Columbia University and the Irving Medical Center obtain site licenses for software programs that can be used on student computers for free or at a discount. We've consolidated a list of available software with links to their download and installation instructions.
- IMPORTANT: Some programs and versions listed below or on the Columbia University Software and Downloads page are not part of the CUIMC IT supported Standard Software package, and are listed as a courtesy only.
- Most programs have versions for both Windows and Macintosh based computers, to avoid issues please be sure to read any documentation from the vendor regarding compatibility.
- A UNI login is typically required to access software downloads.
For information about CUIMC programs not listed below see the Applications and Access page.
Office Productivity, Security and Operating System Upgrades
- Microsoft 365
The Microsoft 365 suite of products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) for Windows and Macintosh is available to those with a current CUMC email/Microsoft 365 account. Microsoft 365 is recommended for best compatibility with CUIMC email and other Microsoft cloud programs licensed at CUIMC.
- While Microsoft 365 is the recommended version of Office, other versions are available through Columbia University's Microsoft site license. Be sure to review all details on eligibility and how to download; instructions may be different for a personal versus University-owned computer or your affiliation with the University.
- Microsoft 365
In addition to the Office 365 suite, you can use OneDrive for Business (cloud storage), Teams, SharePoint, and more.
- Microsoft Windows upgrades
Upgrades for Professional editions of Windows are also available through Columbia University's Microsoft site license. Before upgrading be sure to review all information on the page, as well as CUIMC IT Operating System and Student Support policies.
- Malwarebytes
A virus and malware scanning system for Windows and Macintosh.
- PhoneHome
This security program for Windows and Macintosh computers runs in the background and can track your computer by its attempts to go online if you report it lost or stolen.
- Approved Encryption
Different programs are recommended based on your access and use of sensitive data.
- WinSCP (Windows) and Cyberduck (Mac)
Secure file transfer programs with a graphical user interface that can be used to connect to CUNIX (space on the Columbia servers).
- PuTTY or Mac OS X Terminal
Command line programs that can be used to connect to CUNIX.
- VPN
VPN provides an encrypted connection or "tunnel" to the campus network when accessing on-campus resources from off-campus computers. Please note that most web based resources including E-Journals and databases do not require VPN; you will be prompted to log in with your UNI when accessing the web site from off campus.
- Zoom Video Conferencing
Columbia provides free basic accounts, please be sure to follow steps to Create a Zoom Account that can be used with CUIMC and Columbia remote learning.
- Qualtrics
An online survey tool accessed via http://cumc.qualtrics.com/, see our Qualtrics page for details on access and use.
Bibliographic and Statistical Software
Statistical programs are not free for students but typically offer a discount.