Windows 7 at the University of Virginia

Status and availability of software and support for Windows 7

[Nov 23, 2009 14:09] Web access to Microsoft Live@edu accounts now works.

Windows 7 support

Windows 7 is available for general purchase as of October 22, 2009. Whether or not a particular machine should be upgraded from the current operating system to Windows 7 is an individual decision. Below are some links and items to consider when deciding if your machine can be upgraded. If your machine is maintained by staff in your department, check with them about how well Windows 7 fits in the department’s computing plan prior to upgrading.

During the next month, if you call the UVa Help Desk with a Windows 7-related problem, your call will be handled through a "referral" process and you may not get an immediate answer. As the Help Desk's experience with Windows 7 grows, and unique problems are identified and documented, more questions will be directly answered by the Help Desk via their standard support tools.

Upgrade Considerations

  • Is the software you use compatible with Windows 7, or are affordable upgrades to compatible versions available? Software Central lists Windows 7 in the supported OS versions list for the titles we distribute and have tested (most of the Windows Vista titles). Windows 7 specific download pages will be available prior to October 22.
  • Can your computer run Windows 7? Microsoft has a compatibility tester for computer systems available at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx .
    There are sometimes vendor-specific device driver and BIOS updates required prior to OS updates, so you will need to check with the vendor of the computer and associated devices for availability.
  • Is the upgrade worth the cost? Both in time and money. Some updates require a new installation of Windows, wiping out data currently on the machine. This will mean you will need to find license keys and installation disks for purchased software, and back up your files before starting the upgrade. Backups are advisable even with in-place upgrades.
  • Can you do it yourself, or should you pay someone to do the upgrade? Operating Systems upgrades are a bit more complicated than standard software upgrades. Things can go wrong that require starting over repeatedly. If you are not comfortable performing and trouble shooting installations, you are better off paying someone to perform the upgrade for you.
  • Do you have a backup, or are you willing to risk losing the data on your system?

Upgrade availability

  • You can expect commercial packaging available in retail stores October 22, 2009.
  • Microsoft also plans to sell online downloadable updates via their website.
  • Computers owned by the University of Virginia departments in agency 207 can upgrade to Windows 7 Enterprise of Professional editions at no cost under the Campus Agreement.
  • Other University departments can upgrade using the Select Agreement upgrade license. The most recent license available lists the price for an upgrade to the Professional edition at a modest charge.
  • Students will be able to buy Windows 7 Ultimate for $10 under the student Campus Agreement license from Cavalier Computers. Disks are expected for the October 22, 2009 roll-out date.
  • For others, Cavalier Computers will be stocking a small number of copies of the Retail and OEM editions.

Known Compatibility Issues

  • Windows 7 is not certified and not supported for use with the Integrated System.
  • UVa Anywhere and More Secure Network VPN connections work with Windows 7 32-bit (as with Vista, the current VPN solution is not compatible for 64-bit systems).
  • Symantec Endpoint Protection users will need to update to the latest version available on Software Central.
  • The Network Setup Tool works with both 64- and 32-bit versions.
  • Software Central has been updated to include titles tested and working with Windows 7. With the exceptions of Symantec Endpoint Protection, the versions of commercial titles on Software Central are not yet listed by the program developers as supported under Windows 7.

© 2009 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.

The information contained on the University of Virginia’s Department of Information Technology and Communication (ITC) website is provided as a public service with the understanding that ITC makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information, including warrantees of title, non-infringement of copyright or patent rights of others. These pages are expected to represent the University of Virginia community and the State of Virginia in a professional manner in accordance with the University of Virginia’s Computing Policies.