ITS is receiving inquiries about the new Microsoft Vista operating system since its initial release earlier this year.  While Vista is viewed by some as an enhancement over Windows XP, ITS is still evaluating Vista’s impact on various UI supported systems. Before you buy a new computer with Vista or plan to upgrade your current computer, you should be aware of the following issues. Please consult with ITS or your college/department technical support to determine when an upgrade to Vista/Office 2007 might be right for you.

1.     Novell software doesn’t have full functionality under Vista. Novell is still testing.

2.     UI Virtual Private Network (VPN) software is not yet tested and requires an upgrade. Some users accessing certain secure UI systems use VPN software. The current ITS provided software version does not yet work in Vista.

3.     Vista has “broken” some software and devices (e.g. wireless keyboards/mice, backup drives, etc). If you attempt an upgrade to Vista from XP on your current machine, numerous devices and software titles may not work properly. Many non-Microsoft vendors have not yet released Vista compatible software upgrades.

4.     Which version of Vista is right for you when the time is right? There are 5 versions of Widows Vista. At this point in time, ITS feels that Windows Vista Business or Enterprise will meet the needs of most UI computer users.

While the new Office 2007 is available, Microsoft has changed some of the Office features.

1.    Office 2007 utilizes a new file type, .docx, compared to previous Office version’s .doc format. Office 2007 does allow one to save a document as a .doc, but it is not the default ‘save file’ type.  Also a .docx file cannot be read by previous versions of Office unless you download and install a compatibility pack from Microsoft.  You can learn more about the utility at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=941B3470-3AE9-4AEE-8F43-C6BB74CD1466&displaylang=en .

2.    The upper toolbar--now called the Ribbon--has been radically changed it may take some time to find popular Office features within this new interface.

UPDATE: ITS has both Outlook 2007 and Microsoft Office Ribbon documentation available. Stop by the Help Desk at its new location at the Idaho Commons TLC 128 to pick up a copy.