Bates College: ILS: Software: Office 2007 and Vista Update

ILS: SOFTWARE> OFFICE 2007 AND WINDOWS VISTA UPDATE

Office 2007 and Vista Information

We are performing testing and working on developing implementation plans for both Windows Vista and Office 2007. We will update this site as news and dates become available.

Microsoft Office 2007:

We are still gathering information on Office 2007 and will post more information as it becomes available.

Office 2007 File Format Compatibility Issue Resolved

Microsoft's new release, Office 2007, saves files in a default format that is not compatible with previous versions of Office. To overcome this issue, we recommend clicking on the save icon in Office 2007, choose Save as, Office 97-2003.

For additional resources:

Office 2007 Compatibility Pack download. This should already be installed on office and lab machines across campus.
Microsoft Office 2007 Homepage
What's new in Office 2007

Windows Vista Compatibility/Connectivity:

Personal Computers/ Dorms - Wired or wireless connection
Both Cisco Clean Access Agent and Sophos work with Vista. Follow the directions for downloading and installations CCAA and Sophos from our helpsheets.
Off-Campus
Access to on-campus resources from off-campus via the VPN client software is not yet supported for Vista. A Vista-compliant version of our VPN software is expected shortly. Results of proxy server connections for access to subscription databases is currently being tested and will be reported here.
Offices
We are in the early stages of gathering information and testing supported applications with Vista. Following the results of this testing we will formulate deployment plans. Replacment computers will run Windows XP until Vista is approved for campus use.

If you are purchasing a computer with the intention of running Windows Vista, please be advised that it has more demanding hardware requirements than its predecessors. Look for Windows PCs that indicate they are "Windows Vista Capable" to meet basic requirements of running Vista, and PCs that are "Windows Vista Premium Ready" to be able to use the more advanced features of Windows Vista.

For information on computer specifications visit:
Microsoft Vista System recommendations
ILS Sales and Service Buy from Dell entry page

For additional resources:

Please contact helpdesk@bates.edu with any questions, or call (207)786-8222.