Information and resources

Make sure to determine your operating system before buying software. UCSF IT Field Services (ITFS) licenses the operating systems for Windows and Apple/Mac, as well as the basic Microsoft Office suite, for all Basic and Premium customers.

For client security applications, like anti-virus or desktop encryption, visit the ITS Security Software Download site at https://software.ucsf.edu. Find our recommendations on other security products here.

Software purchase pointers

Choose additional software on Bear Buy. For a complete list of additional software available at UCSF, see SCM website https://supplychain.ucsf.edu/buying-software-and-cloud-computing and use the Dell and SHI punch-out sites at BearBuy through MyAccess. ITFS provides MS Office to its customers. Renewals for add-ons such as Project Pro or Visio Pro are the responsibility of the department or organizational group. Get more information on renewals.

If you have any questions about which software fits your needs, or if the software you need is not listed, please contact the IT Service Desk (415-514-4100), and the responding agent will create a ticket for you or submit a software request via the Employee Self Service Portal.

For personal software purchases, you can go to the Academic Software Center. This web store is hosted by Kivuto, the partner chosen to help with distribution. You will be asked to log in with your MyAccess credentials to access the store; there is a nominal cost to the vendor for the download. 

Important: You will have access to your download and key for 30 days. Therefore, you should archive both the installer and its key in case you need to reinstall at a later date. Kivuto is happy to charge you extra to archive your access for a year at an additional cost, but it is not required – do not purchase this option; just save your installer and key.