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Software and hardware

Software and hardware icon

There are several ways that students, faculty and staff can acquire software and hardware.

Can I get software for my computer?

Free Microsoft software is available at: uWare.  The Student Technology Fee Committee has purchased licenses for Microsoft Office and Microsoft Operating system upgrades.

Virtual Desktop Access

ViDA (Virtual Desktop Access) gives students 24/7 remote access via a virtual desktop to high-end software (Adobe products) normally available only in technology spaces on campus.

ViDA allows UW students to access high-end software from the computer and location of their choosing. Access to a Virtual Desktop will be available to students from any location with Internet access—whether on or off campus. Visit UW Seattle Scholarly and Learning Technologies to reach the ViDA Login and information page.

Other discounted software and hardware

The University Bookstore Tech Center offers competitive and, in some cases, significantly discounted prices for students on hardware and software. The Tech Center stocks a wide variety of software at academic prices. They have titles by Adobe, Microsoft, Autodesk, and more! Any purchases made through the UW Seattle location can be shipped to the UW Tacoma bookstore for easy pick-up.

When purchasing a computer, ask the vendor to be sure it has all operating system updates and has anti-virus and anti-spyware programs to help protect the computer against viruses, worms, trojans, and other malware attacks.

Anti-virus software

Can I get software for home?

Microsoft software for personal use (Home Use Program)

Faculty and staff are eligible to obtain one copy of the latest version of Microsoft Office to install on their personally-owned computer, which they can use for both personal and UW work.

To obtain your copy of Microsoft Office:

  1. Go to the Microsoft Home Use Program site.
  2. Follow the instructions. When requested, enter this Program Code: DBB13E977D

Other software and hardware

The University Bookstore Tech Center offers competitive and, in some cases, significantly discounted prices for faculty, staff, and students on hardware and software. The Tech Center stocks a wide variety of software at academic prices. They have titles by Adobe, Microsoft, Autodesk, and more! Any purchases made through the UW Seattle location can be shipped to the UW Tacoma bookstore for easy pick-up.

Faculty and staff may purchase various software packages for use on their personal computers. Sign in to view available software.

When purchasing a computer, ask the vendor to be sure it has all operating system updates and has anti-virus and anti-spyware programs to help protect the computer against viruses, worms, trojans, and other malware attacks.

Anti-virus software

How do I get software or hardware for my work computer?

Computer Services must approve all computer hardware, computer software and computer peripheral purchases. Request for all computer related hardware and software issues should be submitted to tachelp@u.washington.edu

Computer Services purchases computers from national manufactures under state contract. These computers have a high-end processor and memory sized well above the minimums required to process the standard sets of software. We standardize the equipment to facilitate deployment and repair. Software is purchased under volume licensing agreements when available.

Peripherals are purchased from preferred equipment vendors. These vendors offer lower prices and excellent customer service.

Standard Desktop software

All UW Tacoma computers will be loaded with the Standard Desktop Software described below.

  • Microsoft Office Professional: Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Adobe Reader
  • WinZip (for unzipping files)
  • Graphical FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program
  • Telnet program (for email access)

Computer Services will install all software-whether standard or non-standard-on UW Tacoma-owned machines.

How do I order software?

Submit a request for ordering software.

Departments or faculty who purchase specialized, non-standard software must consult with Computer Services before purchasing. Departments are responsible for the initial and upgrade costs of specialized software. Computer Services will install this software but can provide only limited support. Inventories and licenses for departmental or faculty software will be maintained by Computer Services if installed on UW Tacoma machines.