Microsoft Vista at UC Merced
(Updated 4/2/2008)
Overview
Vista is the latest version of Microsoft's Windows operating system, replacing Windows XP. At the present time, most new consumer desktops are available only with Vista; however, many, if not most, enterprises are continuing to procure desktops with Windows XP. This is because of incompatibilities with numerous applications and drivers, a reluctance to adopt an operating system before the first service pack, and issues with the Genuine Advantage Program that locks the computer if the license deemed to not be valid. Plans for a Vista SP1 release to the general public is expected to become available early spring. Microsoft has already released Vista SP1 to the manufacturers, so that new computers that are built are shipped with SP1 pre-installed.
UC Merced is currently standardized on Windows XP for faculty and staff. Since Vista has significant requirements for memory, processor speed, and graphics adapter capabilities, computers purchased now should be sized appropriately so that they will perform adequately if and when they are upgraded to Vista in the future.
Computer Configuration Recommendations for 2008 – 2009
The recommendations for Windows desktop and laptop computers meet the Vista hardware requirements. Students will generally be able to acquire desktop or laptop computers with only Vista on them (see links below). If you have questions about Vista or its compatibility with campus applications, contact the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@ucmerced.edu, (209) 228-4357.
- Staff and Faculty - Buying a new computer - Recommended hardware specifications.
- Students - Buying a new computer - Recommended hardware specifications for students.
- Students - Bringing a new computer - Minimum recommended specifications for students, when bringing a previously owned computer.
Does UC Merced IT Support Vista?
Yes, although UC Merced Information Technology (UCMIT) support for Vista is extremely limited at this time. UCMIT will provide support that is consistent with the tools and resources we have access to. We have successfully confirmed that Vista (any version) works with the standard UCM base-build.
Important: IT will not be able to address all Vista related issues until many of the bugs and faults have been patched and a Service Pack has been released from Microsoft. For more information and current status of Vista testing, please click here.
Why Testing is Important?
It is important for the campus to be aware of how widely-used software and critical campus services perform with these new software products and the issues that may arise when these new software products are adopted. UC Merced IT tested Vista, Office 2007, or IE7 before recommending it to the departments for the following reasons:
- The first released version of an operating system often has serious bugs and sometimes exhibits some degree of instability, until the first service pack is released;
- The first released version of an operating system often has compatibility problems with third-party hardware devices and software until third-party vendors upgrade their device drivers and software (or the affected devices and/or software are upgraded or replaced);
- Vista requires hardware with more processing power, more memory, and a more powerful graphics card than Windows XP, and older computers may not run Vista at expected performance levels and/or be able to take advantage of some of the new security features and Aero interface.
What version of Microsoft Windows does UC Merced IT recommend at this time?
Windows XP Professional (SP2). Microsoft XP remains supported by Microsoft and UC Merced Information Technology. An immediate upgrade or migration to Vista SP1 is not required at this time. However, Vista SP1 has been proven to work with many of our current UCM base-build applications and IT services.
Upgrades
Before upgrading an older computer to Vista, you should take into consideration the system's hardware configurations and any installed software, which may or may not be compatible with Vista. For most users, there is no compelling reason, at this moment,to upgrade to Vista.
What is Windows Genuine Advantage?
The WGA is Microsoft's published software created to protect intellectual property and combat software piracy more effectively. The tool checks your system for your copy of Windows and determines whether or not your copy of the Windows operating system is Genuine. For more information on WGA, please visit: Microsoft's Genuine Program. For reviews on Microsoft Vista's SP1 removal of the "kill" switch, etc. please visit: ZDNet.com Microsoft WGA Updates.
Looking for help?
We offer a number of tutorials and FAQs available in the Guides & FAQs section.
If you have any questions, problems, or comments, please contact the IT Help Desk via email at helpdesk@ucmerced.edu, via phone at 209.228.HELP (4357), or visit them in the Classroom and Office Building room 132A.