In conjunction with the Central Endpoint Management Team, COLAITS managed Windows systems are provided with Micrsoft’s Software Center application. Software Center provides a central point for installing COLAITS and EPM Team curated applications, software updates, and optional Windows components. Installing applications and updates through Software Center does not require local administrator rights.

Opening Software Center

Software Center can be launched from the Windows Start menu or Search bar:

Some versions of Windows may place Software Center under the subheading of Microsoft Configuration Manager:

Using Software Center

Software Center is organized into five categories:

• Applications
  Applications lists Applications and System Features available for self-install. Commonly requested free software as well as some UT licensed software will typically be listed. Eligible computers may also list Departmentally licensed applications as well.

  

• Updates
  Updates will list pending System and Application Updates awaiting installation. Most system and application updates are required and will install automatically but will be listed for on demand install before the required deadline is reached.

  

• Installation Status
  Installation Status will show currently installed applications manageable through Software Center. Some applications support Uninstall through Software Center and can be uninstalled from this area.

  

• Device Compliance

• Operating Systems
  Device Compliance and Operating System sections are only used during COLAITS support assisted troubleshooting and initial system configuration, but Applications, Updates, and Installation Status sections are all useful for day-to-day functionality.

Installing Applications

To install an application or feature through Software Center:

1. Select the desired application from the Applications list

   

   Once selected, the view will switch to the detailed view, with estimated install time and size, as well as version and date published in Software Center

2. Press the Install button to begin installation

   

   Installation may show a waiting message if updates or other installations are running in Software Center

3. Wait for the Installation to complete

   

4. Once the install is complete, if supported, the Uninstall button will become available.

   

Installed Applications may not immediately move from the Applications list to the Installation Status list but will do so when Software Center performs automatic checks for available software.

Uninstalling Applications

Some applications support uninstalling through Software Center. To uninstall a supported application:

1. Select the desired application from the Installation Status list

   

   Once selected, the view will switch to the detailed view.

2. Press the Uninstall button

   

3. Wait for the Uninstall to complete

   

4. Once Uninstall is complete, the button will revert to an Install button to re-install if desired.

   

Uninstalled Applications may not immediately move from the Installation Status list to the Applications list but will do so when Software Center performs automatic checks for available software.

Updates

System and application updates are released regularly, and will automatically install. Some updates are only required to be installed by a future deadline, and will instead prompt for install until the deadline is reached. It may be desirable to manually initiate the update at a convenient time.

1. To manually start an update, select the update from the Updates section of Software Center

   

2. Press the Install button

   

3. Wait for the update to install

   

Common Errors

Occasionally applications and updates fail to install.

• Missing required application or system component
  The most common error on install, often with only a generic error code for the installation error message. Some applications require additional software or system components that are not included in the application install itself. COLAITS curated applications may list the required components in the software description, but it may be necessary to review the application vendor’s support pages for a detailed list of requirements.

• Storage Space
  Needed storage space is estimated, and some applications may require more free space than expected during installation. It may be necessary to clear additional storage space on the primary drive, or in some cases simply rebooting to clear system cache files may be sufficient to free up enough space.

• Software Not Available
  There can be delays between software and update becoming available from vendors, when they are uploaded into the backend management services, and when they are published in Software Center. When new versions become available, these delays can cause Software Center to have an internal mismatch with the available software versions in the backend system or updates available from the vendor.

• Install Failed, but software installed
  Some applications may quietly launch secondary install processes or take longer than expected to install. In some cases, this may cause Software Center to check for successful install before the install process is complete, leading to an unexpected failure message even though the Software has installed successfully.