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.
While the examples below show installation of Solstice or Adobe software, the same steps can be used to install 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.
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.
After using the search box, click Install next to the item you wish to install.
Click Install again.
While the application is installing, a progress bar will show.
A Reinstall button will show up when the application has finished installing.
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.
The program that allows you to do self-service software installs is called Software Center on Windows.
Open Software Center type in Software Center to the Windows search feature.
Then open Software Center application, either by clicking Open or the App icon.
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.
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.
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.