Microsoft software update

Microsoft Software releases

There have been recent releases of new versions of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer which are widely used across the University.

As with most software upgrades there are changes to the way the software may look and feel, and also how certain functions operate. These changes will range from minor “updates” to major refinements and possibly complete changes to commands and functions. The products listed above have gone through considerable changes and will require some consideration before replacing the existing versions currently in use.

ITS is currently reviewing these new product versions in order to best prepare the University for their use, and ensure that the required systems needed to them are in place, in particular for security and licensing.

These products interact with other corporate systems used at Monash and have not been tested and approved for use with them. ITS recommends that the use of the products below be limited to testing only until further compatibility testing are completed.

Product list

Product	Desscription	Further Information
Microsoft Internet Explorer 7	This is the new version of the web browser that is currently used for most University applications.	Microsoft IE 7 information
Microsoft Windows Vista	This is the new version of the Windows desktop operating system used on workstations within the University.	Microsoft Windows Vista information
Microsoft Office 2007	This is the new version of the Office productivity suite that is used within the University.	Microsoft Office 2007 information

Use of Vista on home/personal machines

If you have recently purchased a new machine or are contemplating a purchase, it is likely that this machine will come preloaded with Microsoft Windows Vista and possibly Microsoft Office 2007. The following is provided to assist in using these workstations within the Monash University environment:

You may need security software in order to access some of the University systems (Monash VPN Software )
You will need to register your laptop for use on the Monash wireless network
When using Microsoft Office 2007, please "Save As" your documents in Office 2003 format to ensure compatibility with Monash systems
You should ensure that your anti-virus software is up to date, or install the University version of Sophos anti-virus
You should ensure that your system is patched with the latest available security updates from Microsoft

It is also likely that the version that will be preloaded will be a "home" version (Details on version differences ) and may be limited in what features it has available.