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News
on the Windows XP Front: Compatibility Testing Continues
Going forward, Windows XP will be the standard operating
system for most administrative users at the Lab. XP is already being used
by many scientific users, but it has never been able to work with some of
the Lab's key corporate applications -- until now.
The Information Technologies and Services Division, along with a number
of key users, are now testing the Windows XP Operating System with FMS,
the financial management component of the PeopleSoft software system. Customers
using the standard XP version provided by ITSD support staff report excellent
results, for the most part.
"Although we cannot certify it will work for everyone --because PeopleSoft
won't give us that assurance yet, we feel we can continue to increase the
number of participants in the test group based on these early results,"
said Charlie Verboom, head of desktop support at the Lab. "We already
know that Janus and Pcard work fine with XP, along with most other applications
that are deployed with Novell. But, if you are an HRIS user, stick with
Windows 98 until ISS deploys the new Web version."
All Microns bought under the LBNL Basic Ordering Agreement since July 2002
have come with an XP license, even if an older version of Windows was installed.
There still may be cases where an older Windows operating system is required
do to legacy software, but these will be treated as exceptions based on
customer requirements. Since the Microns are coming with XP, customers who
need to use an older version of Windows can make an upgrade decision in
the future without having to buy the operating system.
Should you upgrade?
The Computing Infrastructure Support (CIS) Department will still continue
to support Windows 98 for its current customer base, but at some point Microsoft
will not offer upgrades and security patches for the older version. This
is already true for a number of popular laptop models and is likely to happen
to desktop systems at some point in the future. "We do not anticipate
a support issue within the next year however, so if you are comfortable
with what you now have, there is no reason to upgrade now," Verboom
said.
If you have an older machine with Windows 98, upgrades may not be possible
depending on hardware compatibility issues. Check with your desktop support
staff if you have questions. Micron PCs that have been acquired within the
past two years (800 Mhz Pentium 3 system or better) should be upgradeable.
Microsoft recently announced a program they call "Software Assurance"
which requires that users buy new versions of operating systems if they
do not have what amounts to a maintenance contract on their current OS license.
The Mac/PC Support group (MPSG) does have a limited number of Windows XP
upgrade licenses still available, however. (The cost for the upgrade license
is $179). There are some complexities and security considerations when upgrading
to XP from an older version, so CIS recommends that users don't attempt
to do this themselves unless they have the expertise.
If you have an XP system already, remember to check out the suggested
security settings in an article written by Gene Schultz of the Computer
Protection Program.
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