by Seth Novogrodsky, Senior Programmer/Analyst
March 26, 2007– Consistent with the recommendations of the UC Berkeley MS Vista Project Team, Letters & Science Computing Resources is recommending that departments and individuals hold off on upgrading to Windows Vista. In addition, LSCR recommends that for the time being, new PCs be ordered with Windows XP.
The long awaited successor to Windows XP, Windows Vista represents the biggest change in Microsoft's desktop operating systems since the transition from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95 more than a decade ago. According to Microsoft, benefits of Vista include improved security, a new look and feel, an enhanced search function, and new multimedia features and features for users of portable computers.
There are a number of reasons why LSCR is not recommending Vista at this time:
- Many computers that can run Windows XP effectively cannot run Vista at all or may not be able to take advantage of all the features. In some cases, hardware upgrades will be necessary.
- Equipment such as printers, scanners, and external storage devices all need driver software that is compatible with Vista. Although many devices already work with Vista, some do not (and some devices may never work with Vista).
- Some older machines that are capable of running Vista may perform better running Windows XP.
- Although most software developed for previous versions of Windows will run under Vista, some applications will require updates. On the Berkeley campus, there are many custom applications and a significant number of administrative systems that need to be tested for compatibility with Vista.
- Even though Vista's user interface for the most part is not radically different from previous versions of Windows, the differences are significant enough that users will need training to take advantage of new features and be comfortable with the new operating system. In addition, computer support staff on campus need to acquire the expertise necessary to support Vista.
- Vista is not a free upgrade (although new PCs are either shipping with Vista or with the right to upgrade to Vista from Windows XP).
- Because Vista is such a new product and such a major change, there will no doubt be unexpected issues that will arise. Initial releases of operating systems virtually always have bugs, often serious ones.
Ultimately, we believe that Windows Vista will offer significant advantages over Windows XP. LSCR is working with the UC Berkeley MS Vista Project Team to address conversion issues and identify solutions. The Vista Project Team currently recommends that departments hold off on deploying Vista until "at least the Fall '07 semester or later." LSCR will be making more specific recommendations for the College and will be working with departments to ensure a smooth transition to this new operating system.
LSCR customers with questions about upgrading to Windows Vista should contact their support teams for individualized attention.
Updater: Seth Novogrodsky. Last reviewed: May 08, 2008
