Windows Vista Announcement - 12/13/2006

The highly touted release of Microsoft’s newest operating system “Windows Vista” is scheduled for distribution to the general public on January 30, 2007.  The delivery of Vista will mark the first full fledged update, by Microsoft, to the operating system since Windows XP in 2001.  If deployment strategies for the OS follow historical methods, the software could be in the hands of consumers by mid Dec. 2006.  The changes in this OS are dramatic and represent a variety of enhanced features and functionalities.  As a result, existing computers and peripherals may require upgrades prior to the installation of Vista.

ND Support of Windows Vista

The OIT and campus IT staff have begun extensive testing of Windows Vista, in an effort to provide the Notre Dame community with a smooth introduction of this product into the campus computing environment.  The current window of research has not allowed the OIT to adequately develop a support model for Vista or fully test interoperability issues with existing products and services.   Once testing is complete, results will be used to finalize the campus deployment plan.  Information regarding the ongoing efforts of this project will be posted at http://oit.nd.edu/msvista.

Presently, the OIT recommends that you NOT install Windows Vista until sufficient testing is complete and recommendations are developed to provide the best user experience.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact your departmental IT staff or the OIT Help Desk at 631-8111 (oithelp@nd.edu).