As you may have read in previous campus updates, OIT has begun an Extreme Makeover: Technology Edition which involves a "Windows Renovation" for campus computers. A migration from Windows XP to Windows 7 is currently underway on campus computers, and by the end of fall 2012 term, all office and lab computers (with limited exception) will be transitioned to this new operating system. Windows 7 affords us improved security options and simplified productivity tasks. The migration also requires a slight change in network login procedure. Also as part of this campus transition OIT is migrating away from using the Novell Client on Windows to directly connecting Windows systems to Active Directory. Finally, another benefit of the Windows 7 transition is the implementation of Zenworks 11, a newer desktop management system that allows advanced management (imaging, application delivery, inventory, remote control, ...) of Windows 7 systems. In the interest of transparency, the full project charter is available online.
We have scheduled additional Windows 7 training sessions. These sessions will cover the Windows 7 changes, best new features, and being productive. The training will be in the Hempel Co-lab, Bears Den, Markee Pioneer Student Center. Seating is limited.
As always, if you have any questions regarding the Windows 7 migration schedule, please contact your distributed IT support person, or the Helpdesk (342.1400)
During the training, we have an introduction portion where I ask for future things that people want to do with their computer or would like to improve on. These are inspired by some of those questions:
By default, at the bottom of the screen, you will see application icons in the task bar even when the application is not open. These applications are pinned to the task bar. As you open applications, each icon will be highlighted by a translucent box:
These settings can be modified within the Trust Center for each application (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)
In order to have a secure and reliable computer, scanners must process each file on the computer to be sure that they are not infected and certain programs must update themselves from time to time.
In phase one of the Windows 7 migration, you may see more updates and popups than usual. In phase two, OIT plans to implement background updates and improved scheduling to roll out updates in the background as they are tested and approved. While we are in phase one, OIT recommends that you scan and update at the end of your day to impact your productivity as little as possible. We have information and screenshots on the most common scans and updates.
Currently UW-Platteville is using Novell eDirectory for user accounts and authentication. This will not change. To simplify and standardize support of Windows workstations the use of the Novell Client will be eliminated. In 2011 a new Active Directory domain (ION) was created to support all UW-Platteville workstations and users. As part of the Windows 7 migration project users will be switched from logging in using the Novell Client to directly authenticating to Active Directory. As a note, UW-Platteville will continue to use other Novell technologies such as Novell iPrint, Novell Open Enterprise Server, and Novell Identity Management.
While we don't support any specific applications, there are many options for taking websites with you available online or even built-in to the iPad. You could also take PDF's (and digital books) with you on the iPad with iBooks.
Week of March 25, 2013
