Bournemouth University

Estates & IT Services

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Windows 7 and Office 2010 Upgrade

Earlier this academic year all student computers at BU were upgraded to Windows 7 with Microsoft Office 2010. In the next phase of the project all staff desktop computers and laptops will be upgraded, so every PC across the University will be running on a more efficient and reliable system that better suits the needs of students and staff.

This page provides important information about the project, timescales and IT support available to you. It is updated on a regular basis, so please check here for further updates about the project.

Why are we upgrading to Windows 7?

Bournemouth University currently operates on Windows XP, which is over 10 years old and is no longer supported by Microsoft. This, combined with advancements in technology, means Windows XP is no longer suitable to support BU's changing requirements.

The key benefits of Windows 7 include:

  • Improved performance: Windows 7 will provide a faster, more efficient user experience
  • More efficient software upgrades: IT Services will be able to maintain and upgrade software on PCs remotely, causing less disruption for staff
  • More protection: The new system reduces the risk of computer virus and malware infections
  • Standardised Microsoft Office: Previously staff and students used a variety of different versions of MS Office, which created compatibility and data corruption problems
  • Updating old PCs: Some computers at BU are more than four years old and are no longer under warrantee so will be replaced. Some PCs do not meet the minimum specification to run Windows 7 but may still be fit for purpose. In these circumstances the PC or laptop will be upgraded.
  • More remote access: BU View Service will be extended to improve access on and off campus for more users
  • Standardised software: IT Services will be better placed to support all approved and fully licensed software
  • Lower carbon footprint: Windows 7's power-saving features mean the system uses energy more efficiently
  • New features: Windows 7 features such as Shake and Peek to make viewing windows much easier. Click here for more information.
Roll Out Schedule
School/Professional Service Start and End Date
Business School 9 April - 27 April 2012
Legal, M&C and F&C 30 April - 11 May 2012
Media School 14 May - 25 May and 1 October - 5 October 2012
IT Services 14 May - 25 May and 8 October - 19 October 2012
SAS 28 May - 15 June 2012
RKEO 11 June - 22 June 2012
OVC 18 June - 22 June 2012
Health and Social Care 18 June - 13 July and 1 October - 5 October 2012
Students' Union 25 June - 29 June 2012
School of Tourism 2 July - 13 July and 1 October - 5 October 2012
DEC 16 July - 3 August 2012
HR, H&S and Staff Dev 16 July - 27 July 2012
Estates 23 July - 3 August 2012
Applied Science 23 July - 3 August and 17 September - 21 September 2012
How do I know whether my desktop or laptop will need to be upgraded?

Your desktop or laptop computer will be assessed by a member of IT Services staff to ensure it meets the minimum specification in order to run Windows 7. If your device does not meet this standard it will either be replaced or upgraded.

Members of staff who use Mac or Linux operating systems will not be affected by the Windows 7 project.

How long will it take to upgrade my machine?

Each machine will take between one to two hours to upgrade. Staff will be unable to use their computer during this period as IT Services will need access to your desk to upgrade or replace your computer.

The timing of the upgrades will be discussed and agreed with Directors of Operations and staff will be given sufficient notice to prepare.

What do I need to do if my computer is being upgraded?

Staff in IT Services will work with your School or Professional Service to confirm a list of software applications that are required for each department and user. The Windows 7 licensing and compatibility will be assessed for each software application and then a final software list for each department and user will be agreed.

Members of staff will have the opportunity to confirm their individual requirements as part of this process.

Which software will I get on my Windows 7 PC?

As mentioned above, IT Services will be working with each School and Professional Service to confirm a list of agreed software applications that suits their requirements. But please note the following points:

  • Unlicensed, copied or illegal software will not be allowed
  • Personal (non university business related) software will not be permitted
  • IT Services (in conjunction with each School and Professional Service) will endeavour to rationalise similar software titles or different versions of the same software (where multiple versions currently exist)
  • Where software is not compatible with Windows 7, alternative solutions may need to be considered
  • Users will not be permitted to install software themselves. This will need to be conducted by IT Services. Any new software in the future will also have to be approved via a software approvals process.
Will I still be able to have Local Administration Rights?

As part of BU's new Local Administrator Rights (LAR) Policy users, by default will not be granted admin rights to Windows 7 computers. Users can apply for LAR on a user-by-user basis, with each user needing to demonstrate a justification for LAR to be granted.

A significant benefit of the Windows 7 project however is that a number of items that may have previously required LAR to be granted can now be provided by other improved means as below:

  • New software applications can be tested in the BU View virtual desktop environment (see below). This allows members of staff the opportunity to test and evaluate new software without the need to install software on their machine (which could cause possible disruption/support issues)
  • Applications which require permissions or read/write privileges to specific files/directories can be configured using a security template or elevated permissions (without the need to give full LAR)
  • Tighter controls over local admin rights will mean that IT Services can monitor and manage University computers more effectively and will help prevent users loading unlicensed or unapproved software, lessening the risk of computer viruses.

IT Services are aware that there are occasions when specific permissions may need to be provided for specific users. On these occasions, IT Services will provide the required level of access or make other suitable arrangements to meet your needs. In exceptional circumstances this may lead to the granting of LAR for specific use.

What if I need to trial a new piece of software?

IT Services recognise the need for some members of staff to test and evaluate new software titles. Previously some members of staff have been given permissions to do this on their own desktop or laptop computer. When Windows 7 is deployed users will no longer be permitted to install trial software on their computer.

As an alternative, a virtual desktop platform will be provided for users to test software. Once a piece of software has been evaluated it will need to be approved by a software approvals process. IT Services will then deliver the software to the required users/computers. More details on this service will be available soon.

Training

Every member of staff will be invited to a Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 training session which will provide a general introduction to the software. Where possible this will be scheduled at the time your desktop or laptop computer is upgraded, but staff can choose to book on to other sessions if more suitable. Training sessions will be held on both campuses and dates and times will be confirmed in the next few weeks.

A more in-depth training session will be offered to members of staff who currently use Microsoft Office 2003 as the features in Microsoft Office 2010 are noticeably different.

A user guide is currently being produced that will outline how to do key tasks. Every member of staff will be offered a copy during their training session. It will also be available to download from this web page and the Staff Portal.

Topics covered in the training will include logging in, setting up the printer(s) you normally use, setting file locations to the central template areas, connecting to your Inbox and accessing any mailboxes that you need to.

A range of other training and support is available to all members of staff, including:

  • 30 minute introductory sessions to Windows 7 and Office 2010 are currently available on both campuses
  • Watch a selection of short video clips Quick Bytes that show some Office 2010 tasks.
  • Drop in sessions
  • Chance to arrange a team session on specific topics i.e. efficient use of templates; how to save time and reduce repetitive tasks

The IT Skills team can also provide staff with:

  • Exercises to give you some practice in using Office 2010
  • Access to online learning materials via the Microsoft IT Academy agreement which can be provided by the IT Skills team
  • The opportunity to gain Microsoft Office Specialist qualifications

For more information or if you have any questions please email the IT Skills team

More information

Regular information relating to the Windows 7 project will be posted on the Staff Portal and sent to staff via email. In addition staff will receive updates through their School or Professional Service Director of Operations.

Using Windows 7 and Office 2010: FAQs

Click for frequently asked questions