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Windows Vista Information

Windows Vista - What is it?

Microsoft released the latest version of their PC operating system, Windows Vista, in January 2007. Windows Vista follows on from Windows XP. There are many new features, the most significant of which are the "look and feel" or user interface, and the increased security built into the product.

The University's campus site licence agreement with Microsoft includes Vista, and IT Services is currently working towards delivering a Managed Operating Environment (MOE) based on Windows Vista.

For more information on the MOE project, click here.

Windows Vista - The Issues

With such a significant upgrade in technology, there are a range of issues which we need to investigate in order to deliver a stable MOE. These issues include:

Which version of Vista to use - there are seven different versions.
Which method of activation to use - Microsoft has increased their security around genuine copies of the operating system to prevent misuse. From the range of options available, the best method must be selected to meet the University's diverse needs.
Technical training for the product will not be available from Microsoft until June or July 2007. Our technical staff cannot be trained until Microsoft releases the product training.
Significant work must be carried out in a test environment to ensure IT Services can deliver a stable and supportable MOE. Testing has been initiated in our test environment.
The resources required to run Vista optimally are significantly higher than with Windows XP. Not all University PCs have the resources necessary to run Vista so evaluations of all PCs must be conducted.
IT Services and various business units will need to test all our corporate and business applications to ensure they operate trouble free on a Windows Vista platform. This is where the bulk of the work will need to be carried out.

Windows Vista - Not Supported

IT Services does not currently support Windows Vista. Instructions are available for students to connect their personal laptops to our Wireless network, but no additional support will be offered. Any University owned assets that arrive with Windows Vista will be formatted and reinstalled with Windows XP and supported under our current arrangements.

Windows Vista - Microsoft Office 2007 and Internet Explorer 7

Microsoft has also released an updated version of its Office suite of applications. IT Services plans to roll out Office 2007 when we roll out Windows Vista along with a large number of significant software updates like Internet Explorer 7. This means products can be tested together to ensure all issues are resolved, resulting in minimum impact to University business.

Windows Vista - IT Services Commitment

IT Services is working as quickly as possible to identify and solve any issues so we can deliver a Windows Vista based MOE as soon as possible. When we are satisfied that the University can continue to meet its strategic goals we will plan the migration for the University to Windows Vista.

IT Services will continue to support Windows XP for a considerable time. It is likely that both operating systems will be run in parallel to ensure the University continues to function, until Windows XP is eventually phased out.

Further news and updates will be posted here.