On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will be ending support for the Windows XP operating system. As a result, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates for Windows XP computers. While all new university-owned computers ordered through Pomeroy since January 2011 have arrived with Windows 7 installed, CaTS has determined that approximately 10% of computers at WSU are running Windows XP. In order to fully protect our campus network, we would like to reduce the number of Windows XP computers currently in use.
*How You Can Help*
If you are using a university-owned computer that has Windows XP installed, including using Windows XP via Parallels on a Mac, please call the CaTS Help Desk at (937) 775-4827 so we can assess your computer to determine if it can be upgraded. We highly encourage you to get this upgrade so your computer won’t be as vulnerable to security threats.
*Important Notes*
- At this time, CaTS will not be revoking network access to Windows XP computers. However, in the future, as the number of unpatched security vulnerabilities are detected with Windows XP, CaTS may need to take this approach in order to protect our network.
- While this won’t affect the university network, CaTS would like to still encourage you to upgrade your home computer if it is currently running Windows XP. The same security threats and vulnerabilities will be present if you do not upgrade.
- On March 8, Microsoft began displaying pop-ups on Windows XP computers that encourage the user to upgrade. These pop-ups will continue to happen on the 8th of each month until the user upgrades.
*Questions?*
CaTS is here to help you with this transition. For any questions involving upgrades or the end of Microsoft’s XP support, please contact the Help Desk at (937) 775-4827, or toll free at 1-888-775-4827.
This list is maintained by Computing and Telecommunications Services.
