Windows Vista Support Update
May 2008
We wish to provide an update on ITS testing and preparation for Windows Vista support.
ITS has completed Vista testing working with campus business system partners. The ITS Support Center is making final preparations for desktop support techs to support Windows Vista starting May 27, 2008. Support will be provided for Windows Vista – Business Edition.
Although ITS will soon be able to provide support for Vista, the benefits of migrating computers from Windows XP to Vista are not clear. At this time, ITS recommends that campus faculty and staff continue to use Windows XP Professional unless you have a business need or software application that requires Windows Vista.
In response to customer demand Dell will continue to sell computers with Windows XP installed until the end of 2010. When configuring a Dell computer for ordering, XP is now labeled as "Genuine Windows Vista Business Downgrade, XP Pro Installed".
Students
Many students have been receiving support for Vista from Resnet staff since the Fall. Vista works properly with the residential network Clean Access system, CruzMail, and CruzNet wireless network.
Instructional Computing continues to evaluate MS Windows Vista for use in the Instructional Computing labs. The earliest it might be deployed is Summer 2009.
Faculty & Staff
Campus Business Systems
Business System Support
Testing is complete for campus business systems. Some issues have been identified:
- FIS/Banner - the system vendor has not qualified FIS for use under Vista. FIS/Banner users should remain on Windows XP.
- DivData – requires an incompatible version of FileMaker Pro. DivData users should remain on Windows XP.
- PPS – *UPDATE* Stunnel is compatible with Vista. Please see IT Request FAQ 1171.
ITS Support Center
The Help Desk is ready to provide assistance with general Vista issues
The Support Center will be ready to provide desktop support for Vista starting May 27. Support will be for Windows Vista – Business Edition.
At this time, clients will not be migrated from Windows XP to Vista without a business need justification. Clients with a business need can order new computers with Windows Vista Business and receive support.
Local Support
Support for Windows Vista may not be available from Local IT Specialists in your division. Please check with your Divisional Liaison for support availability.
Divisional Liaisons
Software Licensing
There are several issues and options to consider when purchasing a computer with Windows Vista or a Vista software license. A Vista licensing web page has been published to provide guidance at: Windows Vista Software Licensing at UCSC
Training
Staff Training and Development offers online training subscriptions through Element K, which include Windows Vista modules as part of the Microsoft Office training pack.
Staff Training and Development - Online Learning
If your unit has purchased products through the Microsoft Consolidated Campus Agreement (MCCA) you have access to online training materials from Microsoft that include several modules for Windows Vista. Access information for the MCCA e-learning courses has been sent to participating unit contacts. Units subscribing to MCCA are listed at:
ITS Software - Microsoft Consolidated Campus Agreement (MCCA)
News & Updates
We will continue to post relevant news and information regarding Windows Vista on the ITS web site at: http://its.ucsc.edu/sw_release/vista/
If you have a question about Windows Vista, please submit an IT Request ticket using the problem type “Help & General Info” ( http://itrequest.ucsc.edu )
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