Software Center is a feature from Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Through Software Center users can track the status of their available and required software that is accessible and officially allowed for their usage. With Software Center users can now trigger the installation themselves, allowing them to choose a convenient time for them for software installation and Microsoft update deployment. .
In SMU's implementation of SCCM, Software Center help us in:
- Making Microsoft Update deployment more flexible for users.
- Managing required and optional software on SMU owned devices.
Software Center will be used to deploy mandatory applications in the university like Antivirus and Network Access Controllers (NAC). SCCM Agent will also be a mandatory application, and devices that does not have this installed will not be connected to SMU intranet. This means that only basic internet access will be provided and will not be allowed to access to any department shared folder, network printing and other SMU internal resources.
- Microsoft Update
- Software Install
- FAQ
Microsoft Update
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Microsoft routinely releases security and critical patches for Windows. Microsoft update addresses the newly discovered exploits and vulnerabiliries that are targeted to Microsoft products. SCCM Agent is configured to inform users for any new software updates from Microsoft.
In the past Microsoft Updates are not enforced fully. There is no checking if a particular security or critical update patch has been installed properly. With SCCM’s Software Center, these updates are not enforced and must be installed within a week.
Now, there are two ways to install the Microsoft updates :
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Update from Windows Notification
Once an update is available a notification pop-up will be seen on your screen saying a software change is required. You can click it to check your installation options. If you don’t do anything, this update will be install automatically after 7 days. Please click below for more detailed instructions:
- Once an update is ready a notiifcation will pop-out on your windows.
Note : if you missed to click this notification, please refer to #2 below.
- The first (default) option you have is to install the update now.click OK and the update will proceed.
- Second option is to install outside business hours. Business hours is defined as Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. If you choose this option and press OK, the software will install automatically outside these hour.
- The last option is to set a reminder for youself to install the update.
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Update from Software Center
If you missed the notification pop-up, your next option is to install through the Software Center. Software Center will show you a summary of updates you can install. If you see that the Updates portion is blank, that means that there are no updates applicable for your device. Please click below for more detailed instructions:
- From Windows Start menu, type Software Center, and click Software Center on the match result.
- From software Center, click Updates tab. Any new Microsoft update will shown on the right pane. Click Install All to proceed installation.
- If you want to know more information about this update or if you want to install these patches individualy, click the any of the shown update.
- If you click Install button,the installation will proceed.
- While the Schedule button will let you to choose to install outside business hours. Business hours is defined as Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. If you choose this option and press OK, the software will install automatically outside these hours
- Click install to begin installation..
- Once the update has finished installing, you would not be able to uninstall the softwre..
- On your list of softwares this will not apear as installed. Eventually this will be removed from your status too.
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Software Installation and Uninstallation
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is softwre Center? |
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Software Center is an application deployment tool. The concept is similar to device app store like Google Play or Apple App store. However the contents will be limited to SMU’s appropriate applications only. |
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To whom is this available? |
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SCCM Agent and software center is available for all Staff and Faculty users. |
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How can this help me? |
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This can help you deploy Windows Patches and applications with very little interaction to your part. |
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How is the Configuration Manager agent installed? |
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Please contact us and we’ll help you install this. Our contact details is in the bottom of this page |
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I’m a Mac user do I need this? |
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Yes, we’ll need to install this on your bootcamp. |
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I do not have bootcamp on my mac, do I still need this? |
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No. We do not support Macintosh OSX at the moment. |
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Can I use softwre center when I’m off-campus? |
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No. Please ensure you are connected to SMU network via Wired Network or WLAN-SMU for wireless. |
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Should I change on how I use my computer? |
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No, SCCM agent runs on the background and will not interfere with your computer operation. Software center will only be launched if you will access it, otherwise you can use your computer the way you are already using it. |
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Will there be changes on my comp0uter that I would not know? |
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No. Major system changes will be communicated though announcements. |
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For your questions and enquiries, please contact our IT Help Centre at +65 6828 0123. Or you can also email us at helpdesk@smu.edu.sg .
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