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Penn State Labs

Software Installation Guidelines

Penn State Labs regularly evaluates and installs software packages requested by instructors. The following guidelines apply to any software request installed in our computer labs and classrooms. Please review these guidelines and procedures before making a request.

Every software package needed for teaching purposes must be requested each academic year. Software available in previous semesters may be removed from computers if it is not requested again. To see what software is currently available in our classrooms and computer labs, please view our Software List.

Timing

  • Every software package needed for teaching purposes must be requested each academic year. Software available in previous semesters may be removed from computers if it is not requested again.
  • Requests must be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the time you need the software.
  • Requests received with less lead time will be processed on a “best effort” basis, and software may not be available for use at the start of the semester.
  • Other than general security updates, new versions of existing software are not updated after the start of a semester.
  • More time may be needed for applications that require a license server, are difficult to install on public shared systems, or have compatibility problems with the existing application suite (see below).

Compatibility and Requirements

Installing software on public, shared systems (such as classrooms and computer labs) often differs from installing on work or personal single-user systems. Each piece of software undergoes extensive review of its compatibility before installation.

Software Licensing

Software must be licensed to run on public, shared systems. Usually, academic licenses preclude the use of “research” or “business” applications on academic systems.

Common terms that typically prevent our ability to install on public, shared systems include the following:

  • coverage or restrictions on use
  • data privacy
  • export control
  • accessibility
  • intellectual property
  • termination of services

When software is requested for installation in our classrooms and computer labs, a copy of the Terms of Use or End User License Agreement (EULA), as well as proof of purchase and any licensing information, is required.

Technical Requirements

Occasionally we cannot install an application because of a technical or security incompatibility. Common issues include the following:

  • The application is outdated or there is a known vulnerability. Alternatively, the application may already be installed at a different version or may conflict with other applications.
  • The application is not able to run correctly in Windows Enterprise LTSC environments with roaming profiles. This version of Windows is different from consumer or business versions of Windows and does not include various features like Cortana or the Windows Store; some applications require these and cannot be installed.
  • The application’s software license prevents installation an a multi-user environment, or it cannot be properly controlled in such an environment.
  • The application requires administrator or elevated privileges.
  • The application otherwise violates the University’s Information Assurance and IT Security (AD95) policy.
  • The application otherwise violates the University’s Acceptable Use of University Information Resources (AD96) policy.
  • The application conflicts with the University’s Mission and Values.
  • The application is not for the purposes of teaching and learning.

Support

  • Students seeking support for academic software should first contact their instructor. Instructors should provide usage instructions and help with the software to students in their classes.
  • Any problems or issues with the installed software (e.g., error messages, software is missing) should be reported at https://labs.psu.edu/help.
  • Support for general purpose applications installed at all locations is available at https://labs.psu.edu/help.

Getting Started

To request software in our classrooms and computer labs, an instructor (or a staff member working on behalf of an instructor) should visit our Software Request page.