Windows 10

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 7 after January 14, 2020. After that date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for PCs running Windows 7.

All Earlham-owned Windows computers MUST BE upgraded to Windows 10 as close to this date as possible. Computers that cannot be upgraded to Windows 10 such as specialized lab equipment, embedded devices, etc. will require mitigating controls to be put in place to limit their risk exposure.

Read more about this announcement from Microsoft at: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-windows-7-support

FAQ

What are the benefits of upgrading to Windows 10?

Windows 10 offers several improvements over Windows 7, some of which are listed below. Most importantly, only Windows 10 will receive Microsoft's latest content releases. As of January 13th, 2015, Windows 7 only receives security updates, which do not include new features.

Earlham's Windows 10 experience also includes Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, which provides the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office applications.

What security changes will be included in the upgrade to Windows 10?

Earlham ITS is developing a more robust infrastructure for managing user accounts and college-owned computers as part of the Windows 10 upgrade. These information security changes are also required to support Federal compliance requirements including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA). Changes will include a more systematic approach to password changes/requirements, moderated processes for software installation, and the implementation of additional safeguards to protect college data. More information will be shared with the campus community about these information security changes in the near future.

Educause articles on GLBA: https://library.educause.edu/topics/policy-and-law/gramm-leach-bliley-act-glb-act

Will my data be preserved during the upgrade process?

The ITS team is creating upgrade processes that incorporate methods for retaining data stored on your computer's hard drive. You do not need to take any action for data presently stored on the College’s G: drive or Box.

Will my applications change during the upgrade process?

Most modern applications are compatible with Windows 10. Certain applications, like Office, will be updated during the upgrade.

Will all my current applications and devices (e.g. webcam) work on Windows 10?

Current Windows 7-compatible software and devices may not have support for Windows 10. Completing a pre-upgrade compatibility assessment is vital to a seamless upgrade process. Please visit the Windows 10 requirements webpage, in conjunction with the support pages for software and devices you use, to determine whether any compatibility issues exist with your current computing environment.

Windows 10 requirements website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-specifications#system-specifications

How do I upgrade?

The ITS team will be reaching out to campus users and departments to coordinate an upgrade schedule. If you have any questions in the short-term, please https://earlham.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ITSKB/pages/10387457 .

If you will be off-campus for the Spring 2020 semester, please https://earlham.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/ITSKB/pages/10387457 to review and coordinate options for staying on a supported version of Windows.

Windows 10 Documentation