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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 SP3 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 7

Computing and Information Services (CIS) currently provides no support for Windows 7 for the following reasons:

  • Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8 are currently incompatible with Internet Native Banner. Therefore, faculty or administrators who interact with students and use Banner should not use Windows 7.
  • Windows 7 has limited compatibility with CIS' Novell File Services.
  • The Cisco VPN Client does not work with Windows 7.

Testing of Windows 7 for compatibility and stability in Brown's computing environment will continue. Pending resolution of the above-mentioned compatibility problems, CIS plans to support Windows 7 in January, 2010. Meanwhile, CIS may only provide best-effort support based on available knowledge obtained through testing.

Windows Vista

Computing and Information Services (CIS) supports Microsoft Windows Vista if the latest service pack and 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. 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.

CIS has tested the Vista Operating System on software commonly used at Brown, especially supported products and services. There are few incompatibilities with the software applications that CIS supports. For a list of known Vista compatibility issues, see the Windows Vista - Known Issues page.

Vista has been tested on our Dell standard hardware configurations, however, performance on older hardware will be slower. Many computers in use at Brown may not meet Vista's minimum hardware requirements. Additionally, there may be some driver or device incompatibilities (such as printers and scanners). See Vista hardware requirements.

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.

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

Windows XP Professional

Windows XP Professional SP3

Computing and Information Services (CIS) supports Microsoft Windows XP Pro SP3 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/Media Editions

Windows XP Home (SP3) and Media Editions

Computing and Information Services (CIS) provides Limited support for Windows XP Home SP3 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.

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

UNSUPPORTED Windows features:

  • Windows XP Professional (64-bit)
    CIS provides NO SUPPORT for Microsoft Windows XP Professional 64-bit Edition at this time.
    Brown requires some hardware upgrades to enable 64-bit VPN service. We do not have a timeframe for this action.


  • Vista (64-bit)
    CIS provides NO SUPPORT for Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit Edition at this time.
    Brown requires some hardware upgrades to enable 64-bit VPN service. We do not have a timeframe for this action.


  • 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 10.4.11 are unsupported. Operating Systems other than Macintosh OS running on Apple computer hardware are unsupported. Any Macintosh OS running on hardware other Apple computer hardware is also unsupported.

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 10.4.11 through 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 no support for any Macintosh OS earlier than 10.4.9.

Mac OS 10.6

CIS currently provides no support for Mac OS 10.6 for the following reasons:
  • Symantec AntiVirus does not yet work in Brown's computing environment.
  • Novell File Sharing (DFS and MyStuff) via AFP does not work with Mac OS 10.6.

Testing of Mac OS 10.6 for compatibility and stability in Brown's computing environment will continue. Pending resolution of the above-mentioned compatibility problems, CIS plans to support Macintosh OS 10.6 in January, 2010. Meanwhile, CIS may only provide best-effort support based on available knowledge obtained through testing.

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, 23-Oct-2009 10:43:00 EDT by Software_Services