Software

2011-10-27T23:12:06Z

Cswadner:

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

== Church-supplied software ==
* [[MLS]]: Member and Leader Services is the main administrative software used by units for maintaining [[Membership records|membership]] and [[financial records]].
* [[Scriptures on CD-ROM | The Scriptures]]: Both standard and resource versions are provided with the MLS installation CD for installation on unit administrative computers.
* Missionary Recommendation Software: This DOS-based software has generally been replaced by the online [[Missionary Recommendation System]].

== Third party software ==
'''Useful software not provided by CHQ.''' In general, [[CHQ]] has recommended free software applications such as OpenOffice, 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.

=== 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 [[Office software tasks | 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:
* [http://www.openoffice.org/ Open Office]: Open Office is an office suite, consisting of a word processor and spreadsheet, along with other applications. 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 Office 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 OpenOffice.

=== Utilities ===

* [http://www.cutepdf.com 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.
* [http://www.pdfforge.org/products/pdfcreator/ PDFCreator]: Freeware that allows a user to export any document or report from any Windows application into a distributable PDF document.
* [http://picasa.google.com/ 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 .

=== Other Tools ===
[https://market.android.com/details?id=org.lds.ldstools&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsIm9yZy5sZHMubGRzdG9vbHMiXQ.. LDSTools | Android]:
LDS Tools for Android is the Church's solution to accessing membership and calendar information from an Android powered device.

[http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lds-tools/id391093033?mt=8 LDSTools | iOS]:
LDS Tools for iOS is the Church's solution to accessing membership and calendar information from an iOS powered device (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad).

[http://andrewr.info/giftaid.zip Gift Aid]: (UK Only) A small Windows utility that can be used by members to calculate [http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/gift-aid.htm Gift Aid] - the value of donations to charities eligible for tax relief under UK tax law. When first run, this program assumes a 22% tax rate, but that rate can be changed and stored for subsequent uses of the software.
{{further|Gift Aid}}

[[Category:Technology]]

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Software