Self Service and Software Center

Biology IT provides a method to install software on university-owned computers (not personal computers) without requiring IT assistance or administrative rights.  For macOS systems this application is called Self Service and for Windows systems the application is called Software Center.  To use Self Service or Software Center you must be on the ISU campus network or connected by VPN.

If you are a student looking to install Adobe products onto your personal computer due to the COVID-19 situation, see these separate instructions.

While the examples below show installation of Adobe software, the same steps can be used to install WebEx or other software.

Jump to Windows - Software Center

MacOS - Self Service

If you are running Windows, scroll down for Windows-specific instructions.

Watch the video tutorial on how to install software using MacOS - Self Service or continue reading for step-by-step instructions.

Open Self Service from the Applications folder. If you cannot find Self Service, please contact us.

Screenshot of the Self Service program in Finder.

Find the software you wish to install by using the search bar in the upper left or click a category on the left hand side.

Screenshot of the Self Service application

After using the search box, click Install next to the item you wish to install. 

Screenshot of using Self Service to find an application

Screenshot that shows installation prompt for Adobe Illustrator

While the application is installing, a progress bar will show.

Screenshot showing application installation progress for Adobe Illustrator

When Self Service is finished the application, you will see a notification that is is complete and ready to be used.  Depending on the application installed, it may also appear in your dock.

Screenshot showing application installation has completed for Adobe Illustrator

 

Windows - Software Center

The program that allows you to do self-service software installs is called Software Center on Windows.

Watch the video tutorial on how to install software using Windows - Software Center or continue reading for step-by-step instructions.

Open Software Center by going to Start Menu -> Microsoft System Center -> Software Center.

Screenshot of the Software Center in the windows menu

Find the software you wish to install by using the search bar in the upper right or looking for it using the sort by or other filters.

Screenshot of searching Self Service

Click on the application you want to install.  It will tell you more details about the application including version, estimated time to install, and size.  Click Install and wait for it to finish.

Screenshot of an installation page

A notification should appear when it is finished installing.  Go the the Start Menu to find your new software.

If you run into any problems with software installs, please contact Biology IT support.