Software Available at BU
Find software available through Boston University and Questrom, understand where to access it, and learn where to get help when you need it.
SOFTWARE AT BU
Find Software for Your Work
BU provides a wide range of software for coursework, research, teaching, collaboration, and University business. Availability varies by application and your BU affiliation.
Productivity & Collaboration
Create documents, presentations, spreadsheets, meetings, and collaborative workspaces using tools such as Microsoft 365, Zoom, Teams, and other BU-supported applications.
Data & Analysis
Work with statistical, analytical, visualization, and research tools including SPSS, JMP, MATLAB, SAS, Power BI, R, and other specialized applications.
Creative Software
Access creative and document-production applications, including Adobe Creative Cloud and Acrobat.
Questrom & Specialized Tools
Find applications used for business education, financial research, assessment, presentations, and specialized coursework.
SOFTWARE ACCESS
Where Do I Access Software?
Not every BU application is installed the same way. Some software can be installed locally, some runs remotely, and some is available through shared or specialized computing environments.
BU MyApps
A good first stop when you’re looking for BU software. MyApps provides centralized access to BU-licensed applications and shows availability and access options for each application.
Depending on the product, you may be able to use it through a browser, access it remotely, or install it locally.
START HERE
BU Common
A virtual Windows computing environment available to students, faculty, and staff. Use a full Windows desktop or individual applications from home or on campus, including from Macs and mobile devices.
REMOTE ACCESS
Questrom Computers & Services
Some applications and specialized resources are available through Questrom computer labs, designated workstations, or Questrom-supported remote environments.
QUESTROM
QUESTROM SOFTWARE
Popular Software at Questrom
These are some of the applications and services commonly used for coursework, teaching, research, analysis, and collaboration at Questrom.
Productivity
Microsoft 365
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook,
and other Microsoft productivity tools.
Creative
Adobe Creative Cloud
Creative and document-production applications including Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Acrobat, and more.
PRESENTATIONS
Think-cell
PowerPoint productivity software for creating professional charts, presentations, and data-driven slides.
SURVEYS & RESEARCH
Qualtrics
Create, distribute, and analyze surveys for research, coursework, feedback, and data collection.
FINANCIAL DATA
Bloomberg
Access financial-market data, news, analytics, and research using Bloomberg terminals at designated Questrom locations.
COLLABORATION
Zoom & Microsoft Teams
Meet, communicate, and collaborate online using BU-supported meeting and teamwork platforms.
REMOTE SOFTWARE
Nutanix Frame
Access selected Questrom computing resources and applications remotely from a supported device.
RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
Need Statistical or Data Software?
BU provides access to a range of statistical, analytical, programming, and data-visualization tools. Some are available for local use while others can be accessed through BU Common or other computing environments.
Analyze & Visualize Data
BU Common currently includes tools such as SPSS, JMP, MATLAB, NVivo, Power BI Desktop, R, RStudio, SAS, STATA, ArcGIS Pro, and Mathematica.
Build & Work with Data
BU Common also provides development and database tools including Python, Visual Studio Code, DBeaver, and Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio.
Doing more advanced research computing? BU Research Computing provides additional software, programming environments, libraries, GPU computing, containers, and other resources for computational research.
SOFTWARE SUPPORT
Understanding Software Support
Software may be available through BU without receiving the same level of technical support as another application. Check the support status when you need installation or troubleshooting help.
Fully Supported Applications
IS&T provides technical assistance with installation and troubleshooting for a range of widely used applications and can coordinate with software vendors when additional assistance is required.
Specialized Software
Some applications may instead be supported by a specialized BU team, a school or department, or the software vendor. If you’re unsure where support belongs, Questrom Tech can help identify the right resource.
BEFORE YOU INSTALL
Check Access & Eligibility
Software availability at BU can depend on the application, your role, and how you intend to use it.
Eligibility Varies
Software access can differ for students, faculty, and staff. Check the application’s current BU listing before assuming that a license is included.
Cost Varies
Many BU software titles are available at no charge, while others may have a reduced price, departmental cost, or separate licensing requirement.
Access Method Varies
Some applications can be installed directly, while others are accessed through MyApps, BU Common, a browser, or a specialized computing environment. MyApps displays access information for available applications.
Save Your Work in the Right Place
Some applications running through BU Common do not retain data between sessions. Save files to an appropriate BU-supported storage location when you need to access them again later.
BU-Owned Computer?
If you’re using a managed BU computer, software installation or licensing may be handled differently than on a personal device. Contact Questrom Tech if you’re unsure how an application should be installed.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Quick Answers
Where should I look for BU software first?
Start with BU MyApps. It provides centralized access to BU-licensed software and shows the availability and access options associated with individual applications.
Can I install BU software on my personal computer?
It depends on the application and its license. MyApps identifies available access options, and some applications support local installation.
Can I use Windows software from a Mac?
Yes, for applications available through BU Common. BU Common provides a Windows virtual environment that can be accessed from Macs and other supported devices.
Where can I find SPSS, MATLAB, R, SAS or STATA?
These and several other statistical and analytical applications are currently available through BU Common.
Need Help Finding or Accessing Software?
If you're unsure whether BU provides an application, how to access it, whether you're eligible to use it, or where to get support, Questrom Tech can help point you in the right direction.
Get IT Support
questromhelp@bu.edu
Visit The Helpdesk
617-353-9858
Mon – Thurs: 8am – 6pm
Friday: 8am – 5pm