Windows 7 & Office 2010 upgrade success
We’d like to give you an update and, at the same time, thank you for your support...
The Windows 7 and Office 2010 upgrade project has completed over 85% of eligible machines, on time and on budget.
The aim of the project was to roll out Windows 7 operating system & Office 2010 software to BUCS-managed personal computers (PCs) across campus and, by upgrading to the versions in current widespread use, we have brought University systems in line with the outside world.
The interface for students and staff is now more consistent between their own computers, those in other organisations, and University-managed ones. Upgrading Microsoft Office has improved the handling of documents with external people, and has also given staff an opportunity to update their Office software skills.
The scale of the project is well illustrated by numbers:
- March 2011 - 416 computers upgraded
- August 2012 - 3,223 computers upgraded
Change & Training
We realise that transition to new software can be worrying and this project has affected almost all PC users across campus. Thank you for taking on the change and taking advantage of the training we’ve offered. So far 450 staff have taken our Introduction to Windows 7 course and over 350 have done our Upgrading to Office 2010 (core changes) course.
The training programme continues and includes courses that allow you to update your skills in Word, Excel and Power Point.
Tutor-led as well as self-paced courses are available to suit your own style of learning. If you are interested in a Windows 7, Office 2010 Upgrade or a Office Update course, please email it-training@bath.ac.uk or telephone us on ext 6257 to book your place.
Thanks to our IT Supporters
The Windows 7 Project Board (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Kevin Edge, Academic Registrar Alison Price, Director of BUCS Andrew Lee and Project Manager Sarah Richardson), would all like to say well done and thank you to all the BUCS (and non-BUCS) IT Supporters.
Sarah said: “IT Supporters have taken on this large piece of work on top of their normal duties, without any extra resources. The roll-out targets were very challenging but the targets were met. The Supporters are to be congratulated for their sterling effort.”
BUCS-managed PCs are now up to date with industry and educational standards. Machines that are not compatible for upgrading have been identified and there is a plan in place to work with this.
We are now in a better position to manage desktop provision and software distribution.
The project has helped the University to modernise the desktop environment and allow for continual development. Our next step will include moving toward a more consistent format and lifecycle for new desktop computer hardware.
Thank you for all your co-operation which has made this project success possible.
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