Welcome to Stanford University

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a Microsoft/Adobe software license?

Only Students, Faculty, and Staff with a Stanford University ID Card.

Alumni, Hospital, SLAC, VA, Camps, and Conference Staff and Attendees are not eligible for the software license program. P-Card and Purchases Order purchases are not eligible for the license program, see software.stanford.edu for departmental purchase instructions.

Departments (using P-Cards or Purchase Orders), Alumni, Hospital, SLAC, VA, DMA students, anyone with a valid Acadmic ID from another school, Camps, and Conference Staff and Attendees are still able to buy the academic discounted Adobe and Microsoft boxed software.

Can I buy more than one product?

You are entitled to purchase one license only for each product offered. Different platforms (i.e. Windows or Mac) and different versions (i.e. Acrobat Pro 7.0 or Acrobat Pro 8.0) count as separate products, and you may purchase both. And, although you are entitled to it, Adobe Acrobat is included in the Creative Suite, so you should not need to purchase both.

What if I have more than one computer?

Most desktop productivity software, Adobe included, may be installed on two machines - either a home and office, or desktop and laptop, or an old computer and a new one. If you have a licensing issue related to your installs, you can contact Adobe's licensing department directly. See http://www.adobe.com/support/service/ for more information.

Can I return the software if I don't like/need it?

All sales are final. Software is not returnable, except in very special cases. When you pick up your software from us, please make sure it is what you wanted.

What happens when I am no longer a student?

Your student status is relevant at the time of purchase only. When you purchase the software, you own the license to use the software, even after you graduate or leave the University.

Does the software come with any documentation?

No, sorry. Although you are purchasing the same software you would anywhere else, you get a CD, or group of CDs, in a case. Official Adobe documentation may be purchased from http://www.adobe.com/misc/books.html.

Does the software come with technical support, or upgrades?

Adobe provides some technical support and updates on its web site http://www.adobe.com/support/main.html, though technical support is not officially included with your license. You should also be able to get help from a variety of venues on campus. Here is a good place to start: http://ithelp.stanford.edu. Upgrades are published every year and a half to two years, and are considered separate products. We will always offer the latest version available. If you purchase a product within a couple of months of a new release, Adobe offers a generous upgrade process. If you are eligible for an upgrade at any time, you will receive notification.