AntiVirus Software Faculty and staff have access to free Symantec AntiVirus software for both personally-owned and University-owned computers through the OIT Help Desk. This software is available for both Windows and Macintosh computers. Students can purchase antivirus software at an academic discount through the University Bookstore, or they can download and install our recommendations for free antivirus software over the Internet.
The Office of Information Technology recommends each department engage in a backup plan for computer files. Each individual’s desktops and laptops can be backed up in a number of ways.
The most efficient method is to purchase a backup service to have files backed up automatically to an offsite location. OIT has reviewed several offerings and recommends departments use Carbonite Business. The base offering is appropriate for approximately 8 user’s worth of data. From there, additional add-on packages can be arranged as needed.
Pricing is worked out yearly and can be paid via Pcard.
For more information on using Carbonite Business, or to discuss any other backup solutions, please contact the Help Desk at 426-4357, or email helpdesk@boisestate.edu.
Department specific software is defined as software used only by one (or a few) departments or areas on campus. Department software in use at the University includes:
- ACEware
- The Financial Edge
- ICVERIFY
- PowerPark
- PyraMED
- The Raiser’s Edge
- Resource25
- STARS
- State VPN
- US Bank
The OIT Help Desk supports handheld and smartphone connectivity with Google Apps email and calendaring tools.
The OIT Help Desk supports Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Apple Safari web browsers. Keep in mind some University software systems are designed to either work exclusively or “best” with Microsoft Internet Explorer.
LabVIEW from National Instruments is available for campus use. LabVIEW is a graphical programming environment used by engineers and scientists to develop sophisticated measurement, test, and control systems using intuitive graphical icons and wires that resemble a flowchart. LabVIEW offers unrivaled integration with thousands of hardware devices and provides hundreds of built-in libraries for advanced analysis and data visualization. The LabVIEW platform is scalable across multiple targets and operating systems. To obtain LabVIEW, visit the Office of Information Technology in the Business Building, B-112.
Mathematical/Statistical Software
Maple
Maple is an essential tool for researchers, teachers, and students in any technical discipline. It lets you explore, visualize, and solve even the most complex mathematical problems, reducing errors and providing greater insight into your problem. Maple is available for campus use by joint funding from the Math Department and the Office of Information Technology. To obtain Maple, contact Otis Kenny, Associate Professor, Department of Math at 426-3348.
Mathematica
Mathematica software is available through a University site-license for installation on University-owned computers. Mathematica is also available at cost for personal computers, as well as for students.
MATLAB
MATLAB is a high-level language and interactive environment that enables you to perform computaionally intensive taks faster than with traditional programming language such as C, C++, and Fortran. Requests for MATLAB accounts can be made by submitting a request using Help Desk Self Service.
Microsoft Office Suite Applications
The OIT Help Desk supports all versions and platforms of the Microsoft Office Suite of applications. Microsoft Office is available at no charge to any University employee for installation on University-owned Windows and Apple computers per our Microsoft Site License.
License for Home Use
Microsoft Office 2013 (for Windows) or 2011 (for Mac) is available for a nominal download fee for personal home use for faculty and staff through our Microsoft Home Use Program.
Learning Resources
Training for using Microsoft Office 2013 can be found on Microsoft’s website.
You can also download free handy Custom Guide Microsoft Office reference sheets in PDF format.
Other quick reference guides for Microsoft software (including other versions of Microsoft Office) are available on our Custom Guides web page. Additionally, Computer Based Training for Microsoft software is available at no charge through our Microsoft Site License.
SPSS, SAS and NVivo Statistical Software
Qualtrics survey software is available to support teaching, research and administration at the University. Qualtrics features include:
- easy built-in “wizards” to create surveys
- sample surveys on various topics for your customization
- integrated sending and tracking of email invitations
- integrated graphics and statistical tools
- ability to export data to Excel or SPSS with full syntax
Information on how to obtain a Qualtrics account and use the Qualtrics system is available through Academic Technologies.
vmWare and VirtualBox are desktop virtualization software programs that allow you to run one or more operating systems in addition to a computer’s primary operating system. vmWare can be purchased by individuals and departments. The OIT Help Desk can troubleshoot vmWare desktop virtualization software installation issues. VirtualBox is a free, open-source application. The OIT Help Desk can troubleshoot VirtualBox software installation issues.
Web Editing Software and Web Accounts
WordPress is Boise State’s enterprise service for creating University websites without having to know HTML; it’s also a great way to allow multiple people to contribute and maintain website content. The OIT Help Desk supports installation and connectivity issues for WordPress and all other web editing software, as well as supports basic HTML troubleshooting.
- Instructions for configuring SFTP to upload files to OIT web servers (via clients such as FileZilla and Dreamweaver) can be found at webguide.boisestate.edu.
- The OIT Help Desk does not provide support for designing websites or training on using web editing software. If you are interested in fee-for-service web design and web editing (including WordPress), Printing and Graphics Services can serve your needs.
The Help Desk facilitates requests for website permissions and website creation through Help Desk Self Service.
Of course, the OIT Help Desk is available for any questions you may have regarding software services.
Contact us at 426-4357, or via e-mail at helpdesk@boisestate.edu.