Software

Operating Systems

Supported Operating Systems

Windows:     Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 & Windows XP with Service Pack 3
OS X:           10.8 (Mountain Lion), 10.7 (Lion) & 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
Ubuntu:        12.04 LTS

Earlier versions to the ones listed no longer receive security updates from the manufacturers and therefore are no longer supported.  However, ISA will continue to support these legacy operating systems on a best endeavour basis*, but we recommend upgrading these as soon as possible.

Please Note: support for Windows XP will end on 8^th April 2014, when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance.

*where they are still necessary to run old equipment or software

Windows 8

Support for the Windows 8 operating system is currently limited to accessing University services (such as Wi-Fi and VPN) from personally owned devices. The University will not be moving its standard Windows operating system to Windows 8 until the relevant testing, training and system enhancements have been completed. Until such time, ISA continue to recommend the use of Windows 7 and devices that support Windows 7.

Client Software

The table below lists the common software available to all staff within the University.

The Direct Services team have implemented a new method to deploy Windows software to staff.  Direct Services are now able to advertise different software packages to staff either globally (Public Advert) or to a specific group (Private Advert).  At the moment only a small list of software is available but Direct Services are working to add new packages.

If you would like a piece of software installed that is available by a public advert you can install it yourself.  If the software is available by private advert you will need to e-mail your Support Team so that the advert can be pushed to your PC.  Once you see the advert you will be able to install the software yourself.  Software listed as request by e-mail will need to be installed by a member of Direct Services staff either remotely or in person.

If you would like more details on how to obtain software for use on your personal PC you can view our Software for Home page.

If you believe software is missing from your work PC please contact your Support Team.  For teaching room PCs please contact av-support@aston.ac.uk.

If you wish to install any software that is not listed please contact your Support Team who will be happy to help.

¹ A teaching room is a University pool teaching room, it does not include school owned rooms and computer labs

² Microsoft Office includes the following software: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access.  Outlook is also available for work and personal PCs.