What about Vista, Windows 7, and Office 2007?
Windows Vista™ -
For Fall 2009 we are offering Windows laptops with Windows Vista Business Edition.
It is important to realize that while Vista is available, there are still some campus programs that will not work in Vista. Students typically do not use these programs.
Our recommended laptop specs take Vista's requirements into consideration - they have processors, memory, graphic cards, etc., that handle Vista's higher standards. You will be able to connect to and use our ResNet network.
What if I want to stay with XP? Is that an option?
No, we will only be offering Bison Laptops with Vista Business Edition. We have specifically set up Vista to be stable and robust - it is not the pre-packaged version that comes with the majority of laptops. We have used this throughout the past 2 years and it works very well for students on campus.
What about Windows 7? Will you support that?
Windows 7 will not be released until late October 2009. Dell has just released information regarding their plans for Dell computers purchased after June 26th, 2009. You can view this info at this URL: https://win7.dell.com. Our Bison Laptops ship with Vista Business, so they would be eligible for the purchase upgrade. Regarding support, since no one has seen the final version of Windows 7, it is difficult to promise a support level.
What about Office 2007? Do you support 2007 or Office 2003?
Office 2007 is now available through the Technology eStore (linked through the Bucknell Bookstore web page). The company, Journey's Ed, requires proof of your academic status in order to provide outstanding educational pricing - they will accept your order if you simply use your Bucknell email address during the ordering process. We simply provide access to this site for the greatly reduced license cost for our students. Office 2007 is in all of the labs on campus.
Bucknell does not have a license for Office for students. It does not come automatically on the Bison Laptops.
You may purchase and use Office 2007, but it is important to remember to save documents in the 2003 compatibility form so that the documents are compatible with the software used by faculty and staff on campus. To find out more information about Office 2007 compatibility, click this link.
If you have any questions, please contact us at bisonlaptop@bucknell.edu or 570.577.7777.
