Software

 [Clerk Support]

The stake technology specialist is responsible for all software used on administrative and family history center computers in the stake.

Church-supplied software

Member Tools

• Member Tools | Android: Member Tools for Android is the Church's solution to accessing membership and calendar information from an Android powered device.
• Member Tools | iOS: Member Tools for iOS is the Church's solution to accessing membership and calendar information from an iOS powered device (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad).

Third party software

Useful software not provided by CHQ. In general, CHQ has recommended free software applications such as LibreOffice, and it is prudent for units to avoid using sacred tithing funds to purchase software, especially when equivalent applications can be obtained at no cost. However, there is no prohibition against purchasing third-party applications, or receiving donations of software, as long as the unit scrupulously adheres to the license agreement. Generally this means that a copy of the license certificate is physically in the clerk's office. In the case of donated software, the donor must no longer be using the software in any way.

Copies of the proof of purchase must be E-mailed to ITAssetManagement@ldschurch.org. Please include your unit number and contact information.

Anti-virus and anti-malware software

• Sophos antivirus: Anti-virus/anti-malware and firewall software. Released to stake clerks and stake technology specialists on 22 December 2009. Currently Sophos is the only approved anti-virus/anti-malware, desktop firewall allowed on Church-owned equipment. It allows Church headquarters to centrally manage and update Church-owned computer systems. If other anti-virus/anti-malware or desktop firewall software is in use it should be promptly removed and replaced with Sophos.

Office software

Office software can enable a clerk to perform many useful tasks that are not available in Church-supplied software. Word processing and spreadsheet software is particularly helpful for clerks. The most commonly used applications are:

• LibreOffice: LibreOffice is an office suite, consisting of a word processor and spreadsheet, along with other applications. It is a branch of the OpenOffice suite developed by The Document Foundation. It is compatible with all other major office suites. The product is free to download, use, and distribute. The Church recommends use of this suite.
• Microsoft Office: Because of cost, the Church does not recommend purchasing this software with budget funds. Open source office suites can perform all the essential functions of Microsoft Office.
• Microsoft Works: For a time, the Church made a specially-licensed version of Microsoft Works available to units. This practice has been discontinued and the Church now recommends the use of open source office suites.

Utilities

• CutePDF: Freeware that is included with the Desktop 5.5 image which allows a user to export any document or report from any Windows application into a distributable PDF document.
• PDFCreator: Freeware that allows a user to export any document or report from any Windows application into a distributable PDF document.
• Picasa: Free photo editing software for managing photos of ward members. Provides for the following features: crop, straighten, redeye, text, retouch, etc. With this software you can prepare photos of new ward members/families to post on a meetinghouse bulletin board showing their names. You can also prepare photos for download to the ward website directory at http://lds.org.

Microsoft operating systems

• All Church-owned desktops ship from the manufacturer with a Microsoft operating system (OS) installed.

• Computers in meetinghouses are not entitled for automatic upgrades.

• It is not recommend that local funds be used to purchase OS upgrades or that the operating system be upgraded from the version that came with your system. Operating systems such as Linux are also not recommend or supported.

• To verify what operating system you are entitled to run, you can check a sticker on the computer called Certificate of Authenticity or COA for short. The COA sticker is usually located on the back, bottom or side of the computer; it contains the OS key and the correct version of the OS you are entitled to run for that computer.