UniSA Standard Operating Environment (SOE)
- Introduction
- UniSA SOE version summary
- Approved Microsoft Windows and Office versions
- Licensing
- Availability
- Macintosh Desktops and Notebooks
- Information for IT Support Staff
Introduction
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 Endpoint Protection)
- 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. New versions of software only become part of the SOE once they have been tested and approved for use by ISTS.
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.
UniSA SOE version summary
The UniSA SOE comprises of a number of standard applications and utilities that are used across the University for teaching and learning, research and administrative functions. The SOE is updated on a regular basis with currently approved software versions. Details of each approved SOE version and the software included is summarised in the SOE version summary document.
Please note that the SOE is adapted by IT support staff to meet local requirements. This may involve additional software applications and settings.
Approved Microsoft Windows and Office versions
The following table summarises operating system and Microsoft Office products approved for use as part of the UniSA SOE.
| Operating System | Version | Status |
| Windows | XP Professional | Approved |
| Windows |
Vista
Business Vista Enterprise |
Not recommended |
| Windows | 7 Enterprise | Recommended |
| Office Suites | ||
| Office Professional | 2003 | Not recommended |
| Office Professional Plus | 2007 | Approved |
| Office Professional Plus* | 2010 | Recommended |
| Office Applications | ||
| Frontpage | 2003 | Not recommended |
| SharePoint Designer | 2007 | Recommended |
| SharePoint Designer | 2010 | Not approved |
* Note: SharePoint Workspace 2010 and InfoPath 2010 included as part of Office Professional Plus 2010 are not approved or supported for use on UniSA computer systems. These applications are not compatible in the UniSA environment. Equivalent 2007 products should be used as an alternative.
Licensing
There is no cost or application forms required for the use of the UniSA SOE providing the desktop or notebook computer system is purchased with a qualifying desktop operating system license (this would typically be a Microsoft Windows OEM operating system). Computer systems purchased from a UniSA Designated PC Supplier will automatically include an OEM Windows operating system licence. This version of the operating system should not be installed, but the license is essential under the University's Microsoft Campus Licence Agreement (site licensed software) because it allows an upgrade to any Microsoft desktop operating system.
Microsoft Office Suites are also licensed under the University's Microsoft Campus Licence Agreement.
Software loaded in addition to the SOE must be appropriately licensed. Information on site or volume licensed products is available from the Software Licensing page. Staff should consult with their local IT support staff by contacting the IT Help Desk for specialised software requirements.
Availability
New desktop computers and notebooks purchased from a Designated PC Supplier will normally have the UniSA SOE loaded by the supplier, this will included the current "Recommended" version of Windows and Office Suite. Local IT support staff are also able to load the SOE onto University owned computer systems. For more information please contact the IT Help Desk.
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.
Information for IT Support Staff
Additional information for devolved IT support teams on the UniSA SOE can be found on the UniSA SOE - Information for IT support staff web page (restricted access).