No. Information Services & Technology (IST) is testing Windows Vista for compatibility with hardware and software used on campus and working with vendors for updated drivers.  NJIT intends to release Windows Vista to the community in early 2009.

2. Can someone from NJIT install Windows Vista on my computer today?

No.  Windows Vista has not be released for use on NJIT computers yet.  When it is released, computer hardware must pass a Microsoft compatibility test and meet certain baseline hardware requirements before Windows Vista could be installed on it.  For most people, there is no significant advantage to upgrading to Windows Vista from Windows XP Pro. Most people can and should continue to use Windows XP Pro. NJIT intends to release Windows Vista to the community in early 2009.

3. What version of Vista will NJIT be releasing?

NJIT will release Microsoft Windows Vista Business 32-bit Edition. Please note we will not offer general support for 64-bit versions of Vista.

4. Will Windows XP upgrade to Windows Vista?

NJIT will not support upgrade versions of Windows Vista. Due to numerous hardware conflicts that may occur, we will only be supporting clean installations of Windows Vista.  Prior to Vista being installed on any NJIT computer, we require users to back up their important data on an external medium such as a network harddrive, USB harddrive, USB flash drive, CD/DVDs etc. Data backup is the responsibility of each user.

NJIT does not suggest that you upgrade or install Windows Vista on your main computer at this time. NJIT is not currently supporting Windows Vista and will not be supporting it until the end of the year. NJIT intends to release Windows Vista to the community in early 2009.

5. How much memory (RAM) do I need to run Windows Vista?

Microsoft recommends a minimum of 1 GB of RAM to run Windows Vista. NJIT strongly recommends a minimum of 2 GB of RAM due to additional software requirements. Note that the different versions of Windows Vista have different requirements.  When NJIT releases and begins support of Windows Vista, it will be only for Windows Vista Business 32-bit edition.

6. Will my XP programs work under Windows Vista?

Not all Windows XP programs will run under Windows Vista.  Click here for a list of NJIT-licensed software and their compatibility with Vista, or check Microsoft's compatibility webpage for additional information.  NJIT does not suggest you install Windows Vista until IST begins fully supporting Windows Vista in early 2009.

7. Will Office 2003 install and run on Windows Vista?

Yes, Office 2003 will run on Windows Vista.

8. How much hard drive space do I need to install Windows Vista?

Microsoft recommends a minimum 40 GB hard disk that has 15 GB of free space.  NJIT strongly recommends a minimum 80GB Serial ATA hard disk with at least 20 GB of free space.  Note that the different versions of Windows Vista have different requirements.  When NJIT releases and begins support of Windows Vista, it will be only for Windows Vista Business 32-bit edition.

9. Where can I find support for Windows Vista?

NJIT is not yet supporting any version of Windows Vista. NJIT support will begin by the end of the year. Currently, minimal support can be found here. Additional support can be found at the following Microsoft websites:

• http://support.microsoft.com/windowsvista
• http//msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/support/
• http://support.microsoft.com

10. Do I need to upgrade my video card to support the new features in Vista?

A new video card may be required to use all the visual effect in Windows Vista.  NJIT strongly recommends at least a 256 MB video card with support for DirectX 10. 

11. Can my current PC run Windows Vista?

Click here to find information on using Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to determine if your current PC can run Windows Vista.  When NJIT releases and begins support of Windows Vista, it will be only for Windows Vista Business 32-bit edition. NJIT intends to release Windows Vista to the community in early 2009.

12. Will NJIT offer any training for Windows Vista ?

Yes. Once NJIT releases Windows Vista, IST will offer face-to-face training for employees. There is also much web-based information about Windows Vista. Read more here or visit our web-site for available Windows Vista tutorials and handouts.