ITS Recommends Adoption and Support for Windows 7
Microsoft formally releases its new operating system, Windows 7, on October 22, 2009 and it is now being shipped pre-installed on most new computers. We recognize many members of our Campus community will acquire computers running the Windows 7 operating system.
ITS will work to ensure that computers running Windows 7 will operate with e-mail, file storage services, the wireless network, PAWS, Blackboard and other campus IT services.
For information related to current Windows 7 compatibility with U of S tools and services visit, http://windows7.usask.ca/ The following references are provided to assist those who upgrade to Windows 7:
- For detailed information on Windows 7, visit Microsoft's Website: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/
- For information on the different versions and how to acquire Windows 7, visit the Campus Computer Store's website: http://ccs.usask.ca/
Please note: Windows XP will continue to operate efficiently for 12 months or more, with limited support from Microsoft.
When upgrading to Windows 7, it is important to ensure that critical software and peripherals will continue to work, especially if the 64 Bit version will be used.
- Some hardware vendors may not yet provide drivers and/or utilities for certain machine-specific functions.
- Some third party software vendors have not yet released versions of their software that can be used with Windows 7.
- Some hardware peripheral manufacturers (e.g. printer, scanner, etc.) have not yet released software drivers for Windows 7.
Windows 7 has a Windows XP backward compatibility mode; however, legacy software should be thoroughly tested in the compatibility mode to confirm it will continue to work.
If you have questions or problems, contact the ITS Help Desk or your local college/unit IT support personnel.