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Computer Software Standards

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Computer Software Standards

The basic computer software support policy is to assist with all software in use by faculty and staff on SCU’s campus. However, the enormous variety of software products makes it impossible to deliver the same level of service for all software. Every effort is made to respond to all requests for help, but the level of support may be limited for some computers and peripherals, depending on their hardware configuration, software configuration, function, age, or other factors.

Standard Software Image

All computers supported by Technology Support Services should utilize our standard campus image. The image includes the following software:

Windows computers

  • Adobe Reader
  • BigFix
  • Google Chrome
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Mozilla Firefox ESR
  • PrinterLogic
  • MetaDefender (formerly SafeConnect)
  • SentinelOne
  • Additionally -
    • Computers purchased up to 2023
      • Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 21H2 (Microsoft Store is not included with LTSC)
      • Office 2019 Professional Plus (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word)
    • Computers purchased in 2023 and later
      • Windows 11 Enterprise (Microsoft Store is included)
      • Office LTSC Professional Plus 2021 (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word)

Mac computers

  • Adobe Reader
  • BigFix
  • Google Chrome
  • macOS 12 (Monterey) and 13 (Ventura)
    • macOS 14 (Sonoma) support not yet available
  • Mozilla Firefox ESR
  • Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • PrinterLogic
  • Safari
  • MetaDefender (formerly SafeConnect)
  • SentinelOne

If you are currently using macOS 11 (Big Sur) or below, we recommend you upgrade to macOS 13 (Ventura).

Technology Support Services does not support virtual machines on Windows or macOS. If you have an application that needs to run on an operating systems other than your primary computer, we recommend running the application on another computer.

If there is a need for additional software, it is the responsibility of the customer to procure and install. To obtain a quote for software, send your request to quotes@scu.edu.

Current Versions of SCU’s Supported Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows - Current

Microsoft Windows 11 Enterprise is used for our campus images for computers purchased in 2023 and later.

Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC is used for our campus images for computers purchased prior to 2023.

We will support any version of Windows 10 and 11, except for Windows Home, as long as the version of Windows is also supported by Microsoft.

Apple macOS - Current

Apple macOS 12 (Monterey) and macOS 13 (Ventura) are the current supported versions of macOS on SCU Faculty and Staff computers. macOS 14 (Sonoma) support is not yet offered by Academic Technology.

Current Versions of Office Productivity Software

Microsoft Office - Current

Technology Support Services currently supports the following versions of Microsoft Office:

  • Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2016, 2019, and LTSC 2021 for Windows
  • Microsoft Office 2019 and 2021 for macOS

University owned and supported Faculty and Staff computers are eligible for Microsoft Office installation based upon software agreements between Microsoft and SCU. Proof of University Ownership is required if the computer does not have a PC Replacement asset tag.

Data Transfer and Storage

Many support requests require an operating system refresh or a new installation of the standard software image on a computer. Technology Support Services understands employees may occasionally make personal use of University-owned computers. However, Technology Support Services is not responsible for the backup and restoration of non-work related data including: music, personal pictures, games, and non-SCU owned software. It is recommended that personal data be stored on external devices which are to be purchased with personal funds. The Technology Support Services support staff will have discretion identifying personal data. Please note music, photographs, and videos used in scholarly work are exempt.

End of Life Support

Once the computer is no longer under warranty (4 - 4.5 years old) or end of life, Technology Support Services can assist the customer to transfer data to an external drive or USB flash drive but will not attempt to resolve technical issues. Use of University Software is also End of Life.

Unsupported Computer

All computers which are NOT from Dell or Apple are considered unsupported. Additionally, any computers 4.5 years old or older are considered unsupported. Technology Support Services will not provide technical assistance for the computer other than decommissioning it for disposal. The reasons for the End of Life at 4 years are as follows:

  • Slow performance resulting in loss of productivity and frustrated customers;
  • Less reliable resulting in unexpected failures and downtime;
  • Computer freezing more often resulting in loss of time;
  • Increased support costs (more difficult and time consuming to support);
  • Software incompatibility issues;
  • Failing hardware, especially the hard drive and laptop batteries;
  • Environmental and use issues causing burning out connections, clogging fans, and shorting out components;
  • Security risks (operating system, software upgrades, patches, bug fixes, and security updates no longer available);
  • Software updates demand more speed and take additional system resources;
  • BIOS and drivers have limited (if any) availability after 3 years.