Question: A CD-ROM text/product for a Chemistry class (“Bridging to the Lab”) does not work on our PCs. (When you click on the .exe file, it comes up with an error message about the shortcut being moved). I tried but then explained to the 2 students that we don’t support outside software/applications/products, etc. and suggested the computing center. Is this correct? (The one student said that at her home it just opens automatically in flash).
Response: We have had problems with students trying to install software, and we do not allow it in an uncontrolled manner as running rogue EXE files can introduce viruses and cause multiple problems. Let them know that to install the software on our machines would likely be against their software license for their book. Even if it is flash based, likely it has to install support files onto our computers.
The campus computing labs have a relationship with and support the faculty so that software packages that are properly licensed and are properly licensed for installation on the machines. We do not have the staff for this type of effort, nor is it our role. We try to meet about 80% of what users need with general applications, with emphasis on library support applications.
Showing posts with label running software. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running software. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Running CDs or DVDs on horsehoe computers
Problem:
A student has a text book companion disk (DVD) that she said runs from the disk without loading files to the computer. However, it doesn’t work that way on our computers. You get the software restrictions message. I viewed some of the files on the disk and noticed that many have .exe extensions. She was able to run it in the computer lab.
Berrie's response:
Unfortunately we don’t allow students to run software from our computers, even if it is from an external drive. The reason is that malware, viruses, as well as Instant Messenger clients, etc can be run from that location. We have had a rash of these types of threats lately, so the risk is very real. If the prof can get a site license for the software we might be able to add it to our next cloning operation, but it is better run from the Computing labs.
Give me a call if you want me to go over the differences between us and CCS labs, as to why they are able to run exe programs there.
A student has a text book companion disk (DVD) that she said runs from the disk without loading files to the computer. However, it doesn’t work that way on our computers. You get the software restrictions message. I viewed some of the files on the disk and noticed that many have .exe extensions. She was able to run it in the computer lab.
Berrie's response:
Unfortunately we don’t allow students to run software from our computers, even if it is from an external drive. The reason is that malware, viruses, as well as Instant Messenger clients, etc can be run from that location. We have had a rash of these types of threats lately, so the risk is very real. If the prof can get a site license for the software we might be able to add it to our next cloning operation, but it is better run from the Computing labs.
Give me a call if you want me to go over the differences between us and CCS labs, as to why they are able to run exe programs there.
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