Standard Operating Environment (SOE)

The University of Adelaide's Standard Operating Environment (SOE) defines the software/hardware architecture used on University workstations. SOEs currently exist for Microsoft Windows and MacOs. A Linux SOE is currently in development. The use of an SOE allows for a more consistant and reliable user experience and better communication between users of the University IT infrastructure.   It also assists in reducing the total cost of ownership of the University's computer fleet, by making it more reliable and cheaper and easier to support, which leads to faster more efficient incident resolutions.

ITS engages extensively with the Business and Academic areas of the University during the SOE building and maintenance processes.  As such the ITS certified SOE is supported to work with the University's business applications as well as core infrastructure, such as shared and home folder access, printing, email, calendar, online teaching and research, desktop management and security management.  Each SOE is put through significant testing prior to being released and approved for use by University staff and students.

Current

• Windows
• Macintosh
• Linux

Future

• Windows
• Macintosh
• Linux

Windows

The Current staff Windows SOE  is based on the Microsoft Windows 2000 Operating System, with Service Pack 4 installed.

Major changes to the SOE associated with the Desktop Excellence Program are planned for 2008.

Macintosh

ITS currently offers the following Macintosh SOE. A licence for the operating system is required, although this usually in included in the hardware purchase price. The most current image is based on OS 10.5, however slightly older versions can be supplied depending on license agreements.

Linux

For information regarding future Linux standards will be addressed by the Desktop Excellence Project. Information may be found here and will be updated as the project progresses.

This service is the responsibility of the Desktop Management Services