During 2008 the University began the process of upgrading to Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 on all PCs at all campuses.
The standard desktop for both student labs and staff machines was created in 2003 and included Microsoft Windows XP and Office 2003 but Microsoft upgraded both of these software packages at the beginning of 2007 to Windows Vista and Office 2007.
As Microsoft dominates the software market, most third party software (of which we use a considerable amount of within the University) is written to work with the latest versions of Microsoft operating Systems, we need to keep our systems up to date to take advantage of new application software developments
Additionally, Microsoft will soon stop supporting the old versions of their software which could then provide increased security risks.
What it means to Staff and Students.
Fundamentally the new programs do the same things as the old. They
do however include new features and security measures to make
them safer to use and more useful. But, they do look different;
many of the dropdown menus have been replaced by icons or
“ribbons”. This can take some getting used to and therefore user
guides and training will be provided to support an
easy transition from the old to the new software.
Training
Training sessions
have been set up for all staff by LTEU trainers. Online tutorials provided on the
University website and simple PDF User Guides are also available
.
Feedback
One of the most important parts of this upgrade is the
engagement of all staff. We need feedback on the success or otherwise of
both Vista and Office 2007. We need everyone’s help in ensuring
that the software works in the way we all need it to work.
There is a FAQ section on the Vista upgrade website and a feedback facility to ask questions and to let Computing Services know of issues which are being encountered.
Please contact CS-Liaison if you have any questions