University of Houston: Getting Your Software - University of Houston
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Getting Your Software

There are two places for students, faculty and staff to get software:

UIT Software Downloads

The UIT Software Download page provides a variety of software at no charge to students, faculty and staff. Your CougarNet username and password must be entered to download software. You can also get to Software Downloads by logging into AccessUH.

To view a list of the software available for you to download, click on your affiliation:

Key Management Server

Past Microsoft software installs required an activation key code in order to use their software. Today, most Microsoft Software relies on the Key Management Server.

KMS activates computers on a local network, eliminating the need for individual computers to have a key code or to connect to Microsoft.

KMS activation requires TCP/IP (Internet) connectivity. By default, KMS hosts and client computers use DNS (Dynamic Name Service) to publish and find the KMS service.

KMS activations are valid for 180 days—the activation validity interval. To remain activated, KMS client computers must renew their activation by connecting to the KMS host at least once every 180 days. By default, KMS client computers attempt to renew their activation every seven days. If KMS activation fails, the client will retry every two hours. After a client computer’s activation is renewed, the activation validity interval begins again.

The UH KMS server will authenticate Windows 10, Office 2016 and later products. Windows Server 2008 and other servers can also be authenticated through UHKMS.

You must use UH owned Microsoft products and be on the UH Networks via LAN, wireless or logged into UHVPN service using your Cougarnet credentials.

If you have any questions, contact UIT at Software@uh.edu or call the Help Desk at 713-743-1411.

Cougar Byte

The Cougar Byte, located next to Technology Commons, has discounted software (some at less than $20) available for personal purchase. You only pay for the cost of the CD that contains the software.