Hardware
- Windows PCs
- Black and white laser printing
- Large screen monitors
- Disability accessible state
Current Software
| Software Name & Version | Purpose | Vendor |
|---|---|---|
| 7Zip | Open source Windows utility for manipulating archive files | 7Zip.org |
| Access 2016 | Database management system | Microsoft |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader DC | Open Adobe PDF documents | Adobe |
| ArcGIS & Tools | Geographical information system (GIS) software for handling and visualizing geographic data | Esri |
| Audacity | Audio recording and editing software | Open source software |
| Balabolka | Text-to-speech (TTS) program | CROSS+A |
| Claro | Assistive Technology for reading difficulties like dyslexia | Claro Software Co. |
| DjVuLibre | Images & PDF tool | DjVu |
| Excel 2016 | Create Spreadsheets | Microsoft |
| FileZilla | Free FTP Client | FileZilla |
| Firefox | Web browser | mozilla.org |
| FSReader | DAISY (digital accessible information system) format reader for PCs | Freedom Scientific |
| Fusion | Accessibility tool for all levels of vision problems; combines JAWS and ZoomText in one package | Freedom Scientific |
| Ghostscript | Interpreter for PS and PDF file to allow displaying and printing | Artifex Software |
| GIMP | Open source photo editing tool | GIMP |
| Google Chrome | Web browser | |
| Google Earth Pro | 3D rendering of the Earth based on satellite imagery | |
| ImgBurn | Disk burning | Lightning UK! |
| JAWS | Screen reader | Freedom Scientific |
| Microsoft Edge | Web browser | Microsoft |
| Notepad++ | Text editor | Don Ho |
| OneDrive | Cloud storage client | Microsoft |
| OneNote 2016 | Note taking app | Microsoft |
| Powerpoint 2016 | Slide creation and presentation program | Microsoft |
| Project 2016 | Project planning and management tool | Microsoft |
| Publisher 2016 | Layout, design, and publishing software | Microsoft |
| PuTTy | Free implementation of Telnet and SSH, along with an xterm terminal emulator | PuTTy |
| R | Free software environment for statistical computing and graphics | The R Project for Statistical Computing |
| RStudio | IDE for R | RStudio |
| Skype | Video chat, video conferencing, and instant messaging platform | Skype Technologies |
| Texmaker | Open source LaTeX editor | XM1 Math |
| VLC | Open source media player | VideoLAN.org |
| Word 2016 | Word processor | Microsoft |
| Zoomtext | Screen magnifier/reader | Freedom Scientific |
Information for Instructors
If you plan an assignment using either existing Lab software or your personal software, please contact Paul Ludecke, lab manager, to discuss your needs. This is important even if you have used the software previously, since a new version may have been installed, or the configuration or location may have changed since the last time you used the software. Keeping us informed of your software needs helps us direct students to the correct software for their course and helps us plan future workstation configurations.
The Commons Lab staff can install and configure software for course use, and will also install data files for class exercises. Contact us as early as possible if you need software installed. There is a fee for this service. Installation of course-specific software or files are subject to the approval of the Lab Manager. Installation on lab machines should be regarded as a last resort method. Preferred methods would be distribution via the web or on departmental-based servers, giving students the widest possible access.
US copyright and licensing laws cover software. You must provide evidence of ownership (original manuals or disks, license, or registration) before instructor-owned software can be installed.
Policies
Do not load software on the Commons computers. This may violate copyright law/license agreements, uses valuable disk space, and risks spreading computer viruses. Exceptions may only be made after discussion with the Lab Manager.
Learning Commons software is protected by United States copyright law and/or license agreements. Making copies is strictly prohibited.
Health-related material is sometimes graphic and may make some users uncomfortable. Please respect their concerns when viewing such material by choosing the least visible workstation or turning your monitor away from others.
