Microsoft has been aggressively making Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) available. Many home users have already received it as a “critical update” through Microsoft Windows Update. This new version provides enhanced security over previous versions of Internet Explorer, as well as some very nice additional features…most notably “tabbed browsing.”
To minimize disruption to faculty and staff while the fall semester is underway, automatic distribution of IE7 to office computers on campus is deferred until January 18.
On January 18, we will begin sending the updates to campus systems overnight. Like other updates, computers that are powered on and connected to the campus network will be updated automatically sometime between January 18th and 22nd (we spread the distribution out over several days to avoid network traffic jams). Further information will be distributed through the Daily Digest as the date gets closer.
FOR THOSE WHO DON’T WANT TO WAIT: IE7 is available right now on an “Early Adopter” basis. Best of all, you don’t need to call us to get Local Administrator Rights to install it. We’ve packaged it in such a way that it’s a completely self-service update?something you can do at your convenience. Once installed, Microsoft offers an excellent tour to help get you started. Complete instructions are provided at {http://www.towson.edu/otstraining/documentation/Windows/Add_Remove_Programs.pdf}.
A SPECIAL NOTE TO FACULTY: We strongly encourage you to leave your computer powered on (but logged off) during the January break. If you turn it off, you will likely face a “backlog” of updates in addition to IE7 such as Windows security patches and McAfee antivirus updates. Having to crunch through that backlog will be a challenge for your computer as well as your patience if you turn on your computer right before the spring semester starts. Again, leaving your computer powered on (but logged off) is your best bet. Concerned about energy waste? Exciting things will be happening soon; stay tuned to the Daily Digest.
EXCLUSIONS: Computers in smart classrooms are exempt from the January 18th automatic update. They will be “manually” updated on a case-by-case basis in cooperation with the departments that use the rooms. Also, lab computers will be exempt from the January 18th automatic update; each lab manager will be able to decide the best strategy to upgrade to IE7.
Again, feel free to take advantage of the Early Adopter Program by referring to the instructions at {http://www.towson.edu/otstraining/documentation/Windows/Add_Remove_Programs.pdf}.
If you need assistance installing Internet Explorer 7 or run into problems, please contact the OTS Faculty/Staff Help Center at 410-704-5151 (2+2+2 on the voice menu).
