Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007 Notebook
Microsoft has released Windows Vista along with Microsoft Office 2007. ITS, in collaboration with other RIT system administrators, has been testing the operating system (Beta and final release versions) for several months.
Office 2007 Recommendation
For those who have computers capable of running Office 2007, ITS fully supports going to this new version. The only word of caution would be that many of our early adopters have mentioned that there is a learning curve, therefore the time to learn the new version should be factored in to deciding to go to the new version of Office.
Additionally, Office 2007 has not yet been certified with some business critical applications such as Oracle Applications and therefore those who use Oracle Applications should refrain from upgrading until it has been fully tested.
Windows Vista Recommendation
ITS has determined that there is no compelling business reason to push the campus to Windows Vista. That said, we recognize that some departments or individuals may determine a need to go to Windows Vista and we are ready to support that move. The question is when and on what computers? The RIT standard image does not have the Windows Vista OS, but anyone can purchase the OS through our Microsoft licensing program.
To help you determine if you're ready to go to Vista, please read over the information on this page and pay particular attention to the Ready for Windows Vista? section.
More Information
The Windows Vista operating system is offered in two main groups: a group of home versions and a group of business versions. RIT Institute owned computers are licensed for Microsoft Vista Enterprise and Office Enterprise 2007. In short, these are the full-featured professional versions.
The option for "Work At Home" installations will continue. When it is available it will be though our campus bookstore (more information below).
- System Requirements
- New Computer Purchases
- Existing Computer Upgrades
- Minimum Recommended Requirements: Office 2007
- Minimum Recommended Requirements: Internet Explorer (IE) 7
- Known Issues
- Windows Vista
- Office 2007
- Internet Explorer (IE) 7
- Ready for Windows Vista?
- Work at Home Licensing
- Learning Windows Vista & Microsoft Office 2007
- RIT Computer Based Training Modules
- Microsoft TechNet Virtual Labs
- News, Links, & Information
- Questions
System Requirements
New Computer Purchases
Recently built computers now have a rating or logo sticker for Windows Vista compatibility. Typically you will see two type of ratings. Windows Vista Capable & Windows Vista Premium Ready. Microsoft defines the ratings as follows:
- The Windows Vista Capable PC logo identifies hardware that
meets or exceeds the requirements to deliver the Windows Vista
core experiences such as innovations in security, reliability,
organizing and finding information. All Windows Vista Capable
PCs will run these core experiences, at a minimum.
Some premium features may require advanced or additional hardware. The Windows Vista Premium Ready program denotes hardware that can deliver these premium experiences, including Windows Aero, a productive, high-performing desktop interface.
The detailed information in the table below can help you make informed buying decisions.
RIT's Recommended Minimum Requirements for Vista Enterprise
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack (SP) 2 or later |
| Processor | 1.8 Gigahertz (GHz) processor or higher |
| Memory | 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM or higher |
| Optical Drive | DVD-ROM Drive |
| Graphics Memory | 128 MB. [DirectX 9-class GPU that supports a WDDM Driver] 256MB suggested. |
| Hard Disk | 15 gigabyte (GB) necessary for install; a portion of this disk space will be freed after installation if the original download package is removed from the hard drive. |
| Monitor Resolution | Minimum 800x600; 1024x768 or higher recommended |
Existing Computer Upgrades
ITS recommends that you contact your systems administrator or the ITS HelpDesk for assistance in evaluating the most cost-effective way to upgrade (if feasible) your machine in order to run Windows Vista. Typical examples are additional memory (RAM) or a new video card.
More information about "Can I upgrade my computer?" is available at: Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor
RIT's Minimum Recommended Requirements: Office 2007
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack (SP) 2 or later |
| Processor | 1 Gigahertz (GHz) processor or higher |
| Memory | 512 MB RAM or higher. 1 GB+ RAM recommended for Instant Search. |
| Optical Drive | DVD-ROM Drive |
| Hard Disk | 2 gigabyte (GB) necessary for install; a portion of this disk space will be freed after installation if the original download package is removed from the hard drive |
| Monitor Resolution | Minimum 800x600; 1024x768 or higher recommended |
Minimum Recommended Requirements: Internet Explorer (IE) 7
System Requirements according to Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie7/about/sysreqs/default.mspx
Known Issues
- Microsoft publishes a guide for PC users about "How to use earlier versions of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word to open and save files from 2007 Office programs."
- There is now a Microsoft Office Open XML File Format Converter for Mac 0.2 (Beta) for Word and PowerPoint files.
-
IE7 has not been certified by Oracle, so ITS recommends that you do not use IE7 with Oracle Self-Serve.
Microsoft recently released a new version of its Internet Explorer browser: IE7. Because IE7 has not yet been certified with some business critical applications such as Oracle Applications (used for Benefits Open Enrollment and other functions) and myCourses, ITS recommends that RIT users do not install IE7 at this time. Microsoft announced that it will distribute IE7 though the Windows Update function starting November 1st.
If you have Windows Update turned on to download and install critical and high priority patches (as most people do), AND you sign on with an account that has administrator rights on you computer, you will be prompted by the Windows operating system to install IE7. This prompt is in the form of the pop-up message below. To avoid installation of IE7, simply click the "Don't Install" button when the screen appears.
Please be aware that uninstalling previous versions of Internet Explorer have been known to result in unrecoverable corruption of the Windows operating system. We do not know if this is still an issue today with Internet Explorer 7. Please perform a full system backup prior to attempting the removal of Internet Explorer 7.
IE7 has some valuable security features. RIT expects to recommend its installation once our application vendors certify the upgrade and on campus application support groups perform their own quality assurance testing. We will send an announcement and update this page at that time.
More detailed information about how IE7 will be distributed can be found on the following page:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/updatemanagement/windowsupdate/ie7announcement.mspx - IE7 has not been certified for use with Kronos, so ITS recommends that you do not use IE7 for Kronos at this time.
Windows Vista
ITS will test the latest Released to Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows Vista and continue to report on issues and resolutions. ITS will prepare to provide basic support, but until core security applications, such as anti-virus and backup are available, ITS recommends against running Windows Vista in a production environment. Additionally, if job-related applications have not been certified to work on Windows Vista, ITS recommends postponing the installation and use of Windows Vista on office computers.
Office 2007
The default file format for documents saved in applications in the Office 2007 suite is xml based (they are .docx, .xlsx, and pptx). Older versions of Office and the current Macintosh version of Office will not be able to open those documents. We recommend that Office 2007 users change the default "save as" setting to save documents in Office 2003/2004 file formats. We also recommend that faculty communicate this requirement to their students. See ITS eNews article, "File Incompatibility Challenges Among Versions of Office" for complete details.
Internet Explorer (IE) 7
Ready for Windows Vista?
As mentioned at the beginning of this page, ITS has determined that there is no compelling business reason to push the campus to Windows Vista. That said, we recognize that some departments or individuals may determine a need to go to Windows Vista and we are ready to support that move.
To aid the decision making process, we have created a table that represents the majority of vendors/applications used by the RIT campus and their Vista readiness information. This list and the other links should be used in guiding your decision to move to Vista.
If your application is not listed or if you have questions, please contact ITS or your department's systems administrator for help in determining whether you or your department is ready to migrate to Windows Vista.
Please don't forget to check the recommended minimum system requirements for your computer when considering a move to Windows Vista.
- Vista Readiness of Software and Vendors used by RIT
- Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit v5.0
- Microsoft Vista Upgrade Advisor
Work at Home Licensing
Now that Microsoft Windows Vista has been officially launched for the retail market, people will likely have questions about what this means for the RIT "Work At Home" or WAH coverage that is in place for Windows XP Professional.
Microsoft does not usually provide, or even broker directly, media for its large software agreement customers. Those customers have to deal with a designated distributor that actually processes purchases from and distributes software to end-users. For RIT, the designated media distributor is Dell Computer Inc.
The basic premise of how the WAH program works today will not change as a result of the release of Microsoft Windows Vista but, some final details are still unknown at this time and are being actively investigated.
Currently, the WAH media for Vista Ultimate can be ordered through the RIT Campus Connections bookstore. Contact the Campus Connections computer sales department (475-2211) for more details.
Learning Windows Vista & Microsoft Office 2007
RIT Computer Based Training Modules
There are many computer-based training modules available through RIT's E-Learning Zone for Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 applications. Please visit the site to see what training courses are available. Thease are free, but you will need your RIT computer username and password to log in.
Microsoft TechNet Virtual Labs
Windows users can "test Microsoft's newest server products through a series of guided, hands-on labs which can be completed in 90 minutes or less." http://www.microsoft.com/technet/traincert/virtuallab/default.mspx. The Windows Vista module is more technical and administrator oriented, whereas the Office 2007 modules have more general content.
Office 2007 — General Resources
Video of Microsoft Office 2007 Presentation to the RIT Campus, Spring of 2007
Microsoft came to campus in the spring of 2007 to tell us about Office 2007. This is a steamed video of that presentation. It will take about and 1.5 hours to view.
The 2007 Microsoft Office System — Learning Portal (Home and Office Workers)
“Training materials from Microsoft Learning will help you use the enhanced intuitive design and improved features of the 2007 Microsoft Office system to get more out of the programs that you use every day. Find the resources that will help you start taking advantage of the new functionality in Microsoft Office.”
Test drive the 2007 Microsoft Office release
“Experience how the 2007 Microsoft Office system can help you better manage documents, organize your workload, and collaborate with coworkers not just from your desk, but from almost anywhere. With the test drive you can try out the latest improvements to familiar Microsoft Office applications and use sample data that you can edit, send by e-mail, and post to Microsoft SharePoint Products and Technologies sites in real time. Internet Explorer Required.”
Microsoft Office Fluent user interface
In previous releases of Microsoft Office applications, you used a system
of menus, toolbars, task panes, and dialog boxes to get their work done.
The Office Fluent user interface is to make it easier for you to find
and use the full range of features these applications provide. There are
4 new features: Ribbon, Button, Galleries, and Contextual Tabs.
Ribbon |
 |
|
Button |
 |
|
Galleries |
 |
|
Contextual Tabs |
 |
Microsoft Word 2007
Word 2007 Guide: Word 2003 to Word 2007 interactive command reference guide
“This visual, interactive reference guide helps you find your favorite Microsoft Office Word 2003 commands in the new 2007 interface.”
Interactive: Word 2003 to Word 2007 command reference guide
“This guide requires Adobe Flash Player 7.0 or later. This guide covers the most popular commands from Word 2003. For the complete list of command equivalents, see Reference: Locations of Word 2003 commands in Word 2007.”
Reference: Locations of Word 2003 commands in Word 2007
“This article introduces the basic elements of the new Microsoft Office Fluent user interface in Microsoft Office Word 2007. It also provides lists of commands that you may already be familiar with in Microsoft Office Word 2003, showing you how to accomplish the same results in Office Word 2007.”
Microsoft Outlook 2007
Outlook 2007 Guide: Outlook 2003 to Outlook 2007 Interactive Command Reference Guide
“This visual, interactive reference guide helps you find your favorite Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 commands in the new 2007 interface.”
Interactive: Outlook 2003 to Outlook 2007 command reference guide
“This guide covers the most popular commands from Outlook 2003. For the complete list of command equivalents, see Reference: Locations of Outlook 2003 commands in Outlook 2007.”
Reference: Locations of Outlook 2003 commands in Outlook 2007
“This article introduces the basic elements of the new Microsoft Office Fluent user interface in Microsoft Office Outlook 2007, which you see when you read or create a message, task, contact, or calendar item. It also provides lists of commands that you may already be familiar with in Office Outlook 2003, and it shows you how to accomplish the same results in Office Outlook 2007.”
RSS Feeds in Outlook 2007
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a way for content publishers to make news, blogs, and other content available to subscribers. RSS readers, such as the one built into Office Outlook 2007, allow you to subscribe to RSS Feeds and then read content or follow links for additional information. Whenever you see a link to a feed, or an RSS icon, just click. Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 will automatically subscribe you to that RSS Feed.
Microsoft Excel 2007
Excel 2007 Guide: Excel 2003 to Excel 2007 interactive command reference guide
“This visual, interactive reference guide helps you find your favorite Microsoft Office Excel 2003 commands in the new 2007 interface.”
Interactive: Excel 2003 to Excel 2007 command reference guide
“This guide covers the most popular commands from Excel 2003. For the complete list of command equivalents, see Reference: Locations of Excel 2003 commands in Excel 2007.”
Reference: Locations of Excel 2003 commands in Excel 2007
“This article introduces the basic elements of the new Microsoft Office Fluent user interface in Microsoft Office Excel 2007. It also provides lists of commands that you may already be familiar with in Microsoft Office Excel 2003, showing you how to accomplish the same results in Office Excel 2007.”
Microsoft PowerPoint 2007
PowerPoint 2007 Guide: PowerPoint 2003 to PowerPoint 2007 interactive command reference guide
“This visual, interactive reference guide helps you find your favorite Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 commands in the new 2007 interface.”
Interactive: PowerPoint 2003 to PowerPoint 2007 command reference guide
“This guide covers the most popular commands from PowerPoint 2003. For the complete list of command equivalents, see Reference: Locations of PowerPoint 2003 commands in PowerPoint 2007.”
Reference: Locations of PowerPoint 2003 commands in PowerPoint 2007
“This article introduces the basic elements of the new Microsoft Office Fluent user interface in Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007. It also provides lists of commands that you may already be familiar with in Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003, showing you how to accomplish the same results in Office PowerPoint 2007.”
News, Links, & Information
- Major Software Upgrades from Microsoft: Office 2007 and Vista to be
Released Soon - ITS eNews, November 2006
http://www.rit.edu/~itsnews/06nov/vista.html - Microsoft's link for upgrade planning options for Windows Vista
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeinfo.mspx - File Incompatibility Challenges Among Versions of Office - File
incompatibility between the old and new versions of Office may cause
problems between departments, faculty, students, and operating system
platforms - ITS eNews, December 2006
http://www.rit.edu/~itsnews/06dec/office07.html - Microsoft Windows Vista - Minimum Supported System Requirements -
PCs that meet the minimum supported system requirements will be able
to run the core features of Windows Vista with the basic user
experience.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/systemrequirements.mspx - Find Windows-compatible programs
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/76b1e0ae-fe07-4adf-9345-2a4376b0aa821033.mspx
Questions
If you have any questions, contact the ITS HelpDesk via email at helpdesk@rit.edu or by phone (585)475-HELP or 475-2810 (TTY).
Updated: 10/22/2007 12:00 pm