No need for Windows '98, experts advise

As Microsoft continues to sell and promote its new Windows '98, many individuals and departments in the University are raising questions about the University's use of the new operating system.

Most desktop personal computers around the University now use Windows '95, or an earlier version of Windows, as their operating systems.

Campus users have asked whether there is a need to upgrade to Windows '98 and whether Windows '98 will be supported by various University computing groups.

With that in mind, the Strategic Computing Group is offering the following recommendations:

• Computer users who have Windows '95 on their desktop systems do not need to upgrade to Windows '98 -- and, in fact, are discouraged from doing so. Analysis shows that Windows '98 will not substantially enhance the functionality of individual computers in the University's work environment, and it may cause some difficulties when used with certain software applications.

• New machines are likely to come with Windows '98 installed, or with Windows '98 as an option. It is entirely acceptable to order a new machine with Windows '98 installed.

• While the computing support groups represented by the Strategic Computing Group will support Windows '98, they will not support the Windows '98 "Active Desktop" function. This function will not be supported because the user interface is dramatically different and will require significant training for both the end user and the desktop support personnel. This is a new design with new functionality, and there is also a concern that there could be operating failures.

Members of the Strategic Computing Group include Larry Becker, director, Administrative Computing Services; David Lewis, director, University Telecommunications; Jerry Powell, director, SMH Information Systems Division (ISD), Carrie Regenstein, director, University Computing Center; Edward Titlebaum, vice provost for computing; and Steve Zimmer, director, Data Center Services.

Faculty and staff who have questions should contact the computing department representative who supports their department's operations.