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Computing and Information Services

Desktop Operating System Support

Computing and Information Services provides two levels of operating system support to Brown users: Supported and Limited. If one of these support levels has not been assigned by CIS, even if the software publisher continues to support it, the operating system is considered "unsupported" in Brown's computing environment. Select from the following links to view support levels and details about CIS support for your operating system:

Windows Support Statements   Macintosh Support Statements
 

Microsoft Windows

CIS provides support for the versions of Microsoft Windows described here. Windows versions prior to Windows XP SP2 are unsupported. See Brown University's projected Windows OS Support Life Cycle for further details.

For CIS-supported Windows hardware requirements, refer to the hardware configuration page.

Windows Vista

Computing and Information Services (CIS) supports Microsoft Windows Vista if the latest high-priority updates are applied. CIS will strive to develop in-depth knowledge about Windows Vista and pursue solutions to problems with using Windows Vista at Brown. Additionally, CIS will provide training based on need, through courses, online tutorials, or cooperative arrangements with departments. Support includes:

  • Providing information on how to connect your Windows Vista workstation to the Brown Network including a "Getting Online" document.
  • Technical assistance with supported applications running under Windows Vista.

Departmental users should consult their DCC or computer support professional prior to installing Windows Vista or if you have plans for a multi-user Windows Vista computer. CIS strongly recommends Vista Enterprise on OEM computers, or Vista Business if Enterprise is not available.

Vista Home Editions (32-bit)

Computing and Information Services (CIS) provides Limited support for Windows Vista Home Basic and Home Premium Editions. The extent of this support is:

  • Limited assistance with supported applications running under Windows Vista Home.
  • If the support you need requires operating system configuration, CIS may be unable to assist you.
  • Windows Vista Home editions do not support Novell NetWare or domain login. While these services are not used by most students, they are required in many departments.

Vista (64-bit)

CIS provides NO SUPPORT for Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit Edition at this time.

Windows XP SP2

Windows XP Professional SP2

Computing and Information Services (CIS) supports Microsoft Windows XP Pro SP2 if the latest critical updates are applied. CIS will strive to develop in-depth knowledge about Windows XP Pro and pursue solutions to problems with using Windows XP Pro at Brown. Additionally, CIS will provide training based on need, through courses, online tutorials, or cooperative arrangements with departments. Support includes:

  • Providing information on how to connect your Windows XP Pro workstation to the Brown Network including a "Getting Online" document.
  • Technical assistance with supported applications running under Windows XP Pro.
  • If you are using a multi-user Windows computer, you must have Administrator privileges. Otherwise, contact your DCC for support.

Students who wish to install Windows XP Pro can borrow a CD (under the MSDN-AA program) from the CIS Help Desk.

Departmental users should consult their DCC or computer support professional prior to installing Windows XP Pro.

Windows XP Home (SP2) and Media Editions

Computing and Information Services (CIS) provides Limited support for Windows XP Home SP2 and Windows Media Editions. The extent of this support is:

  • Limited assistance with supported applications running under Windows XP Home or Windows XP Media.
  • If the support you need requires operating system configuration, CIS may be unable to assist you.
  • Windows XP Home or Media editions do not support Novell NetWare or domain login. These features are required in many departments.

UNSUPPORTED Windows features:

  • Windows File and Print Sharing
    CIS will not assist you with Windows File and Print Sharing configuration or operation.

Apple Macintosh OS

CIS provides support for the versions of Macintosh OS described here. Macintosh operating systems prior to OS X 10.3.9 are unsupported. Operating Systems other than Macintosh OS running on Apple computer hardware are unsupported. See Brown University's projected Macintosh OS Support Life Cycle for further details.

For CIS-supported Apple hardware requirements, refer to the hardware configuration page.

Macintosh OS X

Computing and Information Services (CIS) provides support for Macintosh OS X 10.4.x and 10.5.x if the latest updates are applied. CIS will strive to develop in-depth knowledge about Mac OS X and pursue solutions to problems with using Mac OS X at Brown. Additionally, CIS will provide training based on need, through courses or cooperative arrangements with departments.

Support includes:

  • Providing information on how to connect your Macintosh to the Brown Network including a "Getting Online" document.
  • Technical assistance with supported applications running under Macintosh OS X.

Computing and Information Services (CIS) provides Limited support for Macintosh OS 10.3.9. The extent of this support is:

  • Limited assistance with supported applications running under Macintosh OS 10.3.9.
  • If the support you need requires operating system configuration, CIS may be unable to assist you.

UNSUPPORTED Macintosh OS features:

  • Apple File and Print Sharing
    CIS will not assist you with Apple File and Print Sharing configuration or operation.
Last Reviewed: Friday, 08-Feb-2008 08:17:48 EST by Software_Services