tulane technology services computer/os upgrades

TulaneTechnology ServicesComputer/OS Upgrades

Computer/OS UpgradesTechnology Services is assessing all university desktop and laptop computers to determine the existing computing environment.

Based on the assessment, Technology Services will make recommendations for computer upgrade or replacement.

Adopting current hardware and operating system standards for university computers will increase individual and group productivity, reduce IT support wait times, and significantly improve the network security environment.

http://tulane.edu/tsweb/computerinfo.cfm

Computer/OS Upgrades

• Computer hardware and operating systems must be kept reasonably current• Compatibility with current software • Compatibility with other systems• Speed and capacity• Features• Reliability• Drain on resources• SECURITY

PC Operating Systems (OS)

• Current Microsoft operating system• Windows 7 (2010) recommended

• Non-current Microsoft operating systems• Windows Vista (2006)• Windows XP (2001) still heavily used• Windows ME (2000)• Windows 2000 (2000)• Windows 98 (1998)• More …

PC Operating Systems (OS)

Windows XP is being phased out NOW

Windows XP – end of support• April 14, 2009• No more development after this date• Security and critical updates still offered

Windows XP – kill date• April 8, 2014• No updates of any kind after this date• After the kill date, all Windows XP machines represent

a significant security risk to theTulane network

PC Operating Systems (OS)

All PC users should upgrade to Windows 7• Recommended minimum requirements to run

Windows 7• Dual or quad core processors (no single core)• At least 2GHz processor speed• At least 2Gb memory

• Systems that don’t meet these minimum requirements must be upgraded or replaced• In many cases, it may be more economical/efficient to

replace rather than upgrade• In some cases it may be impossible to upgrade

Mac Operating Systems (OS)

Macintosh minimum requirements• Operating system• Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or better

• Hardware• Core 2 duo (minimum)

• Systems that don’t meet these minimum requirements must be upgraded or replaced

Computer Hardware• Recommend three- or four-year computer refresh cycle (build

around warranty period)• Set cycle and budget appropriately in advance• Spread employee computer purchases to multiple years to minimize

budget impact

• Before “handing down” a replaced computer to another department member, consider the total cost of operation• Outdated computers are slow (reduced productivity) and energy

inefficient (higher power consumption)• The resources spent supporting outdated computers can be enormous• Hand-me-down computers are not economical to operate, especially if

out of warranty

• MAXIMUM desktop/laptop computer lifespan – 5 YEARS

Computer Hardware

• Technology Services maintains a list of recommended computer models in multiple categories• Mac / PC• Laptop / Desktop• Recommended / High-performance / Economical

• Purchase through Tulane computer store• The Technology Connection• http://tulane.edu/tsweb/TechConnect

• Assessment to collect following information:• Tulane asset tag• Computer manufacturer• Computer model• Operating system• Processor & speed• Memory• Responsible department• Computer location• Contact person

Computer Assessment

Computer Assessment

• Most information can be found by looking up computer System Information• Windows 7• From the START menu, right click “Computer”• Choose “Properties”

• Windows XP• From the START menu, right click “My Computer”• Choose “Properties”

• Mac OS X• From the Apple menu, choose “About This Mac”

Computer AssessmentSample System Information - Windows 7

Computer AssessmentSample System Information - Windows XP

Computer AssessmentSample System Information – Mac OS X

Computer Assessment

Computer Assessment Website:http://tulane.edu/tsweb/computerinfo.cfm

Technology Services Main Website:http://ts.tulane.edu

Anti-Phishing Warning

• Technology Services will NEVER ask for your password or send a link to access your account.

• Report suspected phishing scams to security@tulane.edu