CIS Labs-Computer and Information Sciences
DreamSpark Premium for CIS students – Frequently Asked Questions
Computer and Information Sciences (CIS), Towson University
What is DreamSpark Premium?
DreamSpark Premium (formerly MSDN Academic Alliance) is a subscription service for academic institutions, that provides Microsoft developer tools, platforms and servers for use in labs and classrooms, and on their students’ and faculty’s computers for learning and research purposes.
Who is eligible and registered for this program?
To be eligible for this program, you must be currently enrolled in the CS, IS, or IT programs in the department of Computer and Information Sciences. All students that are eligible are registered at the beginning of the Fall semester, and receive an e-mail notification with access information via their Towson student e-mail account.
How do I access DreamSpark Premium web store?
The link for the ELMS web site is:
Towson University - Computer and Information Sciences - DreamSpark Premium
http://towson-cis.onthehub.com/
Your user ID for the ELMS web site is your Towson student e-mail address:
[ netID ] @students.towson.edu
Alternatively you can access the site via http://skipjack.towson.edu/ .The first time you connect, you will establish a password and complete the registration process.
What if I did not receive an e-mail notice or do not know my password?
If you do not know your password, you may reset it by clicking the Forgot your password? link at the login page. Enter your Towson student e-mail address and your web site access information will be resent to this address.
What if I am a new student and do not have an account?
See the receptionist in the CIS department office, YR-406, and provide your Name, Towson NetID, and the program in which you are enrolled (CS, IS, IT). You will receive an e-mail with your access information within a few days.
How do I download software from the web site?
The web site walks you through the check-out and download process. Record and save any license keys provided during the check-out process. Software downloads will be in the form of a setup.exe/msi file or a full-DVD “.iso” image file. Burn this image to a blank DVD to install the software. Alternatively you can mount the image file directly with 7-zip.
Where can I get technical help?
The DreamSpark site has a help page at https://www.dreamspark.com/Support/FAQ/Default.aspx#FAQ. Limited additional help is available from the lab assistant in YR-407.
What if I have a Mac?
Microsoft software runs on Windows platforms. MAC users will need to first install VMware Fusion and Windows prior to downloading and running Windows applications. Windows desktop OS platforms are available through the web site.
Are there open source alternatives for Java or C++ for Mac users?
The Netbeans IDE is available for Mac OS X from netbeans.org. Prerequisite packages Xcode and X11 are required for C++ from the Apple Developer Connection. Open Xcode and visit Xcode menu > Preferences> Downloads to manually install the core command line tools and system headers.
What software is available for non-CIS students?
Express versions of some applications are available via DreamSpark for Students (standard) at www.dreamspark.com.
Can I get additional software downloads?
Additional downloads are available by request only through your instructor for required software.
How can I get Microsoft Office?
Office is available through the Towson Student Select Program via the University bookstore web site or directly through retail stores such as Best Buy or Office Depot (MS Office 2013 Home and Student, MS Office 365 4yr academic).