Free Software, Anyone?

If you’re a UB student, faculty or staff member, visit the Software section immediately to download MS Office and other titles like Maple, Mathematica and AutoCAD. Before you do, though, get your copy of Symantec Endpoint Protection anti-virus and firewall.

“You need to download Symantec Endpoint Protection right away,” said Diana Tuorto, Interim Manager with IT Policy & Communication, who handles UBIT marketing efforts and the UBIT Student Experience Survey. “It’s a very robust anti-virus and firewall that will help keep your computer and personal information safe.”

Of all of the software that UB provides, MS Office is the most popular title searched. “The Office suite and MS Windows upgrades are invaluable to me,” said Erik Halbritter, a senior Political Science student at UB.

To use even more UB-licensed software from anywhere, log on to My Virtual Computing Lab. “Public computing sites and department labs are conveniently located across UB’s campus,” Diana added. “But if you’re at home or off campus, My Virtual Computing Lab will save you time and travel.”

We wouldn’t be surprised if this is the first you’re hearing of free software. Nearly 20% of UB students who responded to the 2013 UBIT Student Experience Survey had no idea UB offered software at no cost.  

"As of the 2014 survey, 13% of UB students still report not knowing about free software. We need help getting the Word out. Pun intended!" Diana explained.

If you’re an instructor at UB, help your students get the tools they need by telling them about free software. “In the 2014 UBIT Student Experience Survey, 17% of students heard about free software through their professor or instructor," Diana added.

An additional 32% of UB students responding to the 2014 survey said they learned about free UB-licensed software from a friend or classmate.

“So tell a friend,” Diana said.