Technology

Windows 7 Rollout Plan

Windows 7 & Snow Leopard Rollout Plan for Tarleton State University

Windows 7 and Snow Leopard are on the way!

CITDE and Information Technology Services is planning for a full rollout of Windows 7 to all university-owned Windows computers for Fall 2011/Spring 2012.

In addition, any new iMacs will come with Snow Leopard operating system as soon as they are deployed to faculty and lab locations (specifically Fine Arts 110).

By that time, with two more annual replacement cycles completed, most university-owned PCs will meet or exceed the hardware requirements for Windows 7.

In preparation, over the next year there will be several smaller Windows 7 initiatives to identify any issues with Windows 7 in offices, classrooms and computer labs prior to the university-wide rollout.

Note: Except for very special circumstances, we will NOT migrate any classroom workstations to Windows 7 until Summer 2011.

Preparatory Windows 7 Initiatives:

Summer 2010 Windows 7 Pilot

• CITDE has currently upgraded one computer lab, COBA 204, and is planning to upgrade OAG 205 in December.
• CITDE will be migrating Math226B (7 workstations) and four workstations in COBA 212 for general access to students, faculty and staff. Students, faculty, and staff can get a hands-on look at Windows 7 in these locations any time during open hours (call 968-1934).
• Individuals receiving new Windows computers will be able to request to participate in a Windows 7 pilot at ITS Helpdesk.
• Important: prior to requesting Windows 7, individuals must review the known compatibility issues associated with Windows 7.

Spring Semester 2011 Windows 7 Pilot (for existing computers):

• Individuals with existing Windows computers that meet the Windows 7 hardware requirements will be able to opt in to a Windows 7 pilot via an opt-in agreement.
• CITDE will upgrade OAG 205 to Windows 7.

Individuals who opt in to these pilot programs will be asked to provide feedback on their experience to assist with the identification of any problems.

Full Upgrade Plans (assuming no obstacles are encountered):

Summer 2011 Upgrades for all Classrooms and Computer Labs

• CITDE will upgrade all classrooms and computer labs to Windows 7

2011 Office Replacement s and Departmental Purchases:

• All new Windows computers will come with Windows 7 as the operating system.
• Repurposed Windows computers will be deployed with Windows 7.

Fall 2010 through Spring 2012 Upgrades to Existing Computers:

• Faculty computers will be upgraded to Windows 7. First priority will be given to faculty who request an upgrade to Windows 7.
• Staff computers will be upgraded steadily over the two-year period. For those departments that rely on applications that are currently known to be incompatible with Windows 7, we will delay upgrades until 2012 in anticipation of a patch or application update.
• Any upgrades not completed during the summer will be targeted for the September – May timeframe.
• Any new CITDE-managed iMacs will come with Snow Leopard as the operating system.

Specific Details for Classrooms and Labs

The CITDE is excited about our Windows 7 rollout. We also want to ensure that our faculty and students are presented with stable computing environments; therefore, we are using an incremental approach in our planning.

Currently, we have migrated COBA 204to Windows 7. We will also be migrating Math 226E (7 stations) and 4 stations in COBA 212. These locations will provide general access to students and faculty who want a hands-on look at Windows 7.

Note: Except for very special circumstances, we will NOT migrate any classroom workstations to Windows 7 until Summer 2011.

Note: All classroom and computer lab Windows workstations will be upgraded to Windows 7 prior to fall classes Fall 2011.

Curious about Windows 7 and Want to Learn More?

Visit www.microsoft.com/windows for a wealth of information about Windows 7.

Take the Windows 7 course online at Windows SevenForums.

For a hands-on look at Windows 7, you can drop by the Computer Help Desk, COBA 212 or Math 226Band logon to a Windows 7 machine.

Have questions?

Please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 968-9885 or CITDE at 968-1934.