Do I need to update my license file?

Once each year, all MATLAB TAH licenses must be reactivated online in order to continue running MATLAB under BU’s site-wide license. License files must be updated by July 30. After that date, if you have not updated your license file, you will be prompted to do so when you launch MATLAB.

Current BU students, faculty, and staff only are eligible to update the license file(s) for their Individual license(s). Lab managers may need to transition their Campus licenses to the Concurrent license model. IS&T staff have updated BU’s main Concurrent license.

More details and instructions are available at the MATLAB Annual Renewal site.

I’m not a current BU student, faculty, or staff member. Can I use MATLAB at BU?

If you have a BU login and Kerberos password, you can use MATLAB when it is installed on BU owned workstations that you have access to (e.g. those at the Library, classroom labs, and research labs). Research Collaborators on SCC Research Projects may use MATLAB on the SCC.

Only current BU students, faculty, and staff may use the MATLAB TAH license on their personal machines.

If you are not eligible to use BU’s MATLAB TAH license, and would like to acquire your own individual license, please contact MathWorks at: https://www.mathworks.com/store?s_tid=gn_store

How do I get an Individual stand-alone TAH license?

All current BU students, faculty, and staff are eligible to get MATLAB for each of the computers they personally use (home and office). Create a MathWorks Account at the MathWorks BU Portal, login, download the software, install the software, and activate the license.

What is BU’s MathWorks Total Academic Headcount (TAH) license number?

40523728

How can I get assistance solving my MATLAB licensing problem?

You can find much useful information on BU’s MATLAB TAH license page, send email to ithelp@bu.edu, visit the MathWorks installation support page, or contact MathWorks support at MathWorks Support link.

How can I use MATLAB off campus?

We recommend transitioning to the Individual stand-alone TAH license. If necessary, you can access the BU concurrent network license by using the VPN.

I get a “-39” error code when I start MATLAB. What does this mean?

This license error code means that you are using the concurrent network license but working outside the BU network. You can use the VPN if you are off campus, but we highly recommend transitioning to the Individual stand-alone TAH license.

When should I use the BU Concurrent network license?

The Concurrent license is the best option for Shared-use Workstations that have stable and continuous access to the BU campus network. Once set up, these machines will have perpetual access to MATLAB as long as you are on the BU network and BU continues to update the TAH each year.

When should I use a Campus license?

The Campus license is appropriate for a single workstation running MATLAB used by multiple people that is not always on the BU campus network, but this license must be renewed on each machine using it annually. Please see the instructions for setting up the Campus license. If the machine is being used by just one person, use the Individual license instead.

What do I need to do if I use multiple versions of MATLAB on my machine?

If you require multiple versions of MATLAB on your machine you should activate each version against the Individual stand-alone TAH license by running the MATLAB activation program for each installed version. Multiple versions of MATLAB can also be installed under the Concurrent or Campus license models but each must be maintained/updated separately.

How do I find out my MATLAB version and license number?

Once you launch MATLAB, go to Help -> About MATLAB.

How can I get access to a toolbox not currently included in BU’s TAH program?

A selection of 49 add-on products was selected for BU based on interest and popularity. If you need to use one that is not on that list, it would have to be purchased. Please send email to ithelp@bu.edu with your inquiry.

Is there a 32-bit version of MATLAB for Windows?

MATLAB 2015b is the final version which has support for 32-bit Windows.

Where can I learn more about how to use MATLAB?

The MathWorks BU Portal has a variety of training resources. Research Computing Services (RCS) has created help pages specifically for using MATLAB on the Shared Computing Cluster (SCC) and offers tutorials on MATLAB.

Where can I find the answer to a question that doesn’t appear above?

General questions and questions on installing MATLAB should go to the IT Help Center at ithelp@bu.edu.

Researchers who require assistance with debugging or optimizing their MATLAB code can send email to help@scc.bu.edu.

MathWorks provides extensive online support and training resources at the MathWorks BU Portal.

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