UniSA Standard Operating Environment (SOE)
The University’s Standard Operating Environment (SOE) is a recommended and supported set of standard application software for use on all desktop and notebook computers used for core teaching and learning, research and administrative functions. The Standard Operating Environment is also used on all general purpose student computers. The key components of the Standard Operating Environment are:
- Word Processing (Microsoft Word)
- Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel)
- Presentations (Microsoft Power Point)
- Personal Databases (Microsoft Access)
- E-Mail (Microsoft Outlook)
- Calendar and Scheduling (Microsoft Outlook)
- Web Browsing (Microsoft Internet Explorer)
- Virus Protection (Symantec Anti-Virus)
- Document Interchange (Adobe Acrobat Reader)
- Ergonomic Software (WorkPace) - optional by request (*)
The purpose of the SOE is to maximise interoperability, increase personal productivity and reduce total cost of ownership, IT support and end user training costs.
The supported and recommended computing platform for the SOE is an Intel-based PC running Microsoft Windows.
To maintain a level of standardisation across the University Information Strategy and Technology Services (ISTS) publishes which versions of the SOE software are supported at any one time. There are normally two versions supported, the current version and the previous version. New versions of software only become part of the SOE once they have been tested and approved for use by ISTS.
When a new computer is purchased the current version of the SOE will be installed by the designated Supplier. As the SOE is centrally licensed by the University a software license application form is not required for the SOE. If software additional to the SOE is requested, please contact your Local IT via the IT Help Desk on x25000.
Staff with specific academic or research requirements for Macintosh-based software can use the Macintosh version of the software listed above. However, interoperability with the University’s corporate information systems, teaching and learning systems, portal, web and email environment is not guaranteed when using this software. ISTS does not provide support for Macintosh versions of the software listed above however FAQs and other information may be available on the website to assist staff to configure and use this software.
SOE for Windows Desktops and Notebooks
The following Windows and Office versions are currently approved for use in the SOE.
Approved Windows versions:
- Windows 2000 Professional (approved but not recommended)
- Windows XP Professional (preferred)
- Windows Vista Business (approved)
- Windows Vista Enterprise (approved)
Approved Office versions:
- Office XP Professional (supported but not recommended)
- Office 2003 Professional (approved)
- Office 2007 Professional Plus (preferred)
Other approved application versions:
- Symantec Anti-Virus 10.x (preferred)
- Office SharePoint Designer 2007 (preferred)
- Frontpage 2003 (approved)
- WorkPace 3 (*) optional by request
(*) The installation of WorkPace is optional and needs to be requested in writing. More information including the request form can be found on the OHSW WorkPace web site. A WorkPace FAQ is also available.
Please Note: There may be local conventions adopted in some Schools or Units so it is important that you check with local IT Support staff before choosing an operating system or Office version.
All Windows Desktops and Notebooks require the purchase of a Microsoft Operating System license with the computer. This version of the operating system should not be installed, but the license is essential under the University's Microsoft Site licensing agreement (Site licensed software) because it allows an upgrade to any Microsoft Desktop Workstation operating system.
Additional information for Devolved IT Support teams on the UniSA SOE can be found on the UniSA SOE IT Support Information web page.
Points to remember:
Designated Suppliers should only be installing Site licensed versions of operating systems on new machines. Use of the Site licensed version of the operating system avoids problems with individual license numbers, and also license registration issues with newer operating systems.
If the PC is sold in future, the original Operating System CD-ROM and license number must be attached, and the Select software removed.
Macintosh Desktops and Notebooks
The following operating systems can be used to run Macintosh versions of the SOE software on a Macintosh platform:
- Mac OS X or better (included in the purchase cost on all new systems)
Microsoft Office 2008 with Microsoft Entourage 2008 is the current version of the Office software for the Macintosh operating system.
Note: ISTS does not provide support for Macintosh desktops or notebooks.