College-issued computers
College supported equipment comes with the following software:
MAC
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Google Chrome
- FireFox
- VLC Media Player
- Apple Included Software (or available as a free download with an Apple ID)
- iMovie
- Garageband
- Pages
- Numbers
- Keynote
- Photos
- iTunes
PC
- Microsoft Office (2013 or 2016)
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Google Chrome
- FireFox
- Host Explorer
- Symantec AntiVirus
- Java
Additional software is available for purchase with departmental funds. Check with your department for proper pre-purchase approvals and purchasing procedures. A pre-purchase consultation with Ted (PC) or Charlie (MAC) is strongly recommended. If the software is available in a classroom or lab, we encourge you to test the software to ensure it will meet your needs prior to purchase. The Technology team is available to assist with the installation.
Note: Software purchased made through PCards or personal funds are not allowed.
MSU Classrooms and Computer Labs
In University owned classrooms, ITServices maintains over 200+ software programs on instructor stations, classroom computers, and computer labs. ITServices publishes a list of the current software.
You will be asked to login to view the list.
Search for Classroom Software
Select Classroom Computing Software List
MSU Tech Store for on-campus purchases
MSU works with software vendors to gain a volume discount. The Tech Store is a good place to start your search for software and pricing.
There are three population categories: Departmental use, Faculty and Staff personal use, and Student use. Select the appropriate population and then click on the BROWSE button on the next page to view the entire list. You may also sort by selecting a brand from the dropdown menu.
Virtual Private Network – Remote Access
Current faculty and staff members are eligible to use MSU’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) which enables the user to connect securely back to the MSU network. Once connected, you are able to reach your file servers and remote desktop into your office computer.
To install and configure Pulse on Windows, use the guide located here: Link
To install and configure Pulse on Mac OS, use the guide located here: Link
You will be asked to login in order to view the instructions, if you do not have another MSU system currently authenicated and running on your machine.
Office 365 – Microsoft Office software
Spartan 365 is a suite of Microsoft Office software customized and configured for MSU’s unique environment. Spartan 365 offers robust features, a secure, collaborative environment, and the ability to use on multiple devices.
Spartan Drive (One Drive)
Spartan Mail
Office Software for Students, Faculty, and Staff
Camtasia – Screen and voice capturing
Camtasia is available for both MAC and PC to enhance instructional design and production.
Camtasia allows you to capture your computer screen or a portion of your screen, add PowerPoint presentations, and combine voiceovers. Simple editing that allows you to drag-and-drop effects, and includes helpful video assets.
Zoom – Video and audio conferencing
Zoom is a cloud-based platform for video and audio conferencing, mobile collaboration, and simple online meetings. Zoom’s web-based conferencing uses high-quality video and audio and is accessible on MacOS, Windows, iOS and Android mobile devices. Additionally, Zoom can be used with conventional phone lines for audio conferencing.
Skype – Video and audio conferencing
Spartan Skype (Skype for Business) lets individuals at Michigan State University communicate with one another at home and abroad. The program provides instant messaging, and the ability to make voice or video calls. Skype for Business also provides a variety of additional options including screen sharing during meetings or allowing control of your computer to others when requiring assistance.
More information and installation instructions can be found here: Link
File Depot – Internal file transfers
FileDepot is a convenient and simple way to transfer files within Michigan State University or with colleagues outside the university. Please do not use FileDepot for the transfer of sensitive Institutional Data without first encrypting the files using these guidelines. If you are transferring sensitive Institutional Data within the University you may use FileDepot Internal. Learn more about which data is considered sensitive and how to protect it by reviewing the links below:
Qualtrics – Survey tool
Qualtrics can be used for surveys as well as research data collection. The web-hosted service works across all major current browser versions and platforms. MSU has a licensing agreement with Qualtrics enabling all students, faculty, and staff to use this research survey tool at no cost. Help with Qualtrics is available online.
Via by Watermark
Via by Watermark is an assessment system designed to capture moments in the learning process so that learners can see growth, reflect on experiences, and improve. Via includes an electronic portfolio feature called Showcases where students can curate these moments along with others they can select. Showcases help learners organize content, supplement with multimedia, and share it with others. Users with accounts access Via at http://www.vialivetext.com.
Virtual Desktop
The MSU Virtual Desktop service can provide instructors and students with access to virtual computer labs on their own devices. The software available is similar to that available in on-campus labs.
The College of Education is piloting this option with a few selected courses.
Grants with software needs may want to contact Dave Dai to learn more about the system.