What is the COE?

The Common Operating Environment (COE) is a list of software that is commonly used and supported for various computer scenarios: faculty and staff computers, lab computers, and student notebooks. It is intended to ensure that such software is supported and maintained at the same version for each scenario, that computer uses have supported options for obtaining the software, that the use of the software is properly licensed.

The COE is not a complete list of software used and supported throughout the college. The COE is mainly limited to software that is used for common tasks in each of the computer scenarios. This includes software like Office and Acrobat Reader.

The COE also includes some software that is used in several courses on a recurring basis. This includes Visual Studio, SQL Management Studio, and Decision Tools.

Not all computer users require the use of all software in the COE. Not all software is applicable to every scenario. For example, a VPN client is typically required only to access the campus network from off campus. It is therefore not typically installed onto Office desktops. Not all software is completely licensed for all use. Some software, such as Visual Studio, can only be used by faculty and students with the purchase of a license. 

How do I get COE and other software?

Some software is available for download directly from McCombs Computer Services. Other items are available at externals web sites where you can download additional software and install it for yourself. Some software must be installed by McCombs Tech Support or must be purchased from the Campus Computer Store.

Please click here to learn more about the McCombs COE and software available for students, faculty, and staff (UT-EID Required)