Recommended Software

Electronic tools are the first choice for building and exchanging information. These tools must allow easy, reliable access to data, documents, and communication.

Below is a list of computer applications that Enterprise Technology Services recommends and supports. Most of these applications, along with other advanced applications, are available for use in the computing facilities in the Waterman Building, the Howe Library, and other labs around campus.

All the recommended applications will run on new computers available for purchase from the UVM Techstore in the Bookstore.

Essential Software

These applications comprise the recommended productivity applications for Windows and macOS computers. They include business applications, communications and internet tools, and virus protection.

Productivity Software

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Microsoft Office

Type SoftwareWorks With
Word ProcessingMicrosoft Word1Windows, macOS, Web
SpreadsheetsMicrosoft Excel1Windows, macOS, Web
PresentationsMicrosoft PowerPoint1Windows, macOS, Web

Database

SoftwareWorks With
Microsoft Access1Windows
FileMaker ProWindows, macOS

Web Browser

SoftwareWorks With
Microsoft EdgeWindows, macOS
Google ChromeWindows, macOS
Mozilla FirefoxWindows, macOS
SafarimacOS

Email

SoftwareWorks With
Microsoft Outlook1Windows, macOS, OWA
Apple MailmacOS
Windows Defender, built into Windows. See Microsoft Windows Security.Windows

 

1 - Included in MS Office

How to Obtain Essential Software

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The University of Vermont has licensed many software packages and provides them at a reduced price or for free to UVM affiliates. Below, we've listed sources for commonly used software. A complete list of UVM software licenses is available on our Software page.

Microsoft Office

  • Departments:
    • Microsoft Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES) provides UVM with the most current versions of Microsoft Office and Windows to UVM-owned computers.
    • Microsoft Select Agreement allows departments (and students) to purchase licenses for other Microsoft products at a reduced cost.
  • Students, Faculty, and Staff:

Email

  • Microsoft Outlook is included in Microsoft Office(see above).
  • Apple Mail is integrated with macOS and is installed on all Macs.
  • Mozilla Thunderbird is available—though no longer recommended—from Mozilla. Thunderbird does not support Exchange features (calendaring, server-based address book, notes, rules, etc.), though it can be used as an IMAP email client with UVM.

Web Browser

  • Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer are installed on all MS Windows computers.
  • Safari is installed on all Apple Mac computers.
  • Google Chrome is available for download from Google.
  • Mozilla Firefox is available for download from Mozilla.

Antivirus:

  • UVM does not currently provide antivirus software.

FileMaker Pro:

  • FileMaker Pro is available for departments at discounted academic pricing from FileMaker's Volume Licensing program. Discounts start at 1 unit. Contact a Volume Licensing representative at 800-725-2747 Mon - Fri, 5 am - 5 pm PT. FileMaker Pro for personal use is available at reduced academic prices from the Apple Store.

Network Connectivity Software

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File transfer, Shell access, Virtual Private Network

SoftwareFunctionWorks with 
TerminalSSH — Included in the macOS.macOS
PuTTYSSH — Free for educational use.Windows
FileZillaSFTP — Free for use (open source) through the GNU General Public License.Windows, macOS
FetchSFTP — Free for educational use. UVM Software Portalor Managed Software Center on managed computersmacOS
Cisco AnyConnectVPN Client — University licensed. UVM Software Portal, Software Center on managed computersWindows, macOS

Advanced and Specialized Applications

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Today's computers are capable of running applications that perform complex manipulations of images, facilitate statistical analysis, and do much more. The following recommended applications are complex and may require specific skills or additional learning. Unless otherwise noted, programs are licensed for faculty, staff, and student use. Some software manufacturers may require obtaining a license.

Calendaring 

SoftwareWorks WithLicense
M365 Calendar: OutlookWindows, macOS 
Outlook on the WebWindows, macOS, Mobile web browsers 

Statistics & Mathematics

See the ETS Licensed Software Page for details.

SoftwareWorks WithLicense
SASWindows, macOSLicensed through the Howe Library. See their SAS Licensing Information page for details.
SPSSWindows, macOS 
R and RStudioWindows, macOSFree
StataWindows, macOS 
GraphPad PrismWindows, macOS 
JMPWindows, macOS 
MathematicaWindows, macOS 
NVivoWindows, macOS 

Image Editing

SoftwareWorks WithLicense
Adobe PhotoshopWindows, macOSPurchase of license is required
IrfanViewWindows, macOSFree via the IrfanView website
PhotosWindows, macOSFree - included in macOS and Windows

Illustration

SoftwareWorks WithLicense
Adobe IllustratorWindows, macOSPurchase of license is required

Web Editing

SoftwareWorks WithLicense
Adobe DreamweaverWindows, macOSPurchase of license is required
Drupal for departmental websitesWindows*, macOS*Licensed for departmental use (*-web app)
WordPressWindows*, macOS*Licensed for students, faculty, staff, and departments (*-web app)

Bibliography and Manuscript

SoftwareWorks WithLicense
EndNoteWindows, macOS 

Music & Internet Radio Listening

SoftwareWorks WithLicense
iTunesWindows, macOSFree
Apple MusicWindows, macOSFree
Windows Media PlayerWindowsFree

Surveys

SoftwareWorks WithLicense
QualtricsWindows, macOSLicensed for current Faculty, Staff, Students, and Temporary Employees
Microsoft FormsWindows, macOSLicensed through UVM's M365 license