Mac@USD is a self service portal for management of university owned devices, making your software installation admin-credential free, secure and easy. Mac@USD comes preloaded on all USD Managed Mac computers. It is normally located on your dock next to the finder app. Mac@USD runs on Jamf Pro which is a comprehensive management system for all apple devices.
Key benefits of Mac@USD
- Reliability: Your Mac will quickly receive software updates and patches with little to no interaction on your part.
- Time Efficiency: You will stay more productive as deployment and updating processes run in the background, freeing up more time for teaching and research.
- Security & Compliance: Technical Support Services will manage the security of your device so you don't have to, ensuring that software patches, antivirus protection, firewalls, and compliance with Stanford University minimum security standards are well maintained.
- Confidentiality: Your data and files will remain confidential; no personal data is scanned, indexed, or transmitted off your device.
- Notifications: Mac@USD keeps you notified of any new updates available for installation while keeping you informed of changes to the Mac@USD platform.
Mac Default Software
Each USD-owned and managed Mac computer comes with the following default software:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Safari
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Symantec Antivirus
- FileVault Full Disk Encryption
Installation
Mac@USD allows you to install on your own. You can install apps by clicking on the install button. Each application has a description of the application. Some of the apps also have a basic requirements notice and others have a disclosure.
While apps on Mac@USD have been tested for usability there may be limitations as to minimum operating system requirements necessary to run. Please take a moment to read the descriptions before you perform the installation of the app.
Upgrades
With Mac@USD upgrading your operating system on your own is now possible. Normally USD Managed devices are upgraded on a yearly basis or upon request whichever comes first through attrition. Traditionally it also requires an appointment to ensure your computer will not crash while the upgrade is performed.
We still recommend setting up an appointment prior to performing an upgrade if you are not sure if its a benefit. OS upgrades introduce change and that adds to the complexity. Contact the helpdesk and they will be happy to put you in touch with a technician to verify the upgrade will go as smooth as possible.
Support
Versions of macOS 11 and above are currently supported.
If you are currently running an older version of macOS on your USD-owned Mac computer, please contact the ITS Help Desk for an upgrade.
Compatibility Note
In order to ensure that all USD computers support the latest security patches, ITS requires all USD-managed computers to run a supported version of the Windows and Mac operating systems. Supported versions can be found on the ITS Operating Systems page, and usually include the three most recent versions released by the vendor.
Please note that computers that are not on a supported operating system version, or computers whose hardware is not compatible with a supported operating system version may be disconnected from the Network. To upgrade these computers to the newest operating system, or to replace old devices with ones compatible with ITS-supported operating systems, please contact the ITS Help Desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a Self Service application is similar to the Apple App Store, but it provides customized content for university-owned devices. This content includes access to software, printers, maintenance tasks, links, and other documentation. The Mac@USD Self Service app gives you the flexibility of choosing what to install and when to install it. Apps in Mac@USD do not require administrator access for installation.
You can upgrade by clicking the Operating system icon when its avaialble for upgrade and if your device is compatible with the operarting system. If you do not see the operating system as an option it means it has not been released yet for USD devices or your device is not compatible with the operating system. Release of the operating system happens during March/April timeframe. If you see this notification it means your device is ready for the upgrade.
The Mac@USD app can be found in three locations:
- Applications folder
- Launcher
- Dock
You can also do a search with Spotlight and find Mac@USD.
Available for HighSierra (10.13.4 and up automatically. If you can not find it on your Dock you can search for it. If you search for it and can not find Mac@USD chances are you are running an older operating system than High Sierra (MacOSX 10.13.3 and below). If you have an older operating system reach out to the helpdesk to schedule an upgrade if you device can be upgraded.
Our implementation of Jamf Pro has been customized to collect only the data needed to support university-owned macOS computers and manageed iOS devices. This information includes:
- Hardware specifications
- Installed applications & usage
- Services running
- Available software updates
- Local user accounts and login/logout timestamps
- Security status (firewall, SSH, FileVault, etc.)
- Connected peripheral devices
Note: No personal information is collected by Jamf Pro, such as the contents or names of personal files (documents, email, etc.) or any browsing history.
Yes, Mac@USD will function when you are off the campus network. Depending on the speed of your network connection, it may take longer for tasks to complete. The application will connect automatically, there is nothing you need to do to ensure it's running.
Several changes happen when IT installs Jamf Pro with Mac@USD on a university-owned macOS computer:
- Jamf Pro installs the Self Service application (Mac@USD) in the Applications folder. Content such as software, printers, maintenance tasks, links, and other documentation are provided within Mac@USD.
- A service account with administrative privileges will be created to carry out tasks from the JSS.
- For OS X 10.7 and later, a Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile will be installed. This profile allows IT to remotely configure settings on the Mac. Basic security settings will be set at enrollment to ensure compliance with USD ITS policies.