Windows Vista Information for Providers

Important note: this document is designed for Local Support Providers (LSPs). This page was last modified on Tuesday, 18-Mar-2008 18:36:50 EDT.

General Windows Vista Statement

On January 30, 2007 Microsoft released Vista, a new version of its Windows operating system. Windows Vista is available in five different versions in the United States: Business, Enterprise, Ultimate, Home Premium, and Home Basic. See the Windows Vista Editions: Information For Providers document for more information.

Information Systems & Computing (ISC) supports the 32-bit versions of Business, Enterprise, Ultimate, and Home Premium editions of Windows Vista for its clients, including off-campus students

ISC recommends an upgrade only for systems with dual-core or hyperthreading processors that have at least

Windows Vista will run respectably on a current-generation desktop or notebook with a dual-core processor (Pentium D, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, or Athlon X2), integrated graphics, and 1.5 GB of RAM.

The full installation of any version of Windows Vista uses at least 5.0 GB of hard disk space, depending on the type of computer and choices made during the installation.

ISC does not recommend, but will support Windows Vista Home Premium. Home Premium is missing important networking and security features, such as domain-based authentication, that are critical to many Schools and Centers in the University. In addition, Microsoft will not support Home Premium for the same extended period that it will support Business and Enterprise.

ISC will not support Windows Vista Home Basic. Home Basic is missing many important networking, maintenance, and security features that are critical to many Schools and Centers at the University. ISC strongly suggests that users who are thinking of installing Home Basic will be better served by remaining with Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Windows Vista-Related Documents

Provider Notes University-centric article on Windows Vista includes specific issues with University applications.

Provider Notes general article on Windows Vista, includes short descriptions of the various editions of Vista along with new features. The Windows Vista Editions: Information For Providers document has more specific edition-related information.

Provider Notes article on University-Centric Windows Vista Compatibility is an alphabetical list of Windows applications in use at the University and their compatibility status with Windows Vista.

Windows Vista Preview (PDF) is the 11/16/2006 overview presentation to PCNet.

Windows Vista Licensing Preview (PPT) as of 11/13/2006 and is subject to change.

Provider Information: Supported Computing Products offers product-specific information on Windows Vista.

For further information

Microsoft's Windows Vista Home Page

Microsoft's Windows Vista: Resources For IT Professionals page.

Dell's Windows Vista Center page.

Lenovo's Lenovo and Windows Vista page.