Project provides access to software
   When it comes to computer software, Computing Services gives students options fit for a college budget.
Through its software licensing project, Computing Services offers students, staff and faculty members access to free or cheap software such as Norton Anti-Virus and Lotus SmartSuite.
“We noticed there was a need, and a lot of people were asking for these programs,” said Rachel Daigle, Computing Services user services analyst.
Through the years, Computing Services and several other academic departments have purchased campuswide licenses for more than 10 computer programs.
Purchasing a license allows the University to distribute software throughout campus.
“A lot of companies offer campus deals,” Daigle said. “The more you purchase, the cheaper you can get software.”
Students, staff and faculty members can visit Computing Services’ new software licensing Web site at www.lsu.edu/ocs/software/ to view a list of available programs.
One of the main software programs the University offers to everyone on campus for free is Norton Anti-Virus, a virus protection program.
Campus members can download the program through PAWS or check out the software CD from the CEBA reading room, the Middleton Library reference desk and the Office of Computing Services Help Desk, Daigle said.
Anyone on campus also can purchase an inexpensive version of Lotus SmartSuite, a package similar to Microsoft Office, from the LSU Bookstore.
Other licenses the University owns include software used for statistical analysis, math, mapping, Internet browsing and accessing mainframe computers.
“Since we’ve developed our Web site to get the word about, we’ve gotten lots of calls,” Daigle said
Computing Services also hopes to do its best at obtaining license to any other programs students, staff or faculty members request.
“It’s awesome that they’ve made this available for students,” said Joshua Austin, a psychology and pre-nursing senior. “I knew nothing about it.”
For students interested in obtaining general-use computer software, Daigle suggests they find educational retail companies.
“A lot of companies such as Windows and Adobe use educational retailers,” she said. “You can shop around the Internet for the best prices and find some really cheap software.”
The LSU Bookstore is an example of one educational retailer that offers students software programs at discounted prices.
“I wish someone would have told me about this last week when I went to buy software,” said Nick DiSalvo, a biological sciences sophomore. “From now on, I’ll check it out and take advantage of it.”
Tracy Simoneaux