Ordering software from McGill's Software Site


OVERVIEW

Target audience: McGill students, faculty, and staff.

This article provides step-by-step instructions on downloading and installing free software from McGill's Software Licensing Site. The site also offers academically discounted titles for purchase.

In this article:

Ordering and installing software

    1. Go to the Software Licensing site.

    2. Click the Start Shopping link at the bottom of the Welcome page.



    3. You will be signed in automatically if you are already logged into other McGill systems. You will only need to complete steps 4-6 the first time you sign into the site.



    4. Login using your McGill Username and McGill Password.

      Single Sign-on login screen with username and password fields and a Sign in button

    5. Check the Don't show this again box and click Yes.

      Important note: Students and staff have access to a different set of software. If you have a double status, you may need to switch between the two; do not check the box and select No.

      When you need to switch between accounts:       log out, close all your browser windows, and log back in to select the account.



    6. Click the Start Shopping button again to open the software selection page.

      Click the Start Shopping again to open the software page

    7. Scroll through the products, or use the Search feature to find your desired software. 
      Click on a product to view the full product description. If there is more than one version of the product, be sure to select the one for your computer's operating system. For most free products, you will be limited to one per order. However, for products purchased via FOAPAL or P.O., you may specify the quantity needed for bulk orders.
      If you do not find the product you need, contact the IT Service Desk.

      software available


    8. Click Add to Cart when you are ready to proceed.

    9. To review the contents of your shopping cart and complete your order, click View full cart, or select Back to shopping to add more products.



    10. For products requiring payment, you will see a screen like the one below. You may pay via FOAPAL or Purchase Order (SigmaPlot only).



    11. Review the contents of your shopping cart.  If you want to remove a product from your cart, click the red X button next to the item. When you are ready to proceed with your order, click Check Out.



    12. From the Details screen, click Download to download and install the software. Read any specific installation instructions for the product below the Redemption Instructions link (on the Details screen). If there is an activation key, be sure to copy this for later.



    13. On the next screen, download the software:

      1. Click Download.



        Note: Depending on the software you ordered, the download could take some time (e.g., it can take five hours to complete a SAS software download).

      2. A window will open. Choose the location on your computer where you want to save the installer. Typically this is your Desktop or Downloads, but whatever you choose, make sure it is easy to find.



        NOTE: If the folder is zipped, make sure to unzip it before you try to do the installation. To unzip, right-click on the folder and select Extract All.

      3. Click the unzipped folder with the name of the software you ordered, then click on the setup (.exe) file to start installing the software.

    Re-installing software

    If you need to re-install software you have previously purchased or downloaded for free, you have two options:


    Locating the installation files saved on your computer

    If you need to reinstall the software on the same computer, check first to see if the original installation files are saved.

    On Windows

    When you download software, the installation (setup) files remain on your computer, usually in the Downloads folder (e.g., C:\Users\your_username\Downloads). If you need to reinstall the software on the same computer, check that folder for the original installation files (.zip or extracted .exe).

  1.  

    On Mac

    Depending on your browser, you may be prompted to save the installation files on your computer when you download the software. If prompted, create a folder such as My Downloads and save all such files there for future use. If you are not prompted, the installation files will be automatically stored in the Downloads folder in Finder. (Finder has a smiley face icon.)

    Downloading additional installation files from the Software Licensing site

    On the McGill Software Licensing site, each software order counts as a sale of one license. You are also allowed a second free download (a total of two) if your download fails or the computer crashes, and you must re-install the product.

  2. If you can't find the original installation files on your computer:


    1. Go to the Software Licensing site.
    2. Login using your McGill Username and McGill Password.
    3. At the top right corner of the page, click the arrow next to your name and select Your Account/Orders.


       
    4. Your previous Orders & Downloads* will be displayed. Click the View Details button under the software you want to re-download.



    5. Click on the download link for the product you wish to re-install and follow the onscreen instructions. For detailed installation instructions, see Ordering and installing software.

      NOTE: If you need assistance finding old files, locating products purchased before April 2011, or cannot find a specific product, contact the IT Service Desk.




    references

    ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: