Windows 10 was released by Microsoft and the College of Charleston (CofC) Information Technology division (IT) is just as excited as the news media about this newest operating system. However, we have been testing early releases of Windows 10 for several months now and we already know that there are compatibility challenges for Windows 10 with several major CofC applications. For individual’s personal computers and tablets Windows 10 looks to be a significant improvement over Windows 8, but at an enterprise level Windows 10 and its built-in Internet Explorer 11 are far from turn-key.
Over the next several months, Information Technology will continue testing the compatibility of the current release Windows 10 with our campus applications and systems. Due to the large variety of web browsers and College applications/systems and the expected release of early patches to Windows 10, this will be a lengthy process to ensure your productivity is not negatively impacted. We’re are working to develop an overall support model for College-owned Windows 10 desktops, laptops and tablets, on and off campus, in classrooms and labs, and in faculty and staff offices.
For the time being, IT will continue to support and standardize on Windows computers running Windows 7. At this time, IT has no plans to adopt Windows 10 in the immediate future. Microsoft will continue their support for Windows 7 until 2020, so we have time to get this right and conduct a smooth rollout of Windows 10 across campus.
We’ll keep you informed of our plans for Windows 10 as we move forward. If you have any questions, please contact the Information Technology Helpdesk at (843) 953-3375 or by emailing Helpdesk@cofc.edu.