IT Help Desk
Kansas State University
214 Hale Library
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-7722
helpdesk@k-state.edu

Windows Vista

Overview

1. Students in the residence halls can run Vista in fall 2007.
2. If you have to run Vista, go to the IT Help Desk or your departmental IT support staff to get help with antivirus software.
3. Five Windows Vista editions are available -- Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate. Talk to your department/college before buying Vista.
4. K-State's university computing labs and InfoCommons will delay Windows Vista installation until Vista Service Pack 1 is released.
5. K-State departments: The university will be able to purchase new computers directly from Dell (presumably on state contract) pre-configured with Windows XP through February 2008. Also see Microsoft's Downgrade Rights for Software chart (Word document).
6. Before using Vista, be aware of the known compatibility issues (see below) and make sure your system meets the recommended system requirements. Microsoft's Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor free download and Dell's Windows Vista Readiness assessment tool can help determine if your XP-based PC can run Vista.

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Compatibility

• Vista Application Compatibility Issues from U. of Wisconsin
• Vista Application Compatibility from Microsoft
• Applications labeled "Certified for Windows Vista" or "Works with Windows Vista"

From other universities

• U. of Texas-Austin Vista Information
• U. of Minnesota Vista Recommendations

Presentations

• Microsoft rep Troy Sharpe's Feb. 6 presentation (PDF format, PowerPoint format)

Microsoft TechNet resources for tech staff

• Windows Vista TechNet Resources for IT Professionals
• Windows Vista Technical Library
• Windows Vista Planning and Architecture
• Deploying Windows Vista
• Windows Vista Downloads
• Windows Vista Volume Activation 2.0 Technical Guidance

Security resources for tech staff

• Windows Vista Security Guide. System administrators should read and refer to this often as they develop their Vista deployment plan. It provides specific recommendations and an overview of security features, and lists and describes security configuration options that can be set through group policy. Be aware that not all security features are available in all editions of Vista.
• Windows Vista TechCenter Security and Protection Information
• Windows Development Center Security Reference