Microsoft Windows 7 Support Information
Computer Centre support for Windows 7 is being introduced on a two phase basis.
Phase 1 – Wireless Internet Service Support – From Release date 22nd October 2009
Windows 7 will be supported on both the Staff and Student Wireless Internet Services (UCC WLAN Services) from its release date of October 22 2009. Configuration information is available on the Wireless Internet pages of the Computer Centre website http://it.ucc.ie
Phase 2 – UCC campus Local Area Network (UCC LAN) Support – March 2010
The Computer Centre plans to introduce support for new computers purchased with Windows 7 and its use on the UCC campus LAN (cable network) during March 2010.
Phase 3 - Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 - TBA
At a future date the Computer Centre will begin an upgrade process for Windows XP computers to Windows 7.
What version of Windows 7 will be supported?
All versions of Windows 7 will be supported on the UCC Wireless Internet Service (WLAN).
For computers connecting to the cabled network (UCC Campus LAN) Windows 7 Enterprise only will be supported. Windows 7 Enterprise incorporates all features of Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate.
The Computer Centre plans to have a UCC staff Windows 7 Enterprise image ready for shipment with all new computers purchased after March 2010. This image will also ship with Office 2007 as default. We advise that after the commencement of our support that when you are purchasing your computer through UCC’s preferred procurement providers (Dell, Evros, PFH) that you request it is shipped with the UCC Windows 7 image.
Please note that Windows 7 Enterprise is not available through the usual retail stores. If you are purchasing a new computer and for some reason are not using UCC preferred procurement providers with the UCC software image then please choose the Windows 7 Professional version.
Should I choose 32 or the 64 bit version of Windows 7?
For everyday office use the 32bit version of Windows 7 is sufficient. However if you need to use more than 4GB of RAM at a time then the 64bit version could be more suitable. Please note however that you may also need 64bit versions of the applications you use and 64bit versions of device drivers, e.g. printer drivers, if choosing 64bit. In addition you cannot upgrade from a 32bit version to a 64bit version of the operating system, it requires a reinstall.
Can I upgrade my current operating system to Windows 7?
The upgrade paths to Windows 7 are not as straight forward as expected. Please visit the Microsoft website here to download a document for the official Microsoft upgrade paths.
Upgrade to Windows 7 enterprise from another version of Windows 7
It is possible to upgrade from Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate to Windows 7 Enterprise.
All other versions of Windows 7, such as Windows 7 Home would require a clean install if you were to upgrade them to Windows 7 Emterprise.
Upgrade from Windows Vista
It is possible to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 but it depends on the version of Vista you currently have and to what version of Windows 7 you wish to go to. For Example to upgrade to Windows 7 Enterprise or Professional you will need to already have Windows Vista Business
Upgrade from Windows XP or earlier versions
There is no direct upgrade path from Windows XP or previous versions of Windows to Windows 7, it requires a clean install. (A clean install means that any applications, data and user accounts will need to be recreated subsequent to the upgrade)
The Computer Centre plans to begin a major undertaking for suitable computers to replace Windows XP with Windows 7 from mid 2010 onwards
How will key codes be managed?
The Computer Centre will operate a Key Management Service (KMS) to manage the Windows 7 licences but only for those computers connecting to the UCC LAN (cabled network). Please note the Windows 7 Ultimate does not use a KMS so the owner must manage the licence code that is packaged with it.
Will Windows 7 work with all UCC networked applications and services?
The Computer Centre is testing Windows 7 and its
interoperability with campus networked applications and services. Unless they
are listed on these pages you can assume that the application or service will
work with Windows 7.
Currently there are some problems using Windows 7
with DMIS and HRIS.
Can I setup Windows 7 on the network myself?
Yes, but there are a number of things to be aware of
- We have moved away from configuring personal computers with static configuration information and use automated mechanisms instead, e.g. DHCP. You must register your computer with the Computer Centre or your local IT support group.
- All Windows 7 computers must join and become part of a Microsoft domain on the UCC campus network. You will need to contact the helpdesk or your local IT administrator to request this.
- Windows 7, by default has and automatically starts a number of protocols and services at boot time that are not appropriate for use on the UCC campus network. (e.g. IPV6, and other auto discovery protocols) We will provide additional information on these web pages in the near future advising what and how to disable these, but if you are in doubt please contact the helpdesk before connecting a Windows 7 computer to the network.
What is the recommended computer configuration to use Windows 7?
Please visit the Microsoft website for the minimum system requirements here .
The Computer Centres recommended minimum requirements are:
- 2 GHz 32-bit Dual Core (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor or AMD equivalent
- 2 GB of system memory
- Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 256 or 512 MB of graphics memory (minimum).
- >120 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space
- DVD-ROM Drive
- Internet access capability
- TPM chip included
