This is the current version of ISC's list of supported and recommended computing software that is widely compatible and in broad use across the University. It was substantially revised for the turn of Penn's fiscal year on July 1, 2024.
The software in the tables below have been recommended by Information Systems & Computing (ISC) for general-purpose campuswide use. Many Schools, Centers, and departments have standardized on the use of specific software. Faculty and staff should speak to their School/Center's IT Support Staff to determine what products are supported before selecting software.
About the tables: Follow the links to find more information about listed products and to locate download links for software that is distributed free of charge to Penn users.
The supported and recommended version of Windows 11 is 23H2.
The supported and recommended version of macOS is macOS 14.x Sonoma.
| Product | MacOS | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | macOS Monterey, Ventura, & Sonoma | Windows 11 (version 22H2 & above) Supported but not recommended for new systems: Windows 10 (version 22H2) |
| Database | Local standard/ FileMaker Pro | Local standard/ FileMaker Pro |
| IMAP Email Client for Google Workspace | Thunderbird | Thunderbird |
| Office365 Email Client | Supported and recommended: Outlook Supported but not recommended: Apple Mail | Supported and recommended: Outlook |
| FTP | Fetch | WS_FTP Professional |
| Office Suite | Recommended: Microsoft Office O365 Supported but not recommended: Microsoft Office 2019 & 2021 (perpetual releases) | Recommended: Microsoft Office O365 Supported but not recommended: Microsoft Office 2019 & 2021 (perpetual releases) |
| Portable Documents (PDF) | Adobe Acrobat Reader | Adobe Acrobat Reader |
| Personal Firewall | Built-in | Built-in |
| Password Management | Dashlane | Dashlane |
| AirPennNet Wireless Access | JoinNow | JoinNow |
| Spyware/Adware/Virus Protection | Sophos Home (personally-owned systems) | Sophos Home (personally-owned systems) |
| Endpoint Detection and Response | CrowdStrike (University-owned systems) | CrowdStrike (University-owned systems) |
| Video Conferencing | Zoom | Zoom |
| Whole Drive Encryption | FileVault 2 | BitLocker |
| Telephony - PennFlex Phone Client | Vonage Mobile app with Webex | Vonage Mobile app with Webex |
| Web Browser | Chrome Firefox Firefox esr Safari | Chrome Firefox Firefox esr Edge |