Vista SP1 is now available to TIMGroup members for testing. UAB's Microsoft Campus Agreement will entitle us to the Enterprise version of Vista. Enterprise is available only to customers, such as UAB, under certain Microsoft volume licensing agreements. UAB faculty and staff may continue to use and install Windows XP Pro if they choose not to upgrade to Vista when available.

While Microsoft promotes a number of enhancements, including security and user interface, there are numerous issues that complicate the introduction and deployment of Vista in such a diverse environment as UAB. Until Oracle certifies JInitiator on Vista and more information is available from user testing it is strongly recommended that departments delay deployment of Vista. Information will continue to be provided on this page and through other Information Technology channels as it is available.

Vista will also employ a new licensing model requiring a 'key server' at UAB to 'authorize' each installation of Vista. Gone is the ability to use a single 'key' on every installation. Systems utilizing the key server for validation must re-authenticate at least every 180 days to remain functional. Failure to re-authenticate will result in reduced functionality allowing only basic web access to be able to validate the license. Where systems are not connected to the network for long periods of time an alternate method utilizing a limited-use key will be available but on a restricted basis. UAB IT has set up a key server for testing and is making Windows Vista available to the TIMGroup members for testing within their areas.

Click here to be directed to the Windows Vista software page. You must be a registered TIMGroup member to request the software. Due to the size of the file the software is only available by requesting from AskIT, and not available by download.

Additional information on Vista (including hardware requirements) is available from Microsoft at:

Overview of Windows Vista Service Pack 1
http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsvista/en/library/417467e7-7845-46d4-85f1-dd471fbc0de91033.mspx?mfr=true

Notable Changes in Windows Vista SP1
http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/005f921e-f706-401e-abb5-eec42ea0a03e1033.mspx?mfr=true

Hotfixes and Security Updates included in Windows Vista SP1
http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/20184cb6-7038-4e82-a32c-4bc10ffe56ab1033.mspx?mfr=true

Release Notes for Windows Vista SP1
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=b5b681f5-f366-4ad2-ba10-6a7d209de7bd&DisplayLang=en

Deployment Guide for Windows Vista SP1
http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/3/b/d3b63d2f-8016-4abe-9e76-cbd2fe89631e/Deployment_Guide_for_Windows_Vista_Service_Pack_1.doc

Windows Vista SP1: Frequently Asked Questions
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/bb972745.aspx