Aston University has many agreements with software vendors to provide unlimited use of their software; however this only allows installation on University owned devices and this prohibits use on personal devices such as laptops or home computers.
The following lists some of the software in use at the Univeristy and the process to obtain it for use on a personal device.
Antivirus Software
If you are working on a home / personal device and transferring files / documents to the university network then we ask that you have reasonable protection against viruses. For Microsoft Windows users we recommend that you have Microsoft Security Essential installed. This is a free download available from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/products/security-essentials.
SPSS – Statistics Package
The University agreement only allows the use of the software for academic / teaching purposes and explicitly states that it must not be used for commercial activities. However students can install it on their personal devices for the purposes of studying.
The software can currently be borrowed from the Library on a short loan to install it. You will also be asked to sign a copy of the software agreement.
Endnote
Through an extension of the university license both staff and students are permitted to purchase a perpetual license (does not expire) for Endnote at a greatly reduced rate.
To obtain the software you will need to visit http://edustore.adeptscience.co.uk/
Here you will be asked to identify which university you belong to and then to authenticate to the site using your normal university username and password. Once authenticated you will be presented with the discounted prices.
Endnote Web
As an alternative to purchasing Endnote there is an online service called Endnote Web available. You can register for the service at https://www.myendnoteweb.com/EndNoteWeb.html
Just select the 'institutional login' link towards the bottom of the page to get started.
Mathematica
Students wishing to install Mathematica will need a Wolfram ID to obtain the software. If you don't have one then follow the link to the Wolfram portal and create one. Please note: You must use your Aston e-mail address when registering for your Wolfram ID.
Once you have created a Wolfram ID, please use the link below to obtain the software and license.
https://user.wolfram.com/portal/requestAK/1d232faf7df3fd0d6e827a76e4fc33a2eb92d55e
The Dreamspark service is now available - 31st October 2012
Students studying in the School of Engineering and Applied Science have access to the Dreamspark programme. This service gives students access to a variety of Microsoft software, including Windows 7, Visual Studio and Project, for free. The software can be used for University and personal non-commercial projects, and students may continue to use these products for non-commercial purposes even after they graduate.
Eligible students will be sent an e-mail during their first year with their username (their University e-mail address) and password and they can access the service from anywhere via the Aston University Engineering Dreamspark web site. If students have forgotten their password they can follow the forgotten password link from the Dreamspark site log in page.
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