Students who need access to any specialized software required for their program can access it through the university in two ways:
- Through a virtual computer lab system called Apporto, available via a web browser
- Through on-campus computer labs
There are additional browser-based tools, such as the university’s Canvas Learning Management System, that will be available to you via the VTSU Portal and an Information Technology (IT) support website that links to frequently used productivity software and tools the college provides to you.
Apporto
Apporto is a Windows based virtual desktop that is available to students and faculty on or off campus using a computer or tablet with an up-to-date browser. The goal of Apporto is to provide students and faculty the ability to access specialized software from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Students and faculty who would like to use Apporto must have an up-to-date version of Google Chrome on their device and a stable internet connection. Please visit Apporto’s website for up-to-date specifications on system requirements.
You can find additional troubleshooting information and a tutorial on how to log in by visiting this support page.
Anyone with VSC credentials and an internet-enabled device can log on to Apporto through a web browser to access specialized software needed for coursework. Apporto works well on laptops with lower/standard specs because the processing happens through a web browser and in the cloud. There may be a few software programs provided by a student’s program for local download, in addition to a few that may only be available on computer lab machines that connect directly to lab equipment.
Microsoft Office
Whether a student is buying a laptop through the VTSU program or bringing their own, they will need to have Office 365 software installed. All VTSU students may install a licensed version of Office 365 on their computers for free. (The license remains active until the student leaves/graduates.) Office 365 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, OneNote, and Publisher and can be installed and activated on up to 5 computers at a time.
OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, akin to Google Drive and iCloud, and is provided to you for free with your VSC account. You can access OneDrive via mobile app, desktop application, or via the web. OneDrive is the recommended storage location for school work, as it is backed up automatically and features self-service document recovery and sharing options.
Download the Microsoft Office Suite:
- Log into your Microsoft Account Installs page.
- Click Install Office and follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the Microsoft Office software compatible with your computer.
The Outlook mobile app is a quick and easy way to access your email from your smartphone or tablet. Outlook uses an authentication token, so you will not be prompted to use DUO each time you use this app.
Download the Outlook App
Canvas
Canvas is the Learning Management System at Vermont State University. Canvas provides access to VTSU courses, including your syllabus, assignments, tests, discussion boards, and more. For more information, visit the VSC Canvas page.
While Canvas can be accessed from your computer, the Canvas app can also be downloaded and used on a smartphone or tablet. The Canvas app is a convenient way to access Canvas on the go, and has the added benefit of token-based authentication, meaning you won’t be required to go through the DUO process each time you open the app.
Download the Canvas App:
Lockdown Browser
Respondus Lockdown Browser is test proctoring software that is utilized by Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and various other programs. This application is downloaded on personal machines and is used when taking tests to ensure academic integrity. More information, including a download link, can be found on Respondus Lockdown Browser.
General Software Support
Please open a Service Desk ticket if you require assistance with software.