About Windows Vista

Summary: Advice on Using Windows Vista as of February, 2008

What is Windows Vista?

Vista is Microsoft’s newest version of Windows and generally is shipped with new computers. As compared with Windows XP, Vista was designed to be more secure and to have a more appealing, easier to use, more powerful user interface. However, those used to Windows XP will have to learn how to do in Vista what they already know how to do in Windows XP and may find that  some of their older software and hardware will not work properly with Vista. For example, older CD-ROM burning software will need to be updated.

About the versions...

Vista has several editions. Of these, Vista Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate Editions are appropriate for use in the University setting. The Home Premium and Home Basic editions are not appropriate for use on University business.

For information about these versions, including links to the comprehensive Windows Vista Product Guide, see
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/default.mspx

Should you use Vista?     

Check with your local computing support office for its recommendation. Whether you should use Vista for University work depends on a number of factors, the most important of which are how your use fits and is supported within your department or administrative unit. As with any new operating system, check to ensure that existing software and peripherals will work with Vista. As of January 2008, SAS users are advised to stay with Windows XP until version 9.2 is released.  Vista currently requires a significantly more capable computer system (in terms of memory, disk, CPU, etc.) to achieve performance comparable to Windows XP, or to take full advantage of its capabilities.

Currently, there is no compelling reason to use Vista for University work.

Windows Vista system requirements

All new Windows computers ship with the ability to run some version of Vista. University testing has shown that most users prefer more RAM and disk space than Microsoft suggests.In particular we recommend at least 2 GB of RAM and 80 GB of hard drive space or more. Even if you plan to use Windows XP on your new computer, and go, you are strongly urged to get 2 GB of RAM now.  As with any new system, it is always prudent to buy a system with memory configured to allow adding more memory without discarding the memory initially installed.

Microsoft’s official system requirements are here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/systemrequirements.mspx

How do I upgrade my Windows XP Computer to Vista?

To determine whether your hardware and software are compatible with Vista, use the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to check your system:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

You should also check whether the applications you use are compatible with Vista by consulting both individual software manufacturers’ pages, and information provided by Microsoft:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/933305/en-us

Even when particular software and hardware is compatible with Vista, your current version of the software, including that which makes it possible to use specific hardware, may have to be changed to a newer or different version which works with Vista.

The "Certified for Windows Vista" logo is a compatibility designation for applications and devices that have passed a rigorous testing program on computers that are running Windows Vista. The technical requirements for this designation target four core areas: reliability, security, compatibility with Windows Vista and future operating systems, and installation and removal.

The "Works with Windows Vista" logo is a compatibility designation that is designed to encourage Windows Vista compatibility for the current generation of Windows-based applications. To receive this designation, software companies test their applications to make sure that the applications meet the program's guidelines.

Certified for Vista
https://winqual.microsoft.com/member/softwarelogo/certifiedlist.aspx

Works with Vista
https://winqual.microsoft.com/member/softwarelogo/workswithlist.aspx

Windows Quality online services (certified hardware & software)
https://winqual.microsoft.com/

About half of UCI’s departments are enrolled in a UC-wide annual software agreement known as UC-MCCA. This provides full upgrade and downgrade right to Windows Vista and XP. The enrollment period for 2008-2009 begins on April 1.  Please contact Bob Hudack for details. rjhudack@uci.edu 824-6759

If you are not enrolled in UC-MCCA, you can purchase an upgrade through the University’s contract reseller or the UCI Computer Store, when available.

I want or need to keep using Windows XP…

Windows XP will continue to be supported by Microsoft for some time, however the last date that Windows XP will sold with new computers from OEMs like Dell, HP, etc is June 30, 2008.

About half of UCI’s departments are enrolled in a systemwide annual software agreement known as UC-MCCA. This provides full upgrade and downgrade right to Windows Vista and XP. The  enrollment period for 2008-2009 begins on April 1.  Please contact Bob Hudack for details. rjhudack@uci.edu 824-6759

If your department does not participate in UC-MCCA - On your new OEM-provided computer you have the right to downgrade Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate to Windows XP. (but not with Windows Vista Home editions). You can purchase Windows XP Professional  media through the University’s contract reseller or the UCI Computer Store, when available.

A good reason to enroll in UC-MCCA – Vista Enterprise Edition

If your computers must store sensitive personal information, the disks should be encrypted. Windows Vista Enterprise provides BitLocker encryption. The Vista Enterprise edition is available to all UC-MCCA participants.  Individual users need to pay an extra charge.

The Enterprise edition also has support for simultaneous installation of multiple user interface languages, with 36 languages total available.