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IMSS  /  Services  /  Computers, Printers & Software  /  Software  /  FAQs

FAQs

Q: I don't have an access.caltech account. How do I get an account?
A: To register for an access.caltech account, please visit /help/accounts.

Q: How do I download software?
A: See /software/downloading-software.

Q: Can I install my software on two computers at once?
A: Yes, you should purchase additional licenses. Select the software you want, enter the quantity you need, and click on "Add to Cart".

Q: How can I re-install my software on the same machine?
A: If you have run out of downloads, click on "Request additional downloads". Now you can request an additional install, provided you give a valid reason for the re-install. Please allow at least one business day to process your request.

Q: Where can I find my serial number/product key/license number?
A: Serial numbers/product keys/license numbers can be found on your purchase receipt. Log in, click on "Your Account/Orders" at the top of the page and select the product that you want to see the purchase receipt for.

Q: I want to download Microsoft Windows, but I don't see it listed.
A: If you are an undergraduate or graduate student, you are not eligible to download Microsoft Windows from software.caltech.edu. Students can download Microsoft Windows and other Microsoft software from https://azureforeducation.microsoft.com/devtools for use on personally-owned computers. See /software/msdnaa for more information.

If you are a visitor, external affiliate, summer student, trustee, or retiree, you are not eligible to download Microsoft software from software.caltech.edu.

Q: Can I download software when I'm not on campus?
A: You can only download software if:

  1. You are on the Caltech network, and
  2. If your Caltech status allows it

To be on the Caltech network, you will need to be either:

  1. On Campus using the Caltech network service
  2. Off Campus using Caltech VPN Service in conjuction with your own internet service

Please note that most software packages such as Microsoft Windows and Office do not require a connection to the Caltech network to run. Some, such as Matlab, SolidWorks and Scientific Workplace require a connection to the Caltech Network. The exceptions are noted in the software descriptions.

Only faculty, staff, postdocs and students have access to site-licensed software. Visitors have limited access to site-licensed software. Guests, retirees, trustees, and summer students are not eligible.

Q: What do I do with my software licenses when I leave Caltech?
A: All site licensed software must be removed from any personally owned computer upon leaving Caltech. If you are no longer employed by or a student at Caltech, you are no longer authorized to use any of the institute's site licensed software.

How to use ISO downloads

Many of the downloads from software.caltech.edu are ISO files, which essentially contain all the files and folders of a CD/DVD. To use an ISO file, you have several options:

Mount an ISO onto a virtual drive

  1. In order to mount the ISO on a Windows computer, you will need to use a third party ISO mounting application. Some options include:
  1. Review the instructions or Read Me files for these tools for directions on how to install the software and mount an ISO.
  2. Mac OSX will automatically mount an ISO by double-clicking the ISO file itself.
  3. Once the ISO is mounted, you can browse through all the files contained within the ISO to begin your software installation.

Create/burn an install disc

  1. You will need CD/DVD burning software installed on your Windows computer in order to create an install disc. If you do not have disc burning software already installed, some options include:
  1. When burning your disc, be sure to select the option to create disc from image, or burn image. Do not simply create a data disc, which just copies files and folders to disc.
  2. Windows 7 and 8 have the ability to create discs from an ISO without any third party tools:
    • Locate the ISO file that you want to create a CD/DVD from.
    • Right-click on the ISO file and select Burn disc image.
    • Select your Disc burner on the next screen and click Burn.
  1. Mac OS X can also create install discs without any third party tools:
    • Launch Disk Utility, located in Applications > Utilities.
    • Under the Images menu, select Burn.
    • Select the ISO file that you want to burn.
    • Make any changes to the options, and click Burn.
  1. Once the CD/DVD is created, you can use the disc in any computer with a CD/DVD drive and install software directly from the disc.

Extract the ISO contents

  1. To extract ISO contents and save them to your Windows computer, you will need a third party tool. Some options include:
  1. Once the ISO contents have been extracted, you can browse through all the extracted files to begin your software installation.