Find Software

Your computer probably came with pre-installed software (for example, a Web browser and an email program) to help make it Internet-ready. However, that software may not meet your needs at Duke. OIT may not support all the software on your computer, and you may need other applications, such as virus protection or math or statistics packages. Other applications, like a media player, you may want to add for enjoyment.

The links below provide detailed information about the levels of support OIT offers for various applications, as well as free or lower-cost downloads for many types of software.

What OIT supports 

OIT's Supported Software page describes our current levels of support for scores of applications.

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Free or discounted software 

OIT provides a variety of software applications – specialized software for math and statistics, web applications, bibliography tools and more – through our Site-License software agreements. This software is purchased in bulk and distributed or resold at a discount to Duke users. Software is either downloadable with a valid NetID and password or available for purchase via an online form.

If you can't find the software you're looking for, it may be available at the Duke Computer Store at an educational discount.

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Free virus protection 

Duke offers virus protection for Windows and Mac users at no cost. Visit our Virus software page to learn more.

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Web browsers and utilities

Computers use Web browsers to get access to the Internet. OIT supports the Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers, along with several utilities that make surfing the Net easier and more fun. For more information, visit our Web Browsers and Utilities page.

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File storage & sharing 

Every member of the university community with a NetID has access to WebFiles, a free online file management service provided by OIT. Save your work to your WebFiles space from anywhere at any time. OIT fully supports this service. Read more about WebFiles.

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File transfer tools

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is commonly used to download and upload files to and from servers using secure transfer methods. OIT offers free downloads. For instructions on downloading and using the software, select the SFTP application for your operating system below.

 

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Secure communication tools 

Communicating across a computer network can be likened to shouting across a crowded room – neither the shouter nor the listener has any way of knowing who might be listening in on the conversation. SSH software provides encryption, which on a computer network lets two parties exchange information so that only they can understand it. Anyone else attempting to get in on the conversation will hear only unintelligible gibberish.

Encryption is extremely important for passwords. Sending an unencrypted password across the network is an open invitation to hackers. Once your password has been compromised, a hacker can access your personal email as well as your personal data and data stored on shared systems.

Visit our SSH page for more information and downloads.

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Easier downloading

Mac users rely on StuffIt Expander to expand compressed and encoded files to their original size and format so they can be opened. Files transmitted over a network (like the Internet) are often compressed to reduce their size and speed the transfer.

Download the free, supported version of StuffIt Expander here

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Email and IM

OIT also provides information and tools for email and messaging. Visit our Email & Messaging section to find out more.

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