make sure that you have access to an Internet connection, whether Ethernet, USC Secure wireless, or a secure home wifi network.
- Follow the setup prompts on the screen to select your language, country/region, and wifi network.
- (If you are connected by Ethernet, you will not be prompted to select a wifi network.)
- When you reach the "Remote Management" screen, click on Continue.
- The Microsoft Sign in window displays.
Do NOT use your @usc.edu login. Instead, input your login as follows: uscnetid@dts.usc.edu
- Example: if your USC NetID is ttrojan, type in ttrojan@dts.usc.edu
- Click on Next.
- The USC Dornsife Sign in window displays. Input your password (same as your USC NetID passphrase).
- Click on Sign in.
If your screen did not display the Microsoft or USC Dornsife Sign in window, please contact us at ts@dornsife.usc.edu so we can troubleshoot your computer.
- Follow the setup prompts on the screen until you reach "Create a Computer Account." Fill out the fields:
- We highly recommend making the computer account name the same as your USC NetID, to make it easy to remember.
- Make sure that the password you enter is at least 16 characters long.
- Click on Continue.
- Follow the remaining setup prompts on the screen to complete your Mac setup. Once your desktop loads, open Finder and click on your Applications folder to view available software. Please keep your Mac turned on while it automatically installs software. You should see applications such as Microsoft Office apps, Zoom, Slack, and SentinelOne gradually appear in your Applications folder.
Setting up your new Mac
Transferring files from your old computer
You should not follow Apple's instructions for using Time Machine or Migration Assistant software to transfer files from your old Mac: Apple's default processes will attempt a complete restore. This will damage your new DTS-configured Mac.
Instead, please follow our guide, "Transferring your files to a new computer."
Setting up file backup on your new computer
We strongly recommend setting up Microsoft OneDrive for computer backups. Without OneDrive in place, DTS may not be able to recover your important files in the event of loss, theft, or damage.
Setting up automatic file backup is fast, secure, and easy: you only have to set it up once on your computer, and once you do so, any files/folders added to OneDrive will be backed up and available on other devices even if you lose access to your computer:
Connecting to departmental network drives
To connect to your department's network drives, follow our guide:
Connecting to departmental network printers
To connect to your department's network printers, follow our guide:
Getting software for your new Mac
Once you set up and log into your new Mac for the first time, it will automatically begin installing default programs such as Microsoft Office, Zoom, Slack, and SentinelOne. As each program is installed, you can access it by going to Finder and clicking on your Applications folder.
For more software options, view our list of available software at "Software at USC."
For software installation instructions, view our guide, "Using Company Portal to install software for Windows PC and Mac."
Getting support for your new Mac
For any questions, you can submit a ticket to our Help Desk or start a chat with us (red droplet-shaped icon in the bottom right corner of this page).
Returning your Mac
This device is the property of USC. In using this device, you commit to responsibly caring for and maintaining it throughout your employment. Upon separation from the University, you commit to promptly returning this device in the same condition as it was received, except for normal wear and tear.
Returning your new Mac for exchange
Requests to return new IT equipment should be initiated as soon as possible. Please submit your request as a ticket to the DTS Help Desk. Return policies vary by vendor, but DTS will assist Dornsife departments and staff in assessing the options available if the return window has closed.
Returning your old computer
Recycling (e-waste)
Please refer to our guide, "Returning DTS-managed IT equipment."
Repurposing
Please submit your request as a ticket to the DTS Help Desk, specifying whether you are returning the computer to be repurposed by another member within your department or for use by other departments.