Software Center How-To use/Guide
Software Center
How-To Guide
Software Center is Computing and Technology Services manages and supports the Windows application Software Center, and this page contains instructions for installing it (CTS). Off-campus users can still download applications as long as they first connect to the VPN.
the start of the Software Center
Click the Start button in the bottom left corner and type “Software Center” to find the Software Center.
Clicking on it will open Software Center.
What is SoftwareCenter?
Software Center is part of Microsoft’s System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), which allows Computing and Technology Services (CTS) to deliver, manage, support, and update applications and services across campus.
Software Center will allow you to install a variety of licensed software, updates, and plug-ins on your own computer without having to contact CTS for assistance.
Using Software Center to Install Programs
For Windows 7 and 10 only:
You can install Software using Software Center by doing the following:
1) Click on your Start on your Windows machine, search for Software Center Desktop App, and click it.
2)Once in the Software Center, you will see a list of the applications that are available for download
3) To install software, click on its icon in the list, and click the Install button.
4) After the installation completes, the software icon should appear on your Desktop or in your list of programs. Click this icon to launch your newly-installed program.
Click the Install button
Using Software Center to Install Updates
You can install Software using Software Center by doing the following:
(For Windows 7 and 10 only):
1) Click on your Start on your Windows machine, search for Software Center Desktop App, and click it.
Please be aware that your computer must be Ethernet cabled directly into the university network in order to access Software Center.
2) Click on Updates to see a list of available updates.
3) A list of every update should be provided.
4) Click the update to begin the installation process. Since CTS deploys all updates, they all discreetly install in the background while you work. Clicking Restart should be all that is necessary.
5) If you would like to install all updates, click the Install All button in the top right corner.
Software Center Options
The Options tab lists the configurable Software Center options. For instance, Computing and Technology Services (CTS) controls and has exclusive access to the settings for Remote Control and Power Management. You can personalize some of these, such as Work Information.
WORK INFORMATION: Use this section to indicate the hours and days you typically work throughout the week. The Software Center will use this information to try to schedule software pushes and installs for when you aren’t working, if possible.
POWER MANAGEMENT: This section is managed by CTS and cannot be changed.
COMPUTER MAINTENANCE: This section allows you to have some flexibility over automatic installations pushed to the campus from CTS. Checking Automatically installing or uninstalling required software and restarting the computer only outside of the specified business hours will force the system to only apply updates outside of the times and dates specified in the Work Information section. Unmarkable Suspend Software Center activities when my computer is in presentation mode will allow system updates and restarts to happen while your computer is running a presentation. It is recommended that these settings remain at default.
Applications Updates
You will be asked to update an application if you have it installed and a newer version becomes available. You have the option of installing the update right away or scheduling it at any time before the deadline. It should be noted that updates will automatically include your system if the program was purchased through a direct install but later added to the Software Center.
REMOTE CONTROL: This section is managed by CTS and cannot be changed.
