Software and Upgrades
Several free software applications, including university-wide upgrades to the Windows 11 operating system, can help you in your work or studies at Adelphi University.
Windows 11 Upgrade
Adelphi University will upgrade campus computers to Windows 11 starting in Summer 2023. Some computers may not initially meet the upgrade requirements and will be assessed by IT. If your computer is not eligible, IT will provide a replacement plan. Adelphi will have a mix of Windows 10 and 11 during the transition period. This upgrade is important as Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in the fall 2025.
- All systems must be upgraded to Windows 11 by October 2025. After this date, Windows 10 systems will no longer be supported.
- Some systems may require a hardware upgrade to accommodate the Windows 11 upgrade. The Office of Information Technology is developing a replacement program to assist faculty and staff with this transition.
- A standard imaging package will be released to Windows 11 users upon deployment.
- Windows 11 introduces new security features, changes to the interface, and an updated start menu. For more information, you can visit the Microsoft Windows 11 website.
- Start Button: The start button is now centered on the taskbar, along with pinned and open programs, instead of being in the lower left corner.
- Start Menu: The start menu has a completely new look, featuring a search bar, pinned programs, recommendations, and power options. It’s easy to pin programs for quick access.
- Taskbar: Right-clicking now shows a shortcut to Settings and the activity manager. For additional functions, you can right-click the start button.
- Settings: The settings interface has been completely revamped, with a new look that is more tailored for computers. It aims to provide a more intuitive user experience
- File Explorer: The file manager (Explorer) has a new interface with a narrower but improved menu bar at the top. Some common menu options, like Rename, have been replaced with icons that appear when you right-click on a file.
- Check if your computer is compatible: For desktops, any HP model newer than the HP Elitedesk 840 G4 should be compatible. For laptops, any HP model newer than the HP Elitebook 800 G5 should work.
- Open the Software Center: Click on the Start menu button, type “software,” and then click on “Software Center” under the Operating Systems section.
- Look for the Windows 11 upgrade: In the Software Center, you should find an option to upgrade to Windows 11. It may be listed as an “In-Place Upgrade.”
- Initiate the upgrade: Click on the Windows 11 upgrade option and follow the on-screen instructions to start the process. The upgrade will automatically maintain your existing settings, programs, and data.
- Let the upgrade process complete: Once you start the upgrade, it may take around one to one and a half hours to finish. During this time, you’ll see a brown Adelphi lock background on all screens. It’s important not to interrupt the process until you see the lock background again.
- Check your data and programs: After the upgrade is complete, all your data and programs should still be present. Take a moment to make sure everything is working as expected.
Free and Open Sourced Software
We’ve provided links to some of the most popular downloads. You can also find more programs for PCs, Macs and mobile devices through CNET’s Download.com. Some of the most popular software is available as a free download or open sourced.
- Microsoft Security Essentials: Guards your PC against viruses, spyware and other malware. Runs quietly and efficiently in the background so you don’t have to worry about interruptions.
- ClamXav: Free virus scanner for Mac OS X. Can be set up as passive or active: scan only the files you tell it to or your entire hard drive
- Sophos: Sophos Home Free includes always-on antivirus, parental web filtering, and remote management of up to three devices.
- 7-Zip: For Windows machines, 7-Zip compresses files easily and offers a clean and easy to use graphic interface.
- Stuffit: For Macs or PCs, this application allows you to extract zip archives and other compressed files that you may have download from the Web or received in your email. Once on the Stuffit site, scroll down to find the totally free version.
- Filezilla: This free FTP solution is open source software distributed free of charge under the terms of the GNU General Public License.
- PuTTY: A free software telnet and SSH client for Windows and UNIX. Used to run a remote session over a network.
- Open SSH: An SSH and sftp client, this non-commercial version is free for educational and home use. Encrypts traffic to eliminate eavesdropping and more.
- NiftyTelnet SSH: Adds support for encrypted terminal sessions using the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader: An essential free download that allows you to view, search and digitally sign PDF files, the standard for trusted distribution of information.
- OpenOffice: The free open-source office suite includes components for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics design, databases, and more.
- Ninite: A packager that installs updates for various products. It can be used on student laptops and at home use.
Related Tech Solutions
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Hagedorn Hall of Enterprise LL
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