1. Tulane
Technology Services
Computer/OS Upgrades

2. Computer/OS Upgrades
Technology Services is assessing all university desktop and
laptop computers to determine the existing computing
environment.
Based on the assessment, Technology Services will make
recommendations for computer upgrade or replacement.
Adopting current hardware and operating system standards
for university computers will increase individual and group
productivity, reduce IT support wait times, and significantly
improve the network security environment.
http://tulane.edu/tsweb/computerinfo.cfm

3. Computer/OS Upgrades
• Computer hardware and operating systems must
be kept reasonably current
• Compatibility with current software
• Compatibility with other systems
• Speed and capacity
• Features
• Reliability
• Drain on resources
• SECURITY

4. PC Operating Systems (OS)
• Current Microsoft operating system
• Windows 7 (2010)  recommended
• Non-current Microsoft operating systems
• Windows Vista (2006)
• Windows XP (2001)  still heavily used
• Windows ME (2000)
• Windows 2000 (2000)
• Windows 98 (1998)
• More …

5. PC Operating Systems (OS)
Windows XP is being phased out NOW
Windows XP – end of support
• April 14, 2009
• No more development after this date
• Security and critical updates still offered
Windows XP – kill date
• April 8, 2014
• No updates of any kind after this date
• After the kill date, all Windows XP machines
represent a significant security risk to the
Tulane network

6. PC Operating Systems (OS)
All PC users should upgrade to Windows 7
• Recommended minimum requirements to run
Windows 7
• Dual or quad core processors (no single core)
• At least 2GHz processor speed
• At least 2Gb memory
• Systems that don’t meet these minimum
requirements must be upgraded or replaced
• In many cases, it may be more economical/efficient
to replace rather than upgrade
• In some cases it may be impossible to upgrade

7. Mac Operating Systems (OS)
Macintosh minimum requirements
• Operating system
• Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or better
• Hardware
• Core 2 duo (minimum)
• Systems that don’t meet these minimum
requirements must be upgraded or replaced

8. Computer Hardware
• Recommend three- or four-year computer refresh cycle
(build around warranty period)
• Set cycle and budget appropriately in advance
• Spread employee computer purchases to multiple years to
minimize budget impact
• Before “handing down” a replaced computer to another
department member, consider the total cost of operation
• Outdated computers are slow (reduced productivity) and
energy inefficient (higher power consumption)
• The resources spent supporting outdated computers can be
enormous
• Hand-me-down computers are not economical to operate,
especially if out of warranty
• MAXIMUM desktop/laptop computer lifespan – 5 YEARS

9. Computer Hardware
• Technology Services maintains a list of
recommended computer models in multiple
categories
• Mac / PC
• Laptop / Desktop
• Recommended / High-performance / Economical
• Purchase through Tulane computer store
• The Technology Connection
• http://tulane.edu/tsweb/TechConnect

10. Computer Assessment
• Assessment to collect following information:
• Tulane asset tag
• Computer manufacturer
• Computer model
• Operating system
• Processor & speed
• Memory
• Responsible department
• Computer location
• Contact person

11. Computer Assessment
• Most information can be found by looking up
computer System Information
• Windows 7
• From the START menu, right click “Computer”
• Choose “Properties”
• Windows XP
• From the START menu, right click “My Computer”
• Choose “Properties”
• Mac OS X
• From the Apple menu, choose “About This Mac”

12. Computer Assessment
Sample System Information - Windows 7

13. Computer Assessment
Sample System Information - Windows XP

14. Computer Assessment
Sample System Information – Mac OS X

15. Computer Assessment
Computer Assessment Website:
http://tulane.edu/tsweb/computerinfo.cfm
Technology Services Main Website:
http://ts.tulane.edu

16. Anti-Phishing Warning
• Technology Services
will NEVER ask for
your password or
send a link to access
your account.
• Report suspected
phishing scams to
security@tulane.edu