Microsoft released Windows Vista to the public on January 30, 2007 as its next-generation operating system. While new consumer-class computers will ship with home versions immediately, the Office of Technology Services (OTS), like most other educational institutions and corporations, will be carefully observing and evaluating the new operating system for several months before considering a campus-wide strategy. During this period, OTS will engage the campus community (particularly departmentally and college-based IT providers) with the intent of releasing a preliminary strategic plan by June 30, 2007.
Any new operating system brings significant challenges, especially in a network environment, and we anticipate it may take an additional 6-12 months following a final strategic decision before significant numbers of Vista systems will appear in the campus computing mix. Most campus computers currently run Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Internet Explorer 7 (also included in Vista). Combined with enterprise security services and updated antivirus software, the current campus environment has proven to be stable, secure, and effective. If any departments believe they have a compelling instructional, research, or business need to migrate to Vista before a campus strategy is finalized, please contact OTS prior to purchase or ordering computers with Vista pre-loaded.
For personally owned computers (home systems, notebooks, etc.), Windows Vista provides interesting multimedia features, parental controls, a new look-and-feel, and security enhancements that make up for the services an enterprise network like Towson’s provides for the on-campus user. While some of our faculty, staff, or students may decide to upgrade their personally owned computers to Vista, please be aware that the only support OTS can provide through the Faculty/Staff Help Center and Student Computing Services will be guidance in setting up a dial-up connection or, for on-campus use, configuring wireless settings. All other issues would need to be addressed through the point of purchase, through Microsoft support channels for home users, through a computer services retailer, or through one’s Internet Service Provider for broadband connection issues.
OTS will be publishing additional information and answers to frequently asked questions on its web site starting in mid-February and will keep the campus up to date through the Daily Digest as items develop.
