Windows 7 Migration
Windows 7 provides a new graphical user interface and improved search and usability features over previous releases of Windows. Some of the major benefits to upgrading to Windows 7 are:
- More comprehensive security
- Greater processing efficiency than XP and Vista
- Better diagnostic tools
- Less prone to operating system failures
Information Technology staff completed extensive testing and evaluation of Windows 7 during 2010 to ensure a successful migration. College owned computers will be migrated to Windows 7 as detailed below.
Labs & Classrooms:
Computers running Windows will be upgraded prior to the start of the Fall 11 semester.
Faculty:
Most faculty computers have been upgraded to Windows 7 already. Faculty members running Windows XP may request an upgrade to Windows 7 by contacting the IT Help Desk. The upgrade process requires significant preparation, so a convenient time for the work to take place must be scheduled.
Staff:
Most staff computers have been upgraded to Windows 7. As replacements are scheduled for each department, IT staff will coordinate with department heads to schedule Windows 7 upgrades for the remaining computers.
End User Preparation Before Upgrading to Windows 7
Before the migration, end users should identify any data stored on the computer and transfer appropriate data to the Central File Service. At the scheduled time of the upgrade, remaining data will be transferred to a temporary location. The computer will then undergo a clean install of the Windows 7 operating system and our standard software programs. All other software programs will then have to be re-installed. End users will have to provide software media and licenses for any programs not purchased through IT. Data will then be copied from the temporary location back to the computer.
The current versions of most applications will run on Windows 7. IT staff will utilize Microsoft's Windows 7 Compatibility Center to determine the incompatibility issues with unique software and older versions of applications. Microsoft's Upgrade Advisor tool is also helpful in determining possible incompatibility problems. These tools can be used by end users in advance of determining their upgrade schedule.
Feedback
Your feedback is essential to the success of the migration process. Please send any comments or questions concerning the Windows 7 migration to helpdesk@stonehill.edu.
For more information about Windows 7 please refer to: