Windows Vista

Note: This document has been significantly revised since it was first published as a news article in January 2007. The original article is here.

Note: Many schools and units have standardized on the use of specific applications and operating systems. Faculty and staff should speak to their local support provider to determine which products are supported locally before selecting or purchasing software.

On January 30, 2007 Microsoft released Vista, a new version of its Windows operating system. Individuals and offices considering upgrading to Vista or planning to purchase new Windows systems are strongly advised to review the information below and to consult with their Local Support Providers (LSPs) before making a purchase.

General Recommendations

Vista is currently pre-installed on many new Windows systems, though it will still be possible to choose Windows XP Service Pack 2 on most business and enterprise class systems from Dell and Lenovo until mid 2008. Vista will also be available as an upgrade for certain classes of Windows systems that currently run XP and 2000. To complicate matters further, five different editions of Vista will be available - for more information on which of these editions is best for you, see Windows Vista Editions. Users should only upgrade systems that meet or exceed ISC's recommended hardware specifications for Vista which are for systems with dual-core or hyperthreading processors that have at least

Current Incompatibilities

A handful of the most important remaining incompatibilities are listed below. Be sure to check the Windows Vista Compatibility Chart for compatibility information for a larger subset of applications in common use at the University. In addition, if you are considering Vista for a new system check to confirm that all other applications in use locally are compatible with Vista.

• BEN Financials: Client software for BEN Financials, the University's core business system for purchasing, general ledger, and accounts payable functions, will not install on Vista machines. The BEN team is working with the vendors, but there is no projected date for a solution. BEN Financials users should not upgrade to Windows Vista or purchase new Windows systems running Vista at this time.
• Office XP: This version of Office does not install under Vista. Users need to upgrade to Office 2003 or Office 2007, though Office 2007 introduces a different set of issues (see companion article).

Availability

Windows Vista is commercial software that can be purchased from the Computer Connection at an educational discount.

Microsoft software is available to University of Pennsylvania departments through the Microsoft Select Volume License Program. A detailed description of the Microsoft Program including product information and a FAQ has been prepared by the Office of Software Licensing. All purchases of Microsoft Select software are made through the Computer Connection.

Support

Primary computing support is usually located in the schools, units, and residences, close to the faculty, staff, and students being served. Contact lists are available for:

• Faculty Support
• Staff Support
• Student Support

To look up your local support provider, select your University affiliation above. You may also call First Call at 215-573-4778 to request a referral if you are not sure who to contact.

Related resources

• Penn's Virus Information Center web site.
• Industry references:
  • Microsoft's Windows web site.
  • Microsoft's home page.
  • CNet's enterprise operating system software web site
  • eWeek
• The Penn PCNet site contains useful information for local support providers.