You may have been wondering, "what's the haps on Windows 7?" (<-- am I the only one that says this?) For quite a while, all the work was happening silently behind the scenes with updates to the various tools and software we use to support the network and the PCs on it. Well... all that work has paid off, and we're starting to roll out Windows 7 to SCLS-supported staff PCs on the SCLS network!
Here's where we are:
- Our Windows 7 configuration has been pilot tested on library staff PCs. (Thanks to POR for helping us with this!)
- We're rolling Windows 7 out on new SCLS staff PCs.
- We're upgrading existing staff PCs that have compatible hardware and licenses.
What do libraries need to know?
- If you order new staff PCs, they'll be running Windows 7 when they're installed at your library.
- Where it makes sense, Andrew and Craig will also upgrade existing staff PCs that have compatible hardware and are licensed for Windows 7. If PCs don't have Windows 7 licenses, they'll be left on Windows XP.
- There is no timeline for exactly when each library will be upgraded. We'll be working our way through the list of libraries. Many upgrades will probably take place in conjunction with the ordering of new PCs.
What can libraries do to prepare for Windows 7 on staff PCs?
- Make sure your PCs are current and are licensed for Windows 7.
- SCLS Tech News blog: PC Replacement Plans
- SCLS Tech News blog: Finding Current Info About Your PCs
- Make sure your printers and software are compatible with Windows 7.
What about patron PCs?
We'll be working on a Windows 7 configuration for patron PCs in upcoming months. We started with staff PCs because their configuration is simpler (no requirement to clear private data, no disk-locking software, etc), and the staff PCs are generally newer and more likely to be Windows 7 compatible. We'll build on what we learned by working on staff PC configs when we tackle the patron PC config!
If you have questions about where we're going with Windows 7, please leave them in the comments or contact the Help Desk (who will put you in touch with the best person to answer them).
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