Microsoft Windows Vista OS

Windows Vista is the latest operating system available for personal computers from Microsoft Corporation. Vista is set to replace Windows XP as the next standard operating system sold with new personal computers. Computers with Vista pre-loaded are already being widely sold. Windows Vista demands a powerful computer in order to run properly. Users should know whether they meet Vista requirements before purchasing.

While the computer industry is still catching up, updating drivers and resolving other compatibility issues, Microsoft has announced Service Pack 1 (SP1) will be released for Vista in the first quarter of 2008 . According to Microsoft, SP1 will address Vista security, reliability, and performance issues among others. Once SP1 is released, NUIT will test Vista (SP1) against the applications currently supported at the University and make recommendations accordingly.

Note: Computers that are guaranteed to be capable of running Windows Vista have a “Windows Vista Capable” logo on them.

New Features

• New and Improved Interface — Vista gives users a new look and feel
• Aero Graphics — Windows are transparent, allowing users to see what is happening behind them. Users can scroll through windows, making switching easy. Hovering over minimized windows reveals a thumbnail view
• Instant Search — Vista indexes everything, making searching everything on your computer quick and easy
• Security — Using the Windows Security Center, it is easy to monitor several different security applications in one central location
• Internet Protection — New enhancements and features, such as protected mode Internet Explorer, help protect users data and configuration settings
• User Account Control — Allows users to make approved changes to settings without administrative privileges

Current Challenges

NUIT has been testing Vista for usage and compatibility with existing NU systems, network integration, and security features. As most vendors only recently began supporting Vista, there are currently some compatibility issues that Northwestern users should be aware of.

• Critical Software Application Compatibility Issues — Several incompatibilities with University software have been documented on the Windows Vista: Known Issues page, but the critical issues are as follows:
• VPN — The Cisco VPN client currently used by NUIT is compatible with Vista. However, the native Vista VPN client is not compatible with the Northwestern network.
  
• MeetingMaker Calendar Syncing — There is currently no supported way to sync the current version of MeetingMaker with pocket PC devices or with Outlook 2007.
1. Intellisync Utility – This application is not compatible with Vista.
2. Meeting Maker Connector for Outlook – This application is not compatible with Vista when used with Active Sync.
3. Palm Conduits – NUIT has not found any compatibility issues with Vista. However, Palm is currently not supporting this option.
• BlackBoard — There are known issues with text box editors in BlackBoard when using Internet Explorer 7. A work-around for this is to switch from the visual text box editor to the simple text box editor:
  1. Click the Tools menu item of your course site
  2. Click Personal Information
  3. Click Set Visual Text Box Editor Options
  4. Select Unavailable
  5. Click Submit
• Video Conferencing — POLYCOM PVX, used for PC desktop videoconferencing, is not currently compatible with Vista; NetMeeting, an application for sharing data such as PowerPoint slides, is not available for Vista.
• WPA2 Wireless Internet Installation Wizard — The wizard available through NUIT for installing WPA2 Wireless Internet access to the new Northwestern wireless network is intended for Windows XP and is not compatible with Windows Vista.
• iPassConnect — The current iPassConnect installation wizard and client are not compatible with Vista. A Vista version of iPassConnect is currently under development.

Minimum System Requirements

Microsoft has released the following requirements for running Vista; if your computer does not meet these recommended system requirements, the operating system will most likely not work properly for you (Note: The recommended requirements vary slightly between the five versions of Vista and are listed on the Microsoft Web site for Vista Recommended System Requirements):

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 512 MB of system memory
• 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory
• DVD-ROM drive
• Audio Output
• Internet access

NUIT's Recommendations

NUIT will support Vista on a best efforts basis until Service Pack One has been released and thoroughly tested. Until this happens, NUIT does not recommend upgrading. Understanding that new computers are likely coming to campus with Windows Vista pre-loaded, NUIT will provide what assistance is possible, and recommends the following versions:

• Students — At least the Home Premium version
• Faculty and Staff — The Business version

Users should note that Windows XP is still a viable option and will continue to work with NU systems for the foreseeable future. There is no need to rush to upgrade to Vista at this time.

• Vista Known Issues at NU
• Vista Business Quick Reference

NUIT Support Center

Central helpdesk for faculty, staff, and students.
847-491-HELP (4357)
consultant@northwestern.edu