Student computers purchased through MCAD, along with school owned equipment, will receive packaged software and updates from the school, and MCAD manages this software through a Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform used for devices with macOS.
Most of the applications available for use by students, faculty, and staff are distributed automatically on their equipment as long as their device is managed by MCAD’s MDM system. The licenses for these software packages are generally owned by the school and may not be used by those not associated with the school or after leaving/ending their relationship with MCAD for any reason.
Certain software required for classes and available to students will not be pre-installed or registed on student computers. Some of this software can optionally be installed by students through the self-service application of the MDM but much of the rest requires that the MCAD user apply for and manage their own license from the software maker (Autodesk and Toon Boom being the two main examples).
The following is a list of the primary software available to all of our users regardless of purchase origin or device ownership, with any exceptions noted:
Adobe Creative Cloud
Full versions of over 15 professional grade and industry standard applications and tools used in almost every aspect of digital art production. Please be aware to use the latest versions of these programs macOS must be updated current. If you cannot update for whatever reason please contact the Help Desk for assistance.
Currently our Adobe licensing agreement enables users at MCAD to activate Creative Cloud software on up to two (2) computers at a time with the use of a single Adobe ID associated with an MCAD account, but the software may not be launched simultaneously on both computers.
As a student access to Adobe applications is terminated 21 days after graduation, or is terminated immediately upon withdrawal or expulsion. For staff and faculty access is terminated immediately on departure from the institution.
Microsoft Office for macOS
Available in lab computers, school owned equipment, and managed computers. Not available to student equipment not purchased through MCAD.
As a student access to Office is terminated 21 days after graduation, or is terminated immediately upon withdrawal or expulsion. For staff and faculty access is terminated immediately on departure from the institution.
Autodesk Suite
Currently Maya is installed in lab computers, and available to install on personally owned equipment after applying for an educational license from Autodesk. Additional applications may be installed after obtaining a license.
FormZ
License available to install on personally owned equipment after applying for a license from AutoDesSys.
Max 8
Available in lab computers or as an optional download on MDM managed devices. Not available to students equipment not purchased through MCAD.
Printer Drivers
These are managed via our Papercut printing server. Please see this article to learn how to add printers to your device. Staff please contact the Help Desk printers in your department added to your device as there are not managed via PaperCut.
Tablet Display drivers
Preinstalled on lab computers to enable the instant use of drawing tablets. On personal devices they’re available through device manufacturer website.
Scanner drivers
These are preinstalled on lab computers and optionally available on managed computers.
We also install other applications, mostly free or open source.
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
These applications are available through the Self Service application:
- Blender: Open Source 3D modeling software
- EpsonScan: Scanner drivers
- Microsoft Outlook: Only available on managed devices. Email client. Please be aware Google recommends the use of Gmail via a web browser or the official mobile app and does not support the use of third-party clients such as this one.
- VLC Media Player: Multi-format media player suitable for most video playback needs.
- HP printer driver package: Supplemental drivers for HP printers that are not managed by PaperCut.
There is additional specialty software available in lab computers (animation, 3D design, 3D printing) that are only available to specific majors. Instructions on how to access and use such software or hardware will be issued to students directly by faculty and staff.
As part of the institution you are free to install software you need to facilite your work as long as it is not disturbing the functioning and performance of the school’s resources or network.