The Computing Infrastructure Support Department (CIS) has recently developed a standardized Windows2000 professional "standard load" for use by Lab scientists, as well as for testing of our infrastructure and business applications.

At this point CIS has created a checklist with each of the key software applications represented, installed the proposed standard load on test systems (set up per the Micron Basic Ordering Agreement for PCs) and has started the testing process.

CIS will attempt to test some of the desktop software that is not part of the Lab's standard load, but which is frequently used at the Lab. In addition, we will try to find out if older versions of commonly used software will work (thus avoiding the need to buy an upgrade license when there is no need for additional functionality). One example of this would be Office 97 on a Win2k machine. There are also some vendor constraints to consider. For example, PeopleSoft, the vendor for FMS and HRIS, has announced support for Win2k, but others have not.

"Our goal is to have a baseline document prepared by the end of February which will indicate how viable a change from Windows 98 to Windows2000 for our administrative applications will be," said Charlie Verboom, manager for desktop support.

Application developers in the Information Systems and Services Department and members of the Computing Infrastructure Technology and Mac/PC Support Groups will all participate in the evaluation effort. In cases where MPSG provides matrixed support to a Lab group, the support person will make a special effort to test specialized software used by those groups. Facilities, EH&S, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Biosciences, the ALS and AFRD are among the organizations with matrixed computer support. Members of those organizations should contact their MPSG representative if they have special concerns about Windows2000 in their division.

CIS has several Windows2000 systems in a test lab in Bldg. 51. "We have supported a group from the Physics Division in testing their software, and are willing to let others come over and do likewise," Verboom said. "Contact Gayle Peuser at X4511 if you want to come over and use the equipment for this purpose."