Policy for Software Installation Requests and Request Form

Requests for installation of discipline specific software can be made to the Student Computing Services office. The Software Installation Request Form must be completed. Please read the following information before making a request. Also, see the Software Support and Definitions of Support Policy

Since technology is ever changing be sure to check this site for updated Software Installation Request Forms before completing a copy of an old one. We may need different information at that time.

Software Installation Standards

Upgrades or new software not provided by Student Computing Services but requested and purchased by faculty or departments will be installed only between semester breaks. Requests for Fall semester installations are to be made prior to the end of June before the Fall semester.

Requests for Spring semester installations are to be made prior to the end of the Fall semester. The Fall and Spring semesters are reserved as "no change" times so that the work of the students is not interrupted by constant installations and changes to the computers they are trying to use. Only problems will be fixed during active semesters.

Software requests for Summer sessions should be made well in advance of the end of the Spring semester to ensure availability for the summer sessions. During the summer is when SCS does hardware and software upgrades. So any installations that need to be done before the start of a summer session needs to be given to SCS as soon as possible in order to work it in between projects.

At the time of the request, copies of the proof of purchase for the appropriate number of licenses as well as the installation documentation, software media, and installation request form need to be given to SCS. Any software that is on order and has not arrived is considered as not being made available to SCS and therefore will miss the deadline if not received by the appropriate request deadline date. The process for SCS to install and assure stability of software packages requires several steps that are not required when installing software on an office or personal computer at home. SCS has security issues to work around as well as compatibility issues. The software is installed into what is called an "image" rather than individually on each computer in the labs. This image is tested before it can be copied to all other lab computers. Often times when there are problems with software not working in the SCS environment the system administrators need to contact companies/developers and wait for replies or assistance. All of this is done in order to assure that if for some reason a computer in the lab becomes unusable, it can be quickly "re-imaged" back to the working state without going through all the installation work and and problems again.

The software should be checked for compatibility with SCS operations prior to purchase. Any software that poses a threat to SCS security or operation will be refused. Those planning on acquiring software for use in the SCS computer labs are urged to contact SCS before purchasing to ensure feasibility of using the software in the SCS environment. Any software causing problems with currently loaded software will have to be removed. Software using hardware/software dongles may be refused due to the inability to protect such locks from theft and/or inability to provide lock servers. The requesting department may be asked to provide a server if needed for a license server.

Due to the "public" nature of the lab computers, certain settings such as Registry Settings are locked so users cannot change the settings. Software requiring these settings to be open and changeable cannot be installed.

Textbooks often come with CDs. Some of these CDs will require installation of a driver or software in order for the students to be able to use them in the labs. Please check the CDs in a lab setting. If it will not work properly provide SCS with a copy of the CD along with a letter from the publisher stating their approval for us to install whatever is necessary on the lab computers.

Software considered "Beta" will only be installed with the understanding by the requestor that Beta means untested and usually problems are unsupported. If problems occur during the use of the software in the labs the requestor understands that there may be no solutions available or may not occur in a timely manner. The requestor will be required to work out any fixes or patches with the creator of the software.

Software considered "Demo" will not be installed unless a letter from the company is provided stating that the software can be used for an indefinite period of time and on multiple computers. Demo software is intended usually for a one time use to see if you would like to purchase the software and is not intended to be a "free license" to continually use the software for a class. Many companies have not supported Demo software installations in our lab setting.

For software that has been provided by faculty and/or a department and has been installed on SCS computers, it is the responsibility of the provider to pay for any needed updates as necessary. Periodically, as SCS upgrades operating systems or makes other changes, updates to software will be necessary. Failure to provide updates for installed software may result in its removal.

Please alert SCS staff if you no longer need software to be installed which you had previously requested. This will allow us to remove older non-used software and to free up disk space.

Also see our Policies webpage.