Windows Vista at Northwestern: Wait to Upgrade

Due to several known software and hardware incompatibilities, NUIT recommends that users wait to upgrade to Microsoft's newest operating system, Windows Vista, until at least early fall or after Service Pack 1 is released.

In testing Vista, NUIT and campus technology leaders have found incompatibilities with key software and peripherals, so early adoption of the operating system — at the office and at home — is not recommended. These initially overlooked issues are resolved by Service Packs, collections of updates, fixes and/or enhancements to software programs, which are easier to release than individual patches.

Users who do upgrade to Vista may experience inoperability with existing software, drivers, systems on campus, and peripheral devices including printers.

In addition, because the operating system can only be run by about 15 percent of existing computers and not all hardware is supported by Vista, users should check system requirements before upgrading.

NUIT anticipates Vista will achieve greater stability and compatibility in the future in order to better support the new operating system.

Visit NUIT's Windows Vista: Known Issues page for a detailed list of incompatibilities.

If you must purchase a new operating system, NUIT recommends you purchase Windows XP Service Pack 2 with the option for a future Windows Vista upgrade.

If you have questions relating to software support, contact the NUIT Support Center at 847-491-HELP (4357) or consultant@northwestern.edu.

You may also contact NUIT Site-licensed Software Support at questions@software.northwestern.edu.