Overview
In this guide for Dornsife faculty and staff, we provide software and cloud service recommendations by task. Some of these options are available at no cost, while others require a purchase or subscription.
Why do some options require approval from DTS?
Some of the options below requires a review by DTS before purchase, and we indicate when this is the case.
Why is this review process necessary? Typically, it's because the tool in question is cloud-based, meaning that it runs on and stores data on the web, rather than locally on your own computer. When this is the case, the USC Office of Cybersecurity requires us to confirm that confidential data is not being processed. In the case of a software or service that has an AI component, review and approval may be required by additional USC offices.
Don't see something listed below?
This guide provides recommendations for specific tasks and does not include all available software at USC. For comprehensive lists, refer to:
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Software at USC Dornsife: DTS guide focusing on software and services for Dornsife-managed computers
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Dornsife IT procurement policy: Refer to the pre-approved software list for options that are not provided by USC but can be purchased without additional approvals
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Software at USC: Official USC list from ITS, including software available for USC students and for personal computers
You can also email ts@dornsife.usc.edu to request recommendations. We highly encourage you to reach out to us prior to purchasing, to ensure that you are compliant with the Dornsife IT procurement policy, which details how Dornsife IT purchases can meet USC policy requirements.
Artificial intellligence
Refer to the ITS AI Product Matrix for the list of approved AI tools at USC and their approved data types. DTS also offers guides for AI tools.
Electronic signature
Email and calendars
Appointment calendaring
The following options allow you to create an appointment calendar so others can view your availability and book a meeting with you:
For a comparison chart of each tool's features, refer to Start Here: Calendar and Appointment Tools at USC.
Polling meeting availability
These tools allow you to create a poll so people can vote on the best time to meet:
For a comparison chart, refer to Creating polls for meeting times.
Mass emailing (newsletters, mailing lists)
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Recommended: Emma for newsletter and marketing campaigns
- Also approved: Listserv (ITS-supported email distribution list, refer to help guide for instructions)
Please note that other options such as Mailchimp are not approved for use at USC.
Media editing (graphics, audio, and video)
Diagramming and visualization
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Recommended: Microsoft Visio (available for Windows PC and web)
- Permitted but must obtain approval from DTS: Lucidchart
Dornsife website image resizing
Graphic design
Video and audio editing
You can also request DTS assistance with video production and editing:
Note-taking and research writing
Citation management
- Recommended: EndNote
- Permitted but must obtain approval from DTS: Zotero
Writing
- Recommended: Microsoft Office, Google suite; Overleaf if using LaTeX
- Also approved: Notability (macOS and iOS), Scrivener
Microsoft Editor is now included in your USC Microsoft account. We recommend Editor over Grammarly, as Editor does not require additional review and purchasing, and is approved for use with confidential data.
Password management
1Password is the only approved tool for password management at USC.
Project and task management
- Recommended: Microsoft Planner, Slack Lists
- Permitted but must obtain approval from DTS: Asana, Basecamp, Trello
Statistical software
Your options for statistical software at USC include:
Additional tools such as Stat/Transfer and GraphPad Prism are pre-approved for purchase, and you can find more tools listed in the pre-approved software list of the Dornsife IT procurement policy.
Survey options
Refer to the following guide for survey tools at USC:
The guide compares Microsoft Forms, Google Forms, and Qualtrics, and links to information about REDCap, a tool designed specifically for conducting HIPAA-compliant research studies.
Text-to-speech and speech-to-text software
Refer to the following guide:
Options include Microsoft Word's transcription feature, Microsoft Edge's Read Aloud feature, and Adobe Podcast and Acrobat features, with availability varying by account type.
Website creation
Dornsife WordPress is the only approved option for website publishing at Dornsife.
An option for USC students is Google Sites.