On July 1, Information and Educational Technology will begin supporting Vista, Microsoft's new operating system. That doesn't mean you should immediately upgrade; your decision depends on whether your system's hardware configurations, and the software you use, work with Vista.

If you're a student buying a new PC, buy one with Vista Home Premium or better. But Vista is not required, so if you already own a PC without Vista, it is OK if it meets campus requirements. Campus hardware specifications have been upgraded with Vista in mind: see recommended system requirements here.

If you're staff or faculty, ask your technical support staff for guidance regardless of whether you're buying a new PC or upgrading your current machine. If departments upgrade, they should buy Vista Business or better.

Volunteers from 15 departments began testing Vista last December to make sure it would work with important campus applications.