Windows 7 at the University of Virginia
Status and Availability of Software and Support
Windows 7 support
Windows 7 is available for general purchase as of October 22, 2009. Whether or not a particular machine should be upgraded from the current operating system to Windows 7 is an individual decision. Below are some links and items to consider when deciding if your machine can be upgraded. If your machine is maintained by staff in your department, check with them about how well Windows 7 fits in the department’s computing plan prior to upgrading.
Upgrade Considerations
- Is the software you use compatible with Windows 7, or are affordable upgrades to compatible versions available? Software Central lists Windows 7 in the supported OS versions list for the titles we distribute and have tested (most of the Windows Vista titles). Windows 7 specific download pages will be available prior to October 22.
- Can your computer run Windows 7? Microsoft has a compatibility tester
for computer systems available at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx.
There are sometimes vendor-specific device driver and BIOS updates required prior to OS updates, so you will need to check with the vendor of the computer and associated devices for availability. - Is the upgrade worth the cost? Both in time and money. Some updates require a new installation of Windows, wiping out data currently on the machine. This will mean you will need to find license keys and installation disks for purchased software, and back up your files before starting the upgrade. Backups are advisable even with in-place upgrades.
- Can you do it yourself, or should you pay someone to do the upgrade? Operating Systems upgrades are a bit more complicated than standard software upgrades. Things can go wrong that require starting over repeatedly. If you are not comfortable performing and trouble shooting installations, you are better off paying someone to perform the upgrade for you.
- Do you have a backup, or are you willing to risk losing the data on your system?
Upgrade availability
- Microsoft sells online downloadable updates via their website.
- Most computers owned by UVa departments can upgrade to Windows 7 Enterprise of Professional editions at no cost. To find out if the computer you use qualifies for a free upgrade, consult the software license wizard.
- Students can buy Windows 7 Ultimate from Cavalier Computers for a very small fee under the Campus Agreement license.
- Cavalier Computers stocks upgrade disk for personal purchase by faculty and staff at a significant discount.
- For others, Cavalier Computers will be stocking a small number of copies of the Retail and OEM editions.
Known Compatibility Issues
- UVa Anywhere and More Secure Network VPN connections work with Windows 7 32-bit. (As with Vista, the current VPN solution is not compatible for 64-bit systems).
- Symantec Endpoint Protection users will need to update to the latest version available on Software Central.
- The Network Setup Tool works with both 64- and 32-bit versions.
- Software Central has been updated to include titles tested and working with Windows 7. With the exceptions of Symantec Endpoint Protection, the versions of commercial titles on Software Central are not yet listed by the program developers as supported under Windows 7.
Page Updated: 2011-06-29
