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Windows Vista is a new operating system and it presents a major upgrade to Windows XP from Microsoft.
At this time, Information Technology is recommending that you NOT install Vista on your personal/home computers. In addition, IT will NOT be installing Windows Vista on institutional computers for the Fall of 2007.
IT has been testing Vista for compatibility with hardware and software used on campus. We, and other colleges, have found issues. Because this is a major upgrade to the operating system, bugs and incompatibilities are inevitable.
Currently:
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Not all of our desktop computers are capable of running this visually robust operating system. The college is positioning the computer inventory to be Vista-capable in 2007-2008.
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The operating system is not yet compatible with software interfaces used at the college, including Blackboard, some SQL and Oracle applications, web mail, printing and imaging software, and more.
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Win XP is NOT obsolete, and will be supported into 2013.
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Training programs for Office 2007 must be put into place.
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Many technology analysts are advising that Vista is experiencing initial-rollout operating inefficiencies and bugs.
In response to the academic need for currency in software applications, the Instructional Technology group is planning for Windows Vista in limited lab settings. IT will accommodate instructors who teach using Windows Vista on an as-needed basis.
Testing and planning for a Vista migration will continue and a recommendation to move to Vista may come as early as the fourth quarter of FY 2007-2008.
For additional information, try these articles:
Computerworld Vista Article
The Best and Worst of Vista
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