Overview

The university’s current operating system, Windows XP, is more than eight years old; a lifetime in the fast-paced world of technology development. Microsoft has also announced it has stopped developing new features for the Windows XP operating system, and will stop developing new security patches in April 2014. DePaul will cease all support for the Windows XP operating system by this date.

DePaul will be deploying Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 7, to new computers as well as existing DePaul-owned computers that meet the minimum operating requirements. DePaul’s Windows 7 operating environment will include Office 2010, Microsoft’s latest version of the Office suite of products, which will provide better integration with and a similar look/feel to newer Microsoft products.

Timeline

Beginning January 3rd, 2011, DePaul launched a multiyear plan to migrate all university-owned computers to Windows 7 and Office 2010 software. All newly purchased computers are now on Windows 7. A self-service migration tool is available for individuals and departments to upgrade eligible existing computers by volunteering for an upgrade appointment. Click here to schedule a migration to Windows 7.

Beginning winter quarter 2012, most lab and classroom computers will have the Windows 7 operating system. The following labs and classrooms will not have Windows 7 before winter quarter 2012: Athletic Center lab, Daley 1128, Daley 1129, Daley 1130, McGaw 202, Daley 1138, DePaul Center (DPC) 6306, DPC 9100, DPC 9900, DPC 10024, DPC Welcome Center, SAC 169, SAC 220, SAC 481, SAC 521, Student Center (STC) 105, STC 201, STC 201G, STC 302, and STC 304B.

There are computers available for Windows 7 faculty testing in the following lab locations: SAC 235 (SAC235-058), Richardson Library (LIB SE-001), O’Malley 1350 (OMP1350-004 & OMP1350-005), South Suburban Campus (SSC-001), Naperville 137 (NAP137-027), O’Hare Campus 202 (OHC202-010). Please feel free to test Windows 7 at your convenience and email your feedback to: softwaresurvey@depaul.edu

Software Available in all Labs & Classrooms

Please click here to find the software programs available on the lab and classroom workstations starting in winter quarter 2012.

Software Requests for Winter quarter

If software that you need to be available for winter quarter is not listed, please click here to make a request before November 15, 2011.

Critical Information!

Some existing devices and software will not function with Windows 7 and will need to be replaced. DePaul employees are responsible for making sure that devices connected to your computer and any software that is not included with the DePaul image will function with Windows 7. It is important that this assessment and replacement occur before you start using Windows 7. Please visit the Windows 7 compatibility website to determine whether any compatibility issues exist in your individual computing environment.

Some Benefits of Windows 7

• Improved Security
• Built-in Data Encryption
• Increased Performance
• Greater Memory Access
• Capability for Future Technologies
• Support Beyond XP Lifecycle
• Updated Desktop Interface
• New Problem Assistance Feature

Improved Security - Windows 7 offers DePaul the opportunity to revamp our security measures. This means that administration and ownership of workstations will be able to be assigned, allowing documents to be further protected on workstations across the University.

Built-In Data Encryption - Windows 7 also offers a built-in data encryption system called BitLocker that prevents the acquisition of data from a lost PC or laptop. More information is available about Bitlocker at the Microsoft site, here.

Increased Performance - Microsoft spent a great deal of effort analyzing performance metrics across several of their last operating systems. The resulting changes to the Windows 7 core operating system mean increased performance from applications and services.

Greater Memory Access - Windows 7 64-bit Enterprise edition will be the OS deployed to the University. While older workstations will not be able to upgrade (see upgrade requirements below), new workstations will be able to access more memory than their older, 32-bit counterparts. Additionally, applications that have been written to take advantage of the 64-bit architecture of modern microprocessors will be able to better leverage several new 64-bit features. More information on 64-bit processing is available at the Microsoft site, here.

Capability for Future Technologies - Windows 7 will allow IS to launch some additional technologies in the future, such as Office 2010 enhancements, better data management, remote access to University resources, and better prevention of data loss.

Support Beyond XP Lifecycle - As noted above, Microsoft is dropping security support for Windows XP in April of 2014, and Windows 7 will be the primary operating system that Microsoft will be developing and supporting.

Updated Desktop Interface - Microsoft has updated the desktop interface to simplify and better manage the things users do. There is a new search feature that makes it easier and faster to locate files, emails, programs and system settings. Microsoft has included interfaces for music, photo, and video file creation, sharing and distribution.

New Problem Assistance Feature - Microsoft has introduced a new feature called the Problem Steps Recorder in Windows 7. If you are having issues, you will be able to use the Problem Steps Recorder to record your steps into a document that can be opened in any browser. This document will show pictures and a brief description for each step you take. You can then send this to the Help Desk or to a software vendor for technical support. More details on using the Problem Steps Recorder can be found at the Microsoft site, here.

Sign up for the Windows 7 upgrade

 

Training options for Windows 7 and Office 2010

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Windows 7 and Office 2010

 

Software Related