Support for Windows 7
IS&T offers full support for these business-class versions of Windows 7:
Before moving to Windows 7, it's important to learn about known issues. If you rely on one of the applications that is not yet fully compatible with Windows 7, including TSM, SAPgui, and Oracle client, you should hold off on upgrading or purchasing a new machine with Windows 7. Until software vendors have released versions of their applications that are compatible with Windows 7, IS&T will be unable to support them. It typically takes vendors four to six months to catch up to a major operating system release.
IS&T continues its support of Windows XP and Vista and does not recommend that you do an in-place upgrade of your existing operating system to Windows 7.
IS&T will provide support for core functionality of Windows 7 Starter and Home Premium editions. However, IS&T does not recommend these editions and will support them on a best-effort basis only.
IS&T does not support 64-bit versions of Windows 7 at this time because some critical applications do not work on these versions. Support for 64-bit Windows 7 versions will be announced later this year once all IS&T core applications and services are fully supported under 64-bit Windows 7.
Recommended migration paths
After extensive evaluation, IS&T recommends two possible migration paths:
Factors to consider before migration
IS&T recommends that you consider the following factors before deciding to migrate to Windows 7:
For help with installing or using Windows 7, contact the IS&T Computing Help Desk at 617-253-1101 or computing-help@mit.edu. You can also submit a request online.
For more product information, see IS&T's Windows 7 Enterprise page.
IS&T offers full support for these business-class versions of Windows 7:
- Professional Edition (32-bit only)
- Enterprise Edition (32-bit only) – Available for free download through the Microsoft Campus Agreement at MIT (MSCA)
- Ultimate Edition (32-bit only) – Support excludes the Media Center components
Before moving to Windows 7, it's important to learn about known issues. If you rely on one of the applications that is not yet fully compatible with Windows 7, including TSM, SAPgui, and Oracle client, you should hold off on upgrading or purchasing a new machine with Windows 7. Until software vendors have released versions of their applications that are compatible with Windows 7, IS&T will be unable to support them. It typically takes vendors four to six months to catch up to a major operating system release.
IS&T continues its support of Windows XP and Vista and does not recommend that you do an in-place upgrade of your existing operating system to Windows 7.
IS&T will provide support for core functionality of Windows 7 Starter and Home Premium editions. However, IS&T does not recommend these editions and will support them on a best-effort basis only.
IS&T does not support 64-bit versions of Windows 7 at this time because some critical applications do not work on these versions. Support for 64-bit Windows 7 versions will be announced later this year once all IS&T core applications and services are fully supported under 64-bit Windows 7.
Recommended migration paths
After extensive evaluation, IS&T recommends two possible migration paths:
- Buying a new computer with Windows 7 business-class preinstalled
- Performing a "clean install" on an existing XP or Vista system
Factors to consider before migration
IS&T recommends that you consider the following factors before deciding to migrate to Windows 7:
- Find out if your DLC is ready to support Windows 7.
- Make sure your applications – including special local applications that your DLC uses – are compatible with Windows 7.
- Consider training options. The Windows 7 user experience and graphical user interface differ from those of XP and Vista, so members of the MIT community should anticipate facing a learning curve. IS&T offers several Windows 7 training opportunities.
For help with installing or using Windows 7, contact the IS&T Computing Help Desk at 617-253-1101 or computing-help@mit.edu. You can also submit a request online.
For more product information, see IS&T's Windows 7 Enterprise page.
