Software Help

This page provides general usage guides on a wide variety of programs that students use in their coursework. While this list is not exhaustive, it does include links to some of the most commonly used software.

Download Software

Some of Reed's site-licensed software is available for installation on personal computers. This includes Office 365, Zotero, JMP, ChemDraw, Mnova, and more. In some cases, the academic software will only run if you are on campus. However, some of the applications may be accessed remotely through the Virtual Computer Lab.

A comprehensive list of software that can be installed on your own computer is available at
downloads.reed.edu.

Productivity & Academic Software

Productivity Software

Microsoft Office - current students, faculty, and staff may install Office on a personal computer.
- Also see our Word Thesis Template Guide for seniors
Google Apps - used for Email, Calendar, Drive, and Groups
Zotero - citation and reference management software. Requires signing up for an account using your @reed.edu address.
LaTeX - used for Typesetting documents.
- Also see our LaTeX Thesis Template Guide for seniors
Adobe Software - Creative Cloud is available on limited computers in the Performing Arts Resource Center on the third floor of the Performing Arts Center
- See also Creating and editing PDFs without Adobe Acrobat
SensusAccess - online conversion tool. Need to convert a PDF to an editable Word doc? Or convert other file types to an accessible format? SensusAccess converts documents into a range of alternate and accessible formats.

Academic Software - data analysis and visualization

Mathematica - available for install on personal computers
GIS - Geographical Information System
Stata - statistical analysis. Available on some classroom or lab computers, or through the Virtual Computer Lab
R - free software used for statistical analysis and data organization

Remote Access

Virtual Computer Lab: https://www.reed.edu/it/help/virtual-computer-lab.html
Many of the academic software used in classes is available 24/7 through a web browser.

VPN - https://www.reed.edu/it/help/protected/vpn-installation.html
In some cases, a faculty research computer may be accessed through the VPN. Students must submit a request to use the VPN.

Library Databases - https://library.reed.edu/help/off-campus.html
Many of the Library databases are available remotely when accessed from the proper URL.