ITS Documentation
Obtaining Software from the
ITS Software Distribution Directory (swdist)
S4147 • May 2009

The ITS Software Distribution Directory (swdist) is a repository for some of the software offered by the University of Michigan to its students, faculty, and staff. You'll need your uniqname and UMICH password to gain access.

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No-Cost Versus For-Fee

Some of the software — such as antivirus and secure file transfer programs — is available at no cost to you because the University believes these items benefit it's computing environment and provide value to all members.

Other software is available for a licensing fee negotiated between the University and the vendor. These fees are signficantly less than purchasing the product commercially. Visit ITS Software Licensing and Distribution (SWLD) for complete details and to purchase a software license.

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Navigating swdist

Once connected to the Software Distribution Directory (swdist), you'll be presented with an alphabetical (a-z) listing of folders (directories). Software is stored according to the first letter of its name. For example, SSH Secure Shell can be found within the "s" folder. Mulberry (an e-mail program) is located in the "m" folder.

HINT: Some software folders — such as mathematica — appear empty. That means you must purchase a license through SWLD.

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Web Access

You can download some of the software using your Web browser. You may wish to try this method first. If you cannot download via the Web, follow the SFTP Access instructions.

ITS Software Distribution Directory (swdist) via the Web.
NOTE: You'll need your uniqname and UMICH password to connect to swdist.
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SFTP Access

All software available through the Software Distribution Directory can be downloaded using programs that support SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol). We highly recommend you use the U-M Blue Disc to obtain the appropriate program already configured to work within the U-M computing environment — including connecting to swdist.

However, you can also download — at no cost — the U-M supported SFTP programs for your Windows or Mac OS X computer.
NOTE: You'll need your uniqname and UMICH password to download these programs.

    Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003: SSH Secure Shell 3.2.9

    Mac OS X: Fugu 1.1
    NOTE: This version is not configured for the U-M computing environment. You can configure Fugu using the Fugu README file found under Fugu's Help menu and the information in Appendix: SFTP Settings.

    MAC OS 9.2.2 AND EARLIER: The University does not provide an SFTP client for pre-Mac OS X operating systems.

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Additional Resources

Visit ITS's Information System to obtain ITS computer documentation and other resources. A list of relevant documents follows:

Fugu provides very good documentation that can be printed. Under the Help menu, select Fugu README.

We welcome your comments; please send e-mail.

ITS's Online Help Desk provides a variety of computing help resources.

For further help with swdist and file transfer issues, send e-mail or phone (734) 764-HELP [4357].

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Appendix: SFTP Settings

If you did not obtain your SFTP program through the University, you will need the following settings to connect to the ITS Software Distribution Directory.

Host:login.itd.umich.edu
HINT: With Fugu, enter this information in the Connect to field.
User or Username:your uniqname
Port:22
Directory:/afs/umich.edu/group/itd/swdist/

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