Software Center (macOS) - Installing Applications

Overview

Various IT departments across the University of Oregon use Jamf Software Center (formerly Self Service) to allow their users to install applications, software updates, and upgrade macOS.

This article explains the basic functionality of Software Center available to users in those departments, such as:

All specific questions about Self Service should be directed to local IT departments.

Requirements

  • Software Center is only installed on some machines in some departments across campus.
  • Any questions about Software Center should be directed to your local departmental IT for an accurate response.
  • Larger applications can take a long time to download and install. Please ensure you leave your computer plugged in and connected to network and power for the duration of any installations. Failure to do so may result in the install failing or other unexpected behavior.

How to Open Software Center

  • To start Software Center on a Macintosh computer, click on a blank area of the desktop, then from the Menu Bar, select Go > Applications (Or press Command + Shift + A from any Finder window)
  • If you navigate the Applications folder, you can also look for the Software Center icon, double click it.
  • When Software Center launches, you may need to login with your Duck ID and password.

Applications

Notice the Categories on the left side to find and install applications that your departmental IT deploys to you or this computer.

  • All: Shows all applications that you can install.
  • Other more specific categories such as Operating SystemsPrinters, and Utilities may exist, as configured by your local IT department.

If an application is missing from Software Center, contact your local IT department.

Application Details

Before installing any Application, it is recommended that you read the Application Details as it can contain some important information. To view Application Details, simply click on the Application's icon:

  • Restart Required: If the application requires a restart it will be noted here. Be sure to save any work before trying to install an application that requires a restart.
  • Please remove older versions before installing: Other instructions or warnings such as this may exist. Please note that if these instructions are not followed, unexpected results may occur.

Installation Status

Select the Activity tab to view the status of applications. You may see the following states:

  • Open: Software Center already installed this application on this computer.
  • Done: Software Center just completed installing this application on this computer.
  • Reinstall: Software Center already installed this application on this computer, can be used to re-install the application if there are issues with it.
  • Executing: Software Center is downloading the software to install on this computer.
  • Failed: Software Center encountered an error in trying to install the software.
    • Most often this is caused by not being on campus or VPN when trying to install. Please confirm you're on campus or on VPN here and try again.
    • If an application fails to install, please contact your local IT department for assistance.
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Details

Article ID: 105109
Created
Fri 4/10/20 12:22 PM
Modified
Fri 9/13/24 4:33 PM

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