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Windows 7 Planning - FAQs

 

TESTING

Who will conduct testing?

• IT staff (all areas)


• Administrative and Academic Coordinators and/or designates


• Key stakeholders of administrative applications

How do I access the software for testing?

• ISOs are available to faculty and staff for testing. Email Mark Bentz for access.


• After March 1, the software will be available on computers in the Hillside, East Campus Library 1310, and Carrier 101 labs. See Labs site for more information.

What compatibility issues or problems have we encountered in our testing?

• JMU Testing Results


• Microsoft Windows Compatibility Center

How can I get additional information or assistance with conducting testing in my department?

• Please submit a request form to be contacted with additional information or testing assistance and we will forward your request to the appropriate contact for follow-up.

SUPPORT & AVAILABILITY

When will JMU IT begin providing training and support for Windows 7?

• IT Training will begin to provide training enrollment for Windows 7 on July 1, 2010


• Desktop Services will begin installing Windows 7 on new and transferred computers that meet minimum specifications by request on July 2, 2010 and by default on January 1, 2011.


• HelpDesk will begin providing full support on July 1, 2010.

When will Windows 7 be available in computing labs and technology classrooms?

• Current plans are for Windows 7 to be installed in all general use computing labs in August 2010 and in centrally supported technology classrooms in August 2011.

When does it become the "recommended version" for JMU?

• July 1, 2010.

How long will currently JMU-supported versions remain available for installation and support?

• Windows XP
  • January 1, 2011 (exceptions will be made for computers that do not meet minimum specifications for Windows 7)
• Windows Vista
  • January 1, 2011

How can I get Windows 7 for installation on my JMU-owned or personal computer?

• Through our Microsoft Campus Agreement, Windows 7 is available as a free upgrade on JMU-owned computers. Faculty and staff may request an upgrade by contacting the Computing Helpdesk at 568-3555.


• The following versions are available for purchase from the JMU Bookstore through our Student Select Agreement:
  • Windows 7 Professional upgrade 32-bit: $90
  • Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade 32-bit: $139

DEPLOYMENT

What is our campus-wide deployment strategy?

• There are no plans for a coordinated campus rollout; deployment will be through attrition and upon request.


• Once Windows 7 becomes the recommended version, it will be available by request on all new and transferred computers that meet the minimum hardware requirements.

What versions will we recommend?

• Professional and Ultimate for personally-owned computers


• 32-bit Enterprise (64-bit support to begin fall 2010) for JMU-owned computers


• No support will be provided for Starter versions. Assistance for Home versions on personally-owned systems will be provided on a case-by-case basis.


• No support will be provided for installing Windows 7 on personally-owned computers.

Note: The 32-bit versions of Windows 7 are recommended for computers with 4GB RAM or less. The 64-bit versions provide support for > 4GB RAM and 64-bit native applications, HOWEVER, some software and hardware may not function correctly nor have compatible drivers available. See Microsoft's 32 and 64-bit FAQs, our JMU testing pages or consult the software/hardware vendor for details.

What is our recommended minimum computer configuration?

• JMU Minimum Recommendations:
  • 2GHz CPU
  • 2GB RAM
  • 50 GB hard disk free
• New computer purchases - Consistent with JMU configurations

 

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