Anglia Ruskin Desktop Upgrade
What’s happening?
The new Operating System Windows 7 is being introduced at all campus sites and will be available off campus via any
computer. The project endeavours to provide the best possible staff and student experience.
Why?
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Environmental – new technology is more power-efficient (thin clients less energy than PCs).
Modernisation – Windows XP and Office 2003 is shortly coming to the end of its life and we need to bring our staff
computing technology to the levels expected by our students.
Improved tools for office productivity – Office 2010 has a number of improvements through the use of the new ‘Ribbon’
and other shortcuts. Windows 7 has improvements with security, power efficiency and working while mobile.
Same experience; anytime anywhere. Remote workers will have a better experience than currently while working offsite. Software applications that you have been granted access to will be available at any PC you log onto, including
remote access and classrooms. Category A and B shown in table below).
What will I get?
The default: Windows 7, Office 2010 professional plus Visio 2010 and Project 2010, OCS, Internet Explorer 8, Evault, Adobe
Reader and Flash Player.
Every staff member will have one computer unless there is a good reason to have more than one. All staff will have remote
desktop anywhere capabilities.
Category
Computer
Usage
Applications
A) Standard
Thin client
Standard user
B) Standard
Plus
Thin client
C) Specialist
Desktop PC
D) Mobile
Laptop
Standard User with
certain business
applications
Specialist user with need
for high processor or
graphics demand. May
have administration
rights. Non-Windows,
Macs *
Mobile Worker –
home/Office/roaming.
Default applications
listed above.
Default applications
listed above plus SITS,
Agresso, HR.
Default applications
listed above plus
specialist applications
e.g. Graphic Design.
Syllabus +, ArcView
E) Remote
access
anywhere
VMware
View via PC,
iPad, Mac
Home worker without
Anglia device. Classroom
access.
Default applications
listed above plus
Specialist applications
where required. Off line
files. Local storage then
synchronise once
connected to network.
As Category A and B.
Support
staff
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Academics
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Notes:
*Mac machines will remain the same but where they have a Windows XP virtual machine this will be upgraded to Windows
7.
Students already have a new image available on 400 thin client machines in Cambridge and 200 planned in Chelmsford.
What’s involved?
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Finding out what we have already.
Training everyone with the right skills to use the new desktop software.
Getting the technology right - upgrading servers and underlying technology.
Making sure that the software you use will work correctly on the new desktop.
Working closely with Faculties and Services to agree approach and schedule.
Deploying new desktops.
When?
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IT Services pilot Q1 2012.
Dates to be agreed with Faculties and Services early in the New Year.
Early adopter Service from Q2 2012.
Other dates to be advised depending on the above tasks.
What do you need from me?
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A nominated contact that can work with IT Services to provide details and agree migration dates and act as
communicator within your Faculty/Service.
Indicative number of users in each category.
A representative user nomination in each category with whom we can speak about locally held information on their C:
Drive.
Details of any specialist software that you use that isn’t included above.
Details of your licensing.
Training requirements (How familiar are staff with Windows 7 and Office 2010?).
Details of any dates to avoid for particular areas.
Number of lecturers that have laptops.
Alec Coleman
Senior Project Manager, IT Services, Ashby House, Chelmsford
alec.coleman@anglia.ac.uk Ext 4371
December 2011.