Microsoft's latest version of Windows could be integrated into Penn State computer labs as early as next year, according to a Penn State spokesperson.
Jeff Kuhns, associate vice provost for information technology sciences, said Penn State is currently exploring the possibility of installing Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system onto computers in labs across the campus.
"For the student computer labs, the earliest we will convert is fall 2008," he said.
Kuhns said the university is making sure Windows Vista is compatible with the current programs and hardware Penn State uses.
"We have to make everything that works today ... work with Vista," he said. "If everything works well, we will plan to upgrade next fall."
A Microsoft press release said in a statement that the company intend to correct recent compatibility issues people have reported with Vista.
"In the coming months, we will continue to release updates to Windows Vista through Windows
Update that are designed to fix top customer issues with Windows Vista, specifically involving reliability, compatibility, stability, security and performance," the press release said.
Cam Donaldson (freshman-business management) said he supports the switch from Windows XP if it's going to help students.
"I think it depends if [XP] is limiting students' ability to learn," he said.
The press release said Microsoft is working closely with universities across the country to help with the switch from XP to Vista.
"We have developed relationships with some of the largest universities and colleges in the world, and as we work with them at various levels of Windows Vista deployment and upgrading, we are committed to their success," the Microsoft press release said.
Kuhns said students might need to get used to some of Vista's new features but does not expect any significant problems.
"The change would be what you're seeing at your screen," he said.
Kuhns added that despite the change, people always upgrade technology, and Vista is no different.
"Over time," he said, "we may find that most have migrated to Vista because they bought a new machine."
