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Desktop Services: Useful Software Downloads for Students

Here you will find a number of useful programs that will enhance your Calvin Student Network experience. The following links will link you to the download page of each company. These companies provide a free download of their product, but be careful to choose the free download versions to avoid extra fees.

Note: These programs are offered as a service to Calvin students. We can offer tips on getting these programs to work, but we cannot send a technician out or guarantee that they will work.

Browsers

Having an up-to-date browser is important as Web technology changes and improves. Any of the browsers listed below should meet your Web browsing needs.

Microsoft Internet Explorer (Windows OS)

Firefox (Windows OS and Mac OS)

Safari (Mac OS)

Symantec Endpoint

Symantec Endpoint 11 or higher is required to connect your computer to the Calvin network. This is a free download for all current students.

Symantec Endpoint 11 (for Mac and PC)


Spyware detection and removal software

Symantec Endpoint 11 has spyware detection and removal built in. You may have to use more than one program to catch all of the problems. Two free software programs you can use are Ad-aware and Spybot. Additional Spyware information.


Updates

Having an up-to-date operating system and antivirus software is a vital part of keeping your computer secure and free of viruses.

Microsofts Office's Compatibility Pack
for viewing Office 2007 documents with older versions of Office

Windows Service Packs

Windows Update

Computer Security and Maintenance


Plug-ins

Plug-ins are enhancements for your browser (often running as stand-alone programs as well) that allow you to view movies, interactive games, and documents through your browser. These can add a great deal to your Web browsing experience. Be careful to choose the free download versions to avoid extra fees.

Adobe Shockwave and Flash players - Play many games and mini-applications online, and get full use out of certain interactive Web sites that have coordinated visual and sound cues, making for a more exciting Web experience.

Adobe Acrobat Reader - View PDF files, widely used for Web publishing.

QuickTime - Watch movie clips and other interactive media online.