What are the differences between the UH Volume License copy of Office 2013 for Faculty and Staff and the version of Office 2013 that is sold at the Cougar Byte store on campus?

Microsoft Office 2013 is available as a free download from the Faculty/Staff software download site, http://software.uh.edu/ . The software title is pre-configured for use with the campus Key Management Server (KMS). This means that no license codes are needed to activate the software, since the KMS server takes care of the activation automatically, usually by binding the computer to the CougarNet domain or via manual activation. Once activated, Office will have to check-inwith the campus KMS server every 180 days to keep the license live and active. If the machine is physically located on campus, no manual interaction is needed in order to have the machine check-in with the KMS server. However, if the machine is off-campus and not on the UH network often, establishing a VPN connection will be necessary in order for the computer to check-in with the campus KMS server to keep the license current.

 Office products sold at the Cougar Byte computer store are not configured to communicate with the campus KMS server. Instead, they come with an individual license code.

Information Technology Support Center:

In person visit us at Tech Commons located at the back entrance of the MD Anderson Library, across from the Student Center. View map to Tech Commons.

By Phone or Text - Call in or text the Help Desk at (713) 743-1411

8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sunday through Saturday (except university holidays)

Chat hours are listed below:

Monday - Friday: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM CDT
Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Created: Aug 04, 2010 - 3:43pm Updated: Feb 04, 2021 - 11:49am Author: UIT Support Center Article: 2336
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