Advertised software

Overview

This page provides information about software applications that are automatically available to UWS staff computers connected to the University network. This service offers a convenient way for staff to manage the software installed on their computers. The resources on this page will help with:
  1. Understanding the service
  2. Using the service
  3. What software is available?
  4. When is the software changed?
  5. Further assistance

Understanding the service

Software makes our computers productive. Software works with the computer hardware and operating system to perform the specialised task required. Although your computer comes with some applications preinstalled (e.g. browsers, calculator, etc), most other software needs to be separately installed.

As an example, to view a PDF document, you need to have Adobe Reader installed. To use your computer for creating a document, software like Microsoft Word has to be installed.

To help make your computer time productive, most University computers connected to our network provide you with a service to assist you to manage your basic software needs. You can add or remove the software available without needing ITS support, making the service convenient and timely. The service providing this software is called Run Advertised Programs.

Information Technology Services (ITS), with kind assistance from dedicated UWS staff members, has selected, prepared, tested and made this software available to the general UWS community.

Not all software is available through this service. If you require software that isn't available, you will need to use this electronic form to request other software (PDF, 157.12 KB) (opens in a new window) for your UWS computer.

Using the service

Run Advertised Programs is available for UWS staff computers with a Microsoft Windows operating system (Vista or Windows 7). The service is installed automatically and is available once you have logged on to your computer, on the UWS network.

You can access the service by opening your Windows control panel and selecting Run Advertised Programs. Once opened you can browse, select and run any listed program.

Run Advertised Programs also displays a history of actions undertaken (time and date) and whether the installation or uninstallation succeeded. This means you can see when a program was successfully installed or removed. Select the program and click the Details button to find important details about the software before you decide to install it, such as how much disk space it will use, or whether or not the program will restart your computer after installation or uninstallation.

To help you use the service, ITS has prepared a fact sheet describing how to use Run Advertised Programs (PDF, 835.16 KB) (opens in a new window).

What software is available?

The software applications available through this service are:
  1. commonly required by UWS staff, either as primary use or dependent programs
  2. "site licensed" to the University
  3. dependent on the version of Windows installed
  4. technically and legally available for distribution to UWS
  5. also available in the general purpose labs and teaching spaces.
Even though some of the programs in Run Advertised Programs are available from other sources, it is important to note that they will not have undergone testing by ITS. Untested software may disrupt or degrade your computer's operations.

Programs available through Run Advertised Programs are automatically tailored to the version of Windows on your computer.

The software available to staff is also installed in teaching spaces across UWS. This means staff can develop teaching programs with confidence, knowing the same software (versions and configuration) is installed into the teaching spaces.

Software available through "Run Advertised Programs" for:

Microsoft Windows 7 (PDF, 71.9 KB) (opens in a new window)
 Microsoft Vista (PDF, 71.01 KB) (opens in a new window)

When is the software changed?

Software listed in Run Advertised Programs is periodically updated to reflect changes in version or functions. ITS informs UWS staff when these changes are made, and what actions you need to take. Most changes to Run Advertised Programs take place at the beginning of the year.

ITS works to keep these changes to a minimum in an effort to keep our software environment stable. When changes are made, staff are able to remove old versions and install the new ones themselves. This will help keep your computer software up to date and avoid issues relating to compatibility and functionality.

What about software that isn't listed?

ITS has prepared an online electronic form that allows you to request other software (PDF, 157.12 KB) (opens in a new window) for your UWS computer. Complete the form, press Submit, and the form will be sent to ITS for processing.

Questions? Further assistance

If you require further assistance with Run Advertised Programs, please contact the IT Service Desk on 02 9852 5111 (ext 5111).