Computer Software

There are several possible avenues to get the software you need (often for free) while you are a student at UMass. For software you must purchase, you can often receive a student discount. Visit the OIT software page for more information.

OIT hosts a variety of programs that are available free for download for Windows, Macs, and Linux machines. This includes antivirus software, Internet browsers, FTP/SSH clients, calendar programs, and miscellaneous other utilities.

You can get select Microsoft and Adobe programs for free or at a fraction of the retail price if you follow the links from the OIT website. Some programs that are available for free or for a discount are student versions of Adobe Creative Suite, Matlab, Mathematica, others. Make sure to check it before you purchase something full price!

There is a joint program between UMass and the Microsoft Developers Network to offer Microsoft software for free to University members as long as it is for personal use. Not everything is available, but if you need a different operating system, visual basic or other MS software, this is the best deal out there (it’s free!).

The Biology Computer Resource Center (BCRC) is in Morrill, room 367. The BCRC is a computer lab run by the Biology Department that has several computers and a variety of software is available. If you need some software and can’t find it elsewhere, check with the BCRC before you buy it.