Skype for Business is a component of Microsoft Office 2013, which is available for download under BU’s Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, as described below.
NOTE:
Please be sure you have reviewed the Security Considerations before using Skype for Business.
System Requirements
Detailed system requirements for Mac and Windows and supported mobile devices are provided by Microsoft. Note:
- Windows version 7 or higher is required. Skype for Business does not work on Windows XP.
- Mac OS X v10.5.8 (Leopard) or higher is required for Skype for Business.
Set up Skype for Business
Note: Many faculty and staff already have Skype for Business installed on their BU-owned computers.
- Windows – Faculty and staff are eligible to download the full version of Skype for Business (or can get the basic client from Microsoft).
- Mac – Follow our detailed instructions to download, install and configure Skype for Business.
- Mobile – Instructions are available to use Skype for Business on mobile devices. For a list of features supported on each device, see the Mobile Client Comparison Tables in the Microsoft TechNet library. For known issues, visit Microsoft’s Skype for Business page.
- Linux – (Unsupported) instructions are provided for installing and configuring Pidgin.
Log in
After you install Skype for Business/Lync for Mac, you will launch it from your computer or device just like any other application. If it’s your first time using Lync and it doesn’t connect automatically, provide your email address (login@bu.edu) and the password you use to access email, when prompted, then click Sign-in.
Guest Access
Non-BU affiliates can communicate with anyone using BU Skype for Business, as described on the Guest Access page.
Help
If you experience any problems, see Troubleshooting Skype for Business sign-in errors or submit a Help request for assistance.
Learn More
To learn more about use of Skype for Business once you have it installed, see the related Learn More page.