Software available on University computers
Remote desktop computer access
Specialist software in the LRC technology suites
Assistive software to help support students and staff with disabilities
Tools for online chat and meetings
Get started with Microsoft Teams
Software available on University computers
UH provides a wide range of software applications for staff and students for general and specialised subject-related use.
All full-time and part-time students get a Microsoft 365 account for the duration of their time at UH.
Where licences permit, we aim to make all software as widely available as possible across all labs and the LRCs so that you can use it both in your timetabled sessions as well as for independent study.
Remote desktop computer access
- Enrol in MFA if you have not already done so: ask.herts.ac.uk/multifactor-authentication-mfa
- Log into the University’s Virtual Private Network (VPN). Find details on how to use this on AskHerts: ask.herts.ac.uk/vpn-virtual-private-network-and-pulsesecure
- Login at rdportal.herts.ac.uk
- You will need to connect to the University's Virtual Private Network (VPN) service before accessing the remote desktop service. Maintaining a VPN connection is dependent on your internet connection and you may find that a wired connection is more reliable.
- At present we are unable to facilitate remote access to University Macs.
- Get help at any point by clicking on the ‘get help’ option in the remote desktop portal.
- As the service is further developed we will update the user instructions. Please look here for the latest version, rather than saving a local copy.
- If you do not need specialist on-campus software, please prioritise this service for those students who do require it for teaching and assignments.
- The use of this software is reserved for teaching and learning purposes at the University of Hertfordshire and must not be used for private use / personal gain.
- Usage of the software is monitored.
Specialist software in the LRC Technology Suites
Specialist software is available to use on PCs in our Learning Resources Centres (LRC). We have two Technology Suites and specialist software PC zones in the College Lane LRC and one in the de Havilland LRC. PCs in these areas have been configured with specialist software and are prioritised for use by those students studying Creative Arts, Digital Animation, Computer Science and Engineering.
Before you visit please note that PCs cannot be booked and are available on a first come first served basis.
What specialist software can I find in the LRC?
Over 300 software programmes are available across our LRC PCs for 2024/25 academic year.
Please see list below of individual software programmes available for the 2024-2025 academic year for LRC general PCs as well as the Computer Science, Creative Arts, Digital Animation and Engineering specialist software PCs available in the Technology suites.
Software programmes available on LRC and specialist software PCs 2026-2027
Creative Arts and Digital Animation software
- College Lane LRC: Ground floor technology suite – 44 Creative Arts specialist software PCs available
- de Havilland LRC: Second floor blue zone near L280 – 8 Creative Arts specialist software PCs available.
Computer Science and Engineering software
- College Lane LRC: First floor technology suite (1J112A) – 42 Computer Science and 28 Engineering specialist software PCs available.
- de Havilland LRC: Second floor blue zone near L280 – 4 Computer Science and 4 Engineering specialist software PCs available
MaxIm DL PCs (priority use for Astrophysics students):
- Two PCs are available in area outside the Technology Suite on the first floor of the College Lane LRC, in addition to those available at Bayfordbury
Eikon/Datastream PCs (Business and Finance):
- One PC in de Havilland LRC (by the cafe)
- One virtual PC is available using the remote desktop portal
Adobe Express
Adobe Express is available to all students at Herts. Access the online platform using your Herts log-in and password at https://express.adobe.com/a/herts.ac.uk.
Adobe Express can be used to create presentations, documents, flyers, video, social media content and more. Adobe Express guidance and tutorials are on the Learn Adobe Express website.
Details of Adobe Express Labs at Herts, the Adobe Express webinar series and Adobe Digital Badging are on the Digital Skills: Digital creation and communication with Adobe Express page in the Digital Skills unit of Library SkillUP.
Matlab for students
Matlab is an industry-standard simulation application and research tool.
- It lets you explore and visualise ideas and collaborate across disciplines including signal and image processing, communications, control systems, and computational finance.
How to download Matlab software to your personal computer.
SPSS for students and staff
SPSS Statistics is a software package used to solve problems by means of ad-hoc analysis, hypothesis testing, geospatial analysis, and predictive analytics.
- It can be used to perform data entry and analysis and to create tables and graphs. SPSS is capable of handling large amounts of data.
- This software is available on all computers in the Learning Resource Centres and in most computer labs.
- It can also be downloaded to your personal computer if you are a UH registered student or member of staff.
To access SPSS and the 'how to guide below' you must first either be connected to a networked computer on campus or connect using the VPN (Ivanti Secure).
Please note that licence codes change annually on the 1st of August and you will need to request the licence code again the following year if required.
Additional information:
- The software can be installed on personally-owned computers.
- This software must be used only for University-related work.
- Need help? Contact the Helpdesk
NVivo for students and staff
What is NVivo?
NVivo is a software program used for qualitative and mixed-methods research. Specifically, it is used for the analysis of unstructured text, audio, video, and image data, including interviews, focus groups, surveys, social media, and journal articles.
How can I access NVivo software?
The software is available on all computers in the Learning Resource Centres and in most computer labs and can also be downloaded to your personal computer if you are a University of Hertfordshire registered student or member of staff.
NVivo version 15 now available.
The University has upgraded to NVivo 15.
- NVivo 15 builds on the collaboration and cloud-based features introduced in NVivo 14, with continued support for collaborative working, improved coding and querying tools, enhanced mixed-methods research capabilities, and wider integration with external tools and platforms.
- If you are currently using NVivo 14, your project files can be opened directly in NVivo 15. Unlike previous major-version upgrades, no project conversion process is normally required when moving from NVivo 14 to NVivo 15.
If you are sharing project files with colleagues, all users should continue to work with the same version of NVivo wherever possible to avoid compatibility issues.
FAQs: Accessing NVivo and upgrading to NVivo version 15
Students: If you would like to install NVivo on your own device or to upgrade to version 15 please contact the Helpdesk, who will provide you with a form to complete prior to sending you the licence code.
Staff: If you are a member of staff using a University managed device you can download the software from the Software Centre:
- To access the Software Centre simply type ‘Software Centre’ into the search bar on your PC, or from the Windows home icon navigate to Microsoft System Centre > Software Centre
- Mac users should search for the managed software centre or click the icon in the launch pad.
- Please note that you will need to be connected to the UHVPN / Pulse Secure to access the Software Centre from off campus. See herts.ac.uk/vpn-virtual-private-network-and-pulse-secure
- If you do not have access to the Software Centre please contact Helpdesk to have your device upgraded.
- If you would like to download the software to your personal device, please contact the Helpdesk, who will provide you with a form to complete prior to sending you the licence code.
Please note that this software must be used only for University-related work.
NVivo 14 to NVivo 15 FAQs
Can I continue using the NVivo 14 version of the software?
- Yes. You can continue using NVivo 14 for your work. However, if you are collaborating with others and sharing project files, it is recommended that everyone uses the same version of NVivo.
Are my NVivo 14 project files compatible with version 15 of the software?
- Yes. NVivo 14 project files can be opened directly in NVivo 15. Projects remain stored in their existing locations and do not need to be manually converted.
For more information please see:
How do I convert my current NVivo 14 project files into NVivo 15?
To convert conversion project files in NVivo 12 to NVivo 14:
No conversion is normally required.
When you open an NVivo 14 project in NVivo 15, the project opens directly without displaying an upgrade prompt. Your project remains in its existing location.
For more information please see:
NVivo 15 Upgrade & Transition Guide (Versions 12, 13, & 14) – Alfasoft Support & Knowledgebase
What is the difference between NVivo 14 and 15?
- NVivo 15 builds on the cloud collaboration and workflow improvements introduced in NVivo 14.
Key areas of development include:
- Continued support for collaborative working through NVivo Collaboration Cloud
- Enhanced coding, querying and mixed-methods analysis tools
- Improved workflow efficiency
- Expanded integration with external tools such as Microsoft Office, survey platforms and reference management software
- Ongoing improvements to cross-platform working between Windows and Mac devices.
If I start using NVIVO 15 for my projects can I decide at a later date to revert my files to NVivo 14?
- Generally no. NVivo supports opening projects created in earlier versions, but it does not support opening projects created in newer versions using older software. If a project is updated in NVivo 15, it should not be assumed that it can subsequently be opened in NVivo 14.
What happens if I access my NVivo 14 files work on a later version of NVIVO installed on LRC and lab PCs?
- For most users, the project will open directly in NVivo 15 without any upgrade process. The project remains stored in its existing location and can be accessed normally through NVivo 15.
Tools for online chat and meetings
To help you stay connected with your studies here at Herts the University has invested in Zoom video conferencing and Microsoft Teams chat and online meetings for all students.
Some of your teaching sessions will be conducted through one or other of these tools so look out for the links to join these sessions in your module websites in StudyNet.
Joining a Teams online session
When joining a Teams online session please make sure that you sign in using your University username@herts.ac.uk and password. Find out more about using online tools for teaching and meetings.
You can also create your own Teams meetings to connect with other students to stay in touch if you feel isolated or need to self-isolate but want to stay connected.
Many employers use Microsoft Teams so this is a good opportunity to develop your digital skills in this area. Find out more and Get started with Microsoft Teams.
Please be aware that Herts Zoom accounts will have reduced features from Sept 2025. Find out more here.
Microsoft 365 for everyone
Communicate and collaborate with others – anytime, anywhere.
You don’t need to buy Microsoft 365 software to study at the University of Hertfordshire as you will get free access for the duration of your studies.
The software package includes web and desktop versions of Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams as well as personal cloud storage (One Drive) and Outlook email. This applies to all students (except those on non-credit-bearing short courses) while studying with us. You can download the Microsoft applications on up to 15 personal devices - find out how here.
Getting started with Microsoft 365
Step 1 – Logging on
You can access Microsoft 365 at office.herts.ac.uk
Sign in using your username@herts.ac.uk e.g. ab18aaa@herts.ac.uk
When using Microsoft 365 for the first time:
- Select OneDrive
- Allow 24 hours for your account to become fully functional
Step 2 – Choose to work online or install on your devices
Working online
- When you sign in you can choose to start using the online versions of most Microsoft 365 applications straight away.
- Click on the tile with the application you want e.g. Word
- Microsoft 365 web applications work in the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.
- Users of older versions of these browsers may not benefit from the full functionality of Microsoft 365.
Installing Microsoft 365 applications on your devices.
Registered Herts students can install copies of Microsoft 365 applications on up to 15 personal devices to enable offline working and access to enhanced application functionality. You can install Microsoft applications on up to 5 PCs or Macs, on up to 5 tablets, and up to 5 phones.
Please note that you are unable to download Microsoft 365 to Chromebook devices and in this instance should access the software via the web at office.herts.ac.uk.
- When you sign in you can choose to install the apps to your device
- Click on the Install and more drop down button.
- Choose Install Microsoft 365 apps.
- Click Install office.
- Run the downloaded file.
- Sign in with your username@herts.ac.uk to activate Microsoft 365.
If you are having problems signing on to Microsoft 365 or installing the applications on your device, then you can contact the Helpdesk.
Step 3 – Using Microsoft 365
There are lots of different applications within Microsoft365. Visit the Microsoft 365 Training Centre
Need help?
If you can't find answers to what you are looking for or have any technical issues you can contact the Helpdesk on 01707 284678 or email at helpdesk@herts.ac.uk.
Get started with Microsoft Teams
To help you stay connected with your studies the University has licensed all students with Microsoft Teams chat and online meetings.
- Download and install the Microsoft Teams app to your PC, Mac or mobile device
- Use the web app - Go to https://office.herts.ac.uk, log on with your University username@herts.ac.uk and password and select the Microsoft Teams icon.
- Accessibility support for Microsoft Teams
- Chat using Teams
- Join or set up an online meeting
- Get the most out of Microsoft Teams
Please note that all desktop PCs in the LRCs have the Microsoft Teams desktop app installed but if joining meetings from there, you may need to use your headphones to avoid disturbing other students.