Alternatives to Floppy DiskesComputer Upgrade Cycle FAQComputer Replacement Cycle: Overview Accessing Personal Folder on File Server for WindowsWindows: Backing up Address BookWindows: Backing up Browser Bookmarks/FavoritesMacintosh: Backing Up Your Address BookMacintosh: Backing Up Your BookmarksWindows: Backing Up Your EmailMacintosh: Backing Up Your EmailBacking up your handheldReplacement Cycle: My Computer is Going to be Replaced SoonReplacement Cycle: What Should I Figure Out Now?

Technology

Replacement Cycle: What Should I Figure Out Now?

If your machine will be replaced this year, the information on this web page may be of critical importance to you and require that you take action: please read it now.

In November 2007, Technology began to replace all Simmons Windows computers with machines running Windows Vista and Office 2007. In March 2008, we began to replace all Simmons Macintosh computers with machines running Leopard (OS X.5) and Office 2008.  All users should take a moment now to check through this document: some answers to these questions may require that you take action before your computer is scheduled to be replaced.

  1. How do I know when my computer is up for replacement?
  2. Is the software I use compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista or Mac OS X Leopard?
  3. What about opening Office 2003/2004 files with Office 2007/2008 and vice versa?
  4. How can I get training in the new operating systems and versions of Office?
  5. Can I have my desktop computer replaced with a laptop computer? Or my old laptop replaced with a new one?
  6. Can I switch to a Macintosh? Or to a Windows computer?
  7. What about my monitor?
  8. What if I have a problem with my computer before it is due for upgrade and a Help Desk Technician determines that it needs to be replaced?
  1. How do I know when my computer is up for replacement?
    The Windows or Macintosh computer you use at Simmons will be replaced approximately 3 years after its initial purchase (3 fiscal years, not calendar years). To determine how old your computer is, contact the Help Desk. To determine when your computer will be replaced, please speak with your department's Technology Liaison. If you do not know who serves as the liaison in your department, please check with your department chair or department head. For additional information, see My Computer Is Going to be Replaced Soon.
  2. Is the software I use compatible with Microsoft Windows Vista or Mac OS X Leopard?
    • The new Simmons computer you will use will come with the standard suite of Simmons software.
      • The entire standard suite of Simmons software is compatible with Windows Vista. There are two minor issues with Meeting Maker, the Simmons standard electronic calendaring system, which will be addressed by the next Meeting Maker upgrade.
      • The standard suite of Simmons software is compatible with Macintosh Leopard with 3 exceptions:
        1. Adobe Acrobat 7 Standard, used for creating PDF files, is not compatible (Acrobat compatibility details)
        2. Meeting Maker, the Simmons shared electronic calendaring system, has two issues (Meeting Maker compatibility details), which will be addressed by the next Meeting Maker upgrade
        3. Turning Point, the Simmons Audience Response System (for "clickers") is not yet compatible (Turning Point compatibility details)
    • If you use any software that is not part of the Simmons standard suite, (a.k.a. accepted/academic software) please check our Compatibility with Windows Vista or Office 2007 page, or Compatibility with Leopard or Office 2008 page, as soon as possible. If your current software is not compatible, you need to make arrangements to upgrade it or to switch to another vendor's application before your replacement is scheduled.
    • As is true whenever there is a software upgrade, you may find you need to share files with people still using an older version. Think about with whom you share files and begin conversations with them about the Vista migration and the timing of your software upgrade. You may even need to upgrade some of your software before your computer is replaced. Please feel free to speak with a Help Desk technician or manager about these (or any other) issues.
  3. What about opening Office 2003/2004 files with Office 2007/2008 and vice versa?
    Windows users, please check our Compatibility with Windows Vista or Office 2007 page.  Mac users, please check our Compatibility with Leopard or Office 2008 page.
  4. How can I get training in the new operating systems and versions of Office?
    For information about the variety of training and other resources available to you, please see Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007: Resources or Leopard and Office 2008: Resources
    In the ideal world, as you go off to training, technicians replace your computer so when you return to your desk, the new computer is there and ready for you to try all of what you just learned. We particularly encourage Windows users to take advantage of the in-person, on-campus training available, and will do what we can, in this real and very busy world, to coordinate your replacement with that training.
  5. Can I have my desktop computer replaced with a laptop computer?  Or my old laptop replaced with a new one?
    There is a process through which a user may have a computer replaced with a laptop, with the department bearing the difference in cost. If you believe you need a laptop for your work, please review the policy, and notify your department's Technology liaison immediately.
  6. Can I switch to a Macintosh?  Or to a Windows computer?
    Yes, through the upgrade process, faculty and staff may change the platform of the computer in their offices.  Please speak with your department's Technology liaison.
  7. What about my monitor?
    If your current monitor is broken or failing, Technology will replace it at no cost to your department.  Departments may choose to purchase LCD monitors for their departments at any time; the department will bear the full cost.  If you want a new monitor as part of the upgrade cycle, please speak with your department's Technology liaison as soon as possible.  Here is a list of the most popular choices and sample pricing.
  8. What if I have a problem with my computer before it is due for upgrade and a Help Desk Technician determines that it needs to be replaced?
    If you have a problem with your computer before it is three years old, and a technician diagnoses it as needing replacement, the replacement computer will be identical or better in specifications to the one you had.