Windows 7

On Thursday, October 22nd, Microsoft released their new operating system, Windows 7.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx
As is the normal process for evaluating new operating systems, Information Services and the University’s Software Standards Committee will be testing Windows 7 over the next several months.    We will also discuss the possibility of supporting Windows 7 as the standard OS on new PC systems purchased during the summer, 2010 PC Replacement project.
In the mean time, the help desk will begin supporting Windows 7 on personally owned systems purchased by faculty, staff, and students.  While we expect most applications that work with XP and Vista to be supported in Windows 7, there may be some inconsistencies with the way the applications work, or the way they look, in Windows 7.   In addition, we expect that most peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.,) may require driver updates.
If you are thinking of upgrading your existing OS to Windows 7, here are a few key things to be aware of:
1.      Make sure your computer specifications meet or exceed the Windows 7 operating system requirements.  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help
2.      Back up all of your data before attempting an operating system upgrade.
3.      Make sure that you have purchase a legal copy from Microsoft and print a copy of all License numbers.   http://www.win741.com/
4.      Allow plenty of time for the upgrade process.  Do not plan to use your system during the upgrade.
5.      As referenced with the purchase of a new system, we expect that many peripherals will require driver updates.

If you have other questions about our plans to evaluate Windows 7, please contact the help desk at 287-6400 (extension 6400 on campus). 
 
Thank you,
University of Richmond Computer Help Desk