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Windows Vista
On January 30, Microsoft released Windows Vista, the long-awaited upgrade to its Windows operating system. Since that time, software manufacturers have been developing Vista compatible versions of their applications, hardware vendors have released “Vista ready” models of their computers and peripheral devices that are optimized for Vista, and ITS support personnel have been hard at work learning to use and support Vista. So, for those interested in upgrading to Windows Vista, it is important to consider a few important factors. Before you upgrade to Vista you must answer yes to the following three questions:
- Are all of the applications that you use compatible with Vista?
- Will the computer you use run Vista?
- Can you get support when you have a problem with Vista?
1. Application compatibility
At Yale, practice-specific applications in the financial, student administrative and clinical areas still have NOT been certified for use with Vista. Users of practice-specific applications like Oracle Financials, Banner, and Y-NHH Clinical Applications for example should NOT upgrade to Vista. No Yale application environment requires an upgrade to Vista.
Many of the miscellaneous software applications we use, like email, anti-virus, VPN, etc. are now available in Vista compatible versions. In a few cases, the latest version available for Windows XP is also Vista compatible. But in many others, an upgrade to a new Vista compatible version will be required. So, if you plan to purchase a new Vista machine, be prepared to purchase upgrades to your favorite applications. You should consult the application vendor’s web site for up-to-date compatibility information for your applications.
- WebDAV: Windows Vista Client Setup Instructions
- For a more detailed list of applications please see our Vista Application Compatibility Chart (PDF format).
2. Hardware requirements
If you want to run Vista and your current computer is older than twenty-four months, you should seriously consider purchasing a new one. While Vista may run on systems older than twenty-four months, you will probably find it will run much more slowly than the older installed version of Windows. This slowness is directly related to the processing speed of older computers compared with the newest models. Vista has been optimized for this new and faster hardware. An older computer will also not support many of the advanced graphics features of Vista that make it so appealing.
3. Support for Vista
ITS Client Support is currently in the process of training staff to support Vista. Vista contains features and functionality that were not available in previous Windows versions. Client Support staff are still learning to use some of the new and advanced features that were not available in previous Windows versions. Consequently, when something on your Vista system breaks, it may require more time to fix it than if you were using Windows XP Professional.
If you think you're ready to take the plunge
If the applications you use are Vista compatible, you have “Vista ready” hardware, and you think you’re ready to take the plunge, you need to decide which version to use. Windows Vista is available in five editions; Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise (available only to volume license subscribers) and Ultimate.
Vista Business and Enterprise Editions
Most Windows users at Yale who currently use Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional will find that either the Business or the Enterprise edition will meet their needs. Pending the release of Vista compatible versions of administrative applications, Yale staff and administration should consider either of these versions acceptable for running financial, student administrative, and clinical applications. Both versions contain networking, security, and support features required for administrative work.
Vista Ultimate Edition
Vista Ultimate is the most complete edition, offers additional graphic, media, and entertainment features of which many users will probably not need or be able to take full advantage. However, users who work extensively with visual media (e.g. photographic and video) and/or currently use the Windows XP Media Center edition, may find the added features of the Ultimate edition useful or required.
Home Basic and Home Premium Editions
As their names imply, the Home Basic and Home Premium editions are targeted for use on computers used at home. While users of the Home editions will be able to connect to Yale's network and be able to access Internet resources, either the Business or Enterprise editions should be considered better choices for use on PCs used for administrative work at Yale. If you're currently running Windows XP Home edition, you may find one of the Vista Home editions acceptable for your purposes.
64-bit Editions of Windows Vista
The 64-bit editions of Windows Vista are not for everyone, and require a system with a 64-bit processor and 64-bit system drivers. Please confirm that your system is compatible before installing software.
For more information about Vista editions visit Microsoft's Vista Editions website.
