Windows 7 for Lehigh Students

General
On October 22, 2009, Microsoft released it's latest version of Windows, called "Windows 7" to the public. The new operating system has been in testing for some time, and shows numerous improvements over Windows Vista, especially with regard to performance. In order to maximize that performance improvement, LTS is targeting the 64-bit version of Windows 7 for deployment. We'll be using this version-change as an opportunity to move the software packages that we install and/or recommend for use on campus over to the 64-bit architecture. Switching to the new architecture will likely increase the number of incompatibilities with existing software, but initial testing indicates that the majority of software in use by the university will work well, and that with a gradual implementation, those specific packages with problems can be upgraded or worked around. LTS's list of known issues is being maintained by the SNA staff.

For it's part, LTS has already introduced Windows 7 machines to some of the Library public sites as we test the software image that will be installed onto all of the public site computers at the conclusion of the Spring semester in 2010. We are currently working to prepare software installation scripts for programs supported by LTS, and checking the compatibility of applications that are currently used by students, faculty and staff for all types work at the University. All members of the university community are urged to start testing software that they would expect to be usable on the public sites with Windows 7 and work with their computing consultants to ensure compatibility and/or provide work-arounds.

Student Media
Lehigh's Library and Technology Services department (LTS) has made student media for this operating system available through the University bookstore for the nominal media fee. We're distributing both the 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Windows 7 Ultimate, but highly recommend the 64-bit version unless your hardware is simply unable to run it. To check your system's capabilities and get information any known software incompatibilities, download and run the Windows Upgrade Advisor, available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

For more details on the installation, check http://www.lehigh.edu/computing/docs/os/win7install.html for instructions.