Microsoft has been aggressively making Internet Explorer 9 (IE 9) available since it was released in March 2011. Most 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.
Starting on Friday, July 13, at 3 a.m., OTS will begin sending the update to campus systems (Window Vista and Windows 7 only since the software does not run on Windows XP). Like other updates, computers that are powered on and connected to the campus network will be automatically updated sometime between July 13 and 19 (we spread the distribution out over several days to avoid network traffic jams). The computer will be restarted automatically after the installation finishes.
Self-Help Documents: The Office of Technology Services has created multiple Self-Help documents available for IE 9. Please go to {http://www.towson.edu/adminfinance/ots/trainingdoc/shr11-internet.asp} to review the documentation.
For those who don’t want to wait: IE 9 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 self-service update ? something you can do at your convenience. Complete instructions are provided at: {http://www.towson.edu/adminfinance/ots/Training/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 summer break. If you turn it off, you will likely face a backlog of updates in addition to IE 9, such as Windows security patches and 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 fall semester begins. Again, leaving your computer powered on (but logged off) is your best bet.
Exclusions: Computers in smart classrooms are exempt from the 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 automatic update; each lab manager will be able to decide the best strategy to upgrade to IE 9.
If you need assistance installing Internet Explorer 9 or run into problems, please contact the OTS Faculty/Staff Help Center at x4-5151 (2+2+2 on the voice menu).
