Self Service+ (macOS) and Software Center (Windows) are software management tools built into every KAUST-managed device. They give you on-demand access to install IT-approved applications, apply security and system updates, and upgrade your operating system, all without needing administrator rights or contacting VITA or the IT Service Center first.
Think of them as your device's own app store: curated, licensed, and managed by KAUST IT.
Why use Self Service+ or Software Center instead of downloading directly?
On a KAUST-managed device, installing software downloaded directly from a vendor website, even well-known free applications like Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Chrome, or Zoom, requires local administrator rights. For security reasons, local admin access is not enabled by default on KAUST-managed devices.
Self Service+ and Software Center handle the installation on your behalf. The software has already been reviewed, licensed, and approved by KAUST IT, and the deployment process takes care of the permissions automatically. You get the same application, fully installed and supported, without needing admin rights or raising a request.
Always install software through Self Service+ or Software Center on your KAUST device, even if the software is free or publicly available online.
For how administrator access works, who is eligible, and how to request it, see Admin Rights at KAUST.
Jump to: Overview | Self Service+ | Software Center | Updates and OS Upgrades | Available Software | If Something Goes Wrong | Need Something Not Listed?
Both tools work the same way, just on different platforms. Platform differences are shown first, followed by everything the two tools share.
| Feature |  Self Service+ (macOS)
|  Software Center (Windows)
|
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS | Windows |
| How to open | Applications folder, or Spotlight (Command + Space) | Start menu or taskbar search |
| The following applies to both platforms | ||
| Install approved software | Yes | |
| Apply security and system updates | Yes | |
| OS upgrades | Yes | |
| Install without admin rights? | Yes. No administrator rights are needed when installing from Self Service+ or Software Center | |
| Updates automatically pushed? | Yes. Security and system updates are pushed automatically by KAUST IT and/or Apple or Microsoft, as applicable | |
| Advance notice for major updates? | Yes, communicated in advance via IT Alerts | |
Self Service+ is available on all KAUST-managed macOS devices. It allows you to browse and install approved software, apply updates, and run OS upgrades, without needing administrator access or raising a request.
You can open Self Service+ in either of these ways:
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The Catalog organizes software into categories; select a category or search, then click Install on any item
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The Updates section lists any pending updates ready to apply; if nothing appears here, your device is up to date
When a major macOS upgrade is ready for your device, it will appear in Self Service+ under the Catalog in the macOS Update category. These upgrades are typically released once per year and are communicated in advance through IT Alerts. Review the IT Alert for any guidance or timing recommendations before starting an upgrade.
Software Center is available on all KAUST-managed Windows devices. It gives you on-demand access to install approved software, check for updates, and upgrade your operating system, without needing administrator access or raising a request first.
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The Applications tab lists all software available to install; click any item to view details, then click Install
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The Updates tab in Software Center; any pending IT-managed updates appear here for you to install
You can also check for updates through Windows Update (Settings > Windows Update). When you do, you will see two options:
| Option | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Check for updates | Checks for updates that KAUST IT has staged and approved for your device. |
| Check online for updates from Microsoft Update | Checks Microsoft's servers directly. Delivers the same core updates, and may also surface additional optional updates for your device's hardware, such as your webcam, network card, or graphics card. |
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The dropdown next to Check for updates lets you choose between KAUST-approved updates or checking Microsoft directly for additional driver updates
When a major Windows upgrade is available for your device (for example, upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11), it will appear in Software Center under the Operating Systems tab. These upgrades are typically made available once per year and are communicated in advance through IT Alerts. Review the IT Alert before beginning any OS upgrade.
KAUST IT manages security and system updates centrally, working alongside Apple and Microsoft. Here is a summary of what to expect and when:
| Update Type | macOS | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Security and system patches | Pushed automatically by KAUST IT and/or Apple. Appear in Self Service+ if pending. | Pushed automatically by KAUST IT and/or Microsoft. Appear in Software Center or Windows Update. |
| OS upgrades | Typically once per year. Appear in Self Service+ under the macOS Update category. | Typically once per year. Appear in the Operating Systems tab in Software Center. |
| Advance notice | Via IT Alerts before major updates and upgrade cycles. | Via IT Alerts before major updates and upgrade cycles. |
Stay informed by checking IT Alerts regularly, particularly before major patching cycles or OS upgrade windows. For additional information about supported operating systems at KAUST, visit the Operating Systems page.
The list of approved software is built into the tool on your device, and it is always current. Open the one that matches your platform to see everything available to you right now:
On macOS, open Self Service+
Finder, then the Applications folder. Or press Command + Space and type Self Service+. Browse the Catalog to see everything available.
On Windows, open Software Center
Press the Windows key, type Software Center, and press Enter. Browse the Applications tab to see everything available.
Between them, the two tools cover communication and collaboration, productivity, browsers, development and data science, research and visualization, document management, remote access, backup, campus services, and general utilities. What appears is matched to your device and platform, so the two catalogs are not identical.
If Install is greyed out, an installation fails partway, or the application does not appear on your device afterward, contact VITA or the IT Service Center. Including these details up front will get you a faster answer:
If the software you need is not available in Self Service+ or Software Center, submit a request through VITA or the IT Service Center. KAUST IT will review the request and advise on availability, licensing requirements, or alternatives. For everything licensed for the KAUST community, visit the Software Catalog.
Submit a Request via VITA IT Service Center
