Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do we distribute software via FTP?

A: No. We only distribute select software by e-mail.

Q: Do you accept credit cards?

A: No; we can no longer accept credit card orders.

Q: Can orders be made via fax?

A: Yes, orders made via fax are fine, just remember that we will not send out orders without payment and will wait till we receive your check.

Q: Are documents included with the program?

A: No.  Software is free, but there is a charge for the documents.  The cost for each document will be listed by it's the description.  If you wish to purchase extra copies, please list the documents, quantity, and dollar amount in the appropriate section on the order form.

Q: Can I purchase software with a purchase order?

A: No, we cannot accept purchase orders or requests unaccompanied by a check or money order. Invoices will be provided upon request. PREPAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL ORDERS.

Q: Our company usually does not prepay. Can we get an invoice from your office?

A: We will happily provide invoices. To request an invoice, send a letter, fax, or call us, specifying to whom the invoice should be addressed, and a list of the items you would like to obtain. Invoices are usually sent out within two days.

Q: If I am only purchasing documentation, do I still have to sign and return the research software license agreement?

A: Yes, this form must be signed to indicate that you have read and agreed to the conditions governing the distribution of our programs and documentation.

Q: Who can sign the research software license agreement?

A: Anyone in your company who has authority to sign legal documents may sign. If you are purchasing software or documentation for personal use, you may sign it yourself.

Q: Do I have to submit a letter of assurance with my order?

A: You need to submit this letter only if you intend to redistribute the software outside the United States, or if you are purchasing the materials from outside the U.S.

Q: Do I have to submit a letter of non-redistribution with my order?

A: You need to submit this letter only if it was specifically requested under the Special Licensing/Distribution Restrictions under the program description.

Q: If I do not see a certain machine listed under the program I want to purchase, how will I know if it will run on that particular machine?

A: If a particular machine is not listed, compatibility with other systems may not have been tested at UC Berkeley. However, the program may be portable to other machines by modifying the source code.

Q: When a program is updated, do I automatically get a new copy?

A: No. To obtain a new version, you must prepay the material/handling fee of the program.

Q: How long will it take for an order to be processed?

A: We usually fill orders within 10 working days of receipt, but please allow three weeks for delivery.

Q: Do you have express shipping service?

A: Yes. For an additional $25.00 per program or for each 1-3 pieces of documentation, your order will be shipped anywhere in the U.S. via UPS Next Day Air. For International Express Service, please add $25.00 per order, in addition to the shipping surcharge fee

Q: Who can I contact if I have a technical question?

A: The Software Distribution Office is not a technical support office. If you have technical questions, or a bug to report, you may send a brief description of the problem in writing or via electronic mail to indrelations@eecs. We will forward your question to the appropriate professor or graduate student. However, we cannot promise that we will be able to provide an answer for you, as some of our software may be unsupported or the students no longer available.