Summer Upgrades to the Information Commons in Ellis
The Information Commons will soon be sporting several new changes. The silver iMacs running Windows on the east side of the Commons, are being upgraded to Windows 7. The OASYS computers maintained by DoIT, have been upgraded to Windows 7.
Virtual Computing Pilot Project – Ellis Library
Last fall DoIT gave us the opportunity to take part in the initial testing phase of their new virtual computing environment. There were four Wyse “thin clients” that were installed in the Oasis area and were configured in a way that was very similar to the other DoIT run stations in that area. There were a few road bumps, but for the most part the test was a success and has now ended, and the four thin clients removed. DoIT has again approached us with another pilot opportunity. They have offered to purchase and give us as many virtual terminals as we would like for use in the pubic computing areas throughout the library. We will be installing 47 HP thin clients throughout the library in public areas. These machines are small terminals that run the operating system and programs from a centralized server that DoIT maintains. They are inexpensive, and have fewer parts to go bad. Their life expectancy in a public lab is supposed to be about 6 years. They will begin by running Windows XP and will be upgraded to Windows 7 once the system has been certified and tested for compatibility. As part of our agreement with DoIT LTS will retain the right to customize the software, configuration and preferences as necessary to fit the specific needs of the Library.
This is very exciting. With the cost of the terminals covered by DoIT the cost to the library for participating in this project is nearly nothing. In addition, one of the primary benefits of virtual computing is that it significantly reduces the amount of time spent on the administration of each individual desktop computer. Every virtual session is a duplicate that has been pulled from a master image. It has the potential to offer huge time savings on the staff in LTS, and should free up time to spend on more library specific projects.
Update on New Staff Computers
The new staff computers and monitors are here! Staff persons with Dell GX620 computers will have their machines replaced with Dell GX680 computers and new 20” flat panel monitors. These machines will run the new Windows 7 operating system, and the new Office 2010 suite. I realize that staff is very excited about getting the new machines into production as the GX620s are not always able to perform at an acceptable level. There are a significant amount of “under the hood” changes in Windows 7, and we have had to make significant changes in our deployment and management processes. We are in the process of finishing our deployment strategy for Windows 7 and will distribute the machines as soon as we are certain that our image is stable.
Update on Existing Staff Computers
There have been a few questions asked about the plan for Windows 7 and Office 2010 on the staff computers that are not replaced this year. The deployment of new staff machines is my primary concern, and although in the past there have been massive efforts to ensure that all machines were running the same operating system, and Office version I no longer feel this is necessary. The cross platform compatibility issues that have existed in the past simply no longer exist. Moving forward we will be evaluating the remainder of the staff workstation models, and for those machines that are able to run Windows 7 we will stop maintaining our Windows XP image and build a new Windows 7 image. That new image will be used to reinstall the OS on computers that require it during repair, and it will be deployed on an as needed basis. There is currently no plan for a massive upgrade of all staff to Windows 7 or Office 2010 at this time. If you have a particular need for an upgrade to Windows 7 and or Office 2010, and you are not expecting a new computer this year, please send a note to asklts@missouri.edu.
Discounted Office 2010 for Windows and Office 2008 for Mac available to MU Faculty and Staff
For a fraction of the retail price, Microsoft now offers enrollment in Software Assurance Home Use Program (HUP) to University employees. Under HUP, you may purchase Microsoft titles that are volume-licensed by the University, like Microsoft Office Professional. Software if for personal use and has no restrictions to any work at home policies.
A digital download costs just $9.95. You may also purchase a backup disc (includes packaging, shipping, and handling) for an additional $12.95. The license is valid as long as you are a University employee.
To request a copy, log on to My Services and follow all instructions. https://myservices.missouri.edu/
UPDATE: Symantec Anti-virus Software for Home Use
The campus license for Symantec Anti-virus software has not been renewed and will expire in December. Libraries staff are asked to remove Symantec from their personal computers by January 1, 2011.
DoIT has suggested replacing your existing install of Symantec with the free Microsoft product called Security Essentials. “Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.”
Find it here http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspx