Windows 10 Upgrade and Training Information

After months of testing, Client Services is excited to announce the limited availability of the Windows 10 self-service upgrade through Microsoft’s System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). This self-service upgrade is first being offered to faculty and staff members who are using a Dell Optiplex 3000 series desktop device that is not scheduled for replacement in 2017. The Optiplex 3000 series devices are the first to receive the upgrade because testing demonstrated this model will complete the upgrade more rapidly than older models. The Dell Optiplex 3000 series includes Dell Optiplex models 3010, 3020, 3040 and 3046. Laptops and older series desktops will be eligible for the self-service upgrade at a later date.

The upgrade is being offered on a department by department basis. Individuals who are eligible recipients of the Windows 10 Self-Service Upgrade will be notified of their eligibility via email two weeks prior to the eligibility start date. Once the start date arrives, the upgrade can be applied Monday through Thursday of that week. Participants are encouraged to start the upgrade at the end of a work day, just prior to leaving for the evening. Once the upgrade is triggered, no further action is required to complete the upgrade. Departments and individuals unable to perform the upgrade in the assigned week can be rescheduled at a later, more convenient time by contacting itservices@scranton.edu.

In order to better assist individuals with the upgrade, a dedicated IT support person will be assigned to each participant. Dedicated support will not perform the upgrade on behalf of participants but should be contacted if a problem is encountered at any time during the upgrade process. The name of the dedicated support person will be included in each participant’s email invitation.

Windows 10 is now the standard operating system being deployed on new computers and on computers requiring rebuilds. Additionally, all lab computers will be upgraded to Windows 10 LTSB (Long Term Servicing Branch) this summer.

Windows 10 training sessions will begin in February. We recommend the following Windows 10 resources:


By Diane Kennedy, IT Client Services Analyst

Windows 10 Update

IT Services launched its Windows 10 Early Adopter Program on June 3, 2016 to test the feasibility of offering a minimally disruptive, self-service option to upgrade existing Windows 7 computers to Windows 10. We are grateful to the 19 faculty and staff members that participated in the program whose feedback helped us to identify items to improve upon. Although all the participants were able to successfully complete their upgrade, we have decided that the campus release of the self-service upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 will require additional fine-tuning. We will be forming an additional select group of early adopters to help us improve the process even more.

Even though the self-service upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 is delayed, IT Services will be delivering and setting up all new PC systems with Windows 10 pre-installed on them. If you would like Windows 10 training, please contact Julie Brackeva-Phillips at julie.brackeva-phillips@scranton.edu.

Windows 10 resources: 

· Microsoft’s Get Started with Windows 10
· Microsoft’s Windows 10 Features
· Microsoft’s Windows 10 emulator
· Microsoft’s Office 2016 Training Resources
· Printable instructions for resetting default web browser and PDF viewer AFTER upgrading to Windows 10

Sneak Peek: Windows 10

windows10Windows 10, released by Microsoft last July, has been downloaded to over 200 million devices worldwide. This new operating system combines the look and feel of Windows 7 with the menu tiles introduced in Windows 8.

As with any new operating system release, some software applications or devices (such as printers, scanners) may not install or work correctly. This is why IT Services will be working with each department after a more thorough review has been completed. Computer upgrades will be gradual and necessary in order to keep our systems secure and compliant. Windows 7 will end its support on January 14, 2020.

When will my office computer be upgraded to Windows 10? How can I help?

IT Services is currently looking for volunteers to test Windows 10 alongside our IT staff to determine its compatibility with our University applications (e.g. AppXtender, iDOds, Banner, etc). Because office staff uses various applications to perform daily tasks, they are vital in providing us with feedback that will help IT with the campus-wide implementation. If you would like to be part of our early adopters team, please email itservices@scranton.edu.

Save the Date: IT Forum

Join us on March 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  to learn more about Windows 10 features and the implementation process. IT staff will be available to answer your questions. A light lunch will be provided. Reserve your seat.

Training

A new operating system with new features also means that it’s very different to use. Training sessions are currently being developed and will be offered in the coming weeks. Visit scranton.edu/it_training to review our training options.