Operating System Differences at SU

Syracuse University students have a choice when it comes to which kind of computer to use.

In the engineering building, there are PCs with Windows XP. At the Maxwell School, Windows Vista is the operating system. At Newhouse, there are both PCs and Macs.

So why is there such a variation across campus?

"What engineering does with computers is significantly different than what political science does with computers, which is different than writing and languages," said Chris Sedore, SU's chief information officer.

The challenge is how to make the systems look the same while trying to best serve the needs of each school and its students. But only certain programs operate on specific computers. Some software only works on a PC, while editing video on Final Cut, for example, only works on a Mac. These are problems that happen all the time according to Sedore.

The work you begin on one computer may not be compatible with another. For example, a Word document on one computer running a newer version may not open when you open it on a computer using an older version.

"each one of their own sits problems, and each one has its own set of fixes," said James Weirich, a supervisor for Information Technology and Services, or ITS. He said more unity among computers would solve a lot of the common problems students have.

A lot of computers on campus do run on updated software. About 90-95% of campus computers use Microsoft Office 2007. Computers not on this latest software are expected to be updated this year.

It is also expected that the university will move to place Windows 7 operating system on computers in the fall.

(Photo from Tech Source).