Month: December 2022

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Windows 7 end of life announcement

Last call for Windows 7

On 10th January 2023, all remaining Windows 7 computers will be taken off the University of Reading network. 

This is to protect us and you from cyber attacks. Windows 7 is “end of life”, and will not receive any future security updates from Microsoft.

Windows 7 End of Life

End of Life (EOL), in software terms, means that a company no longer supports, updates, or patches that piece of software. Windows 7 End of Life date is 10th January 2023. We have already had an extension to the published EOL (14-01-20), and there is no possibility that Microsoft will extend this further.

What if I have Windows 7?

There should be very few computers left running Windows 7 in the University.

Windows 10 has been the default operating system in the University since 2019, and in that year there was a project to upgrade all staff devices to Windows 10. DTS have contacted everyone who requested to remain on Windows 7, and our Specialist Engineers have worked with them to test their equipment on Windows 10. In a handful of cases this doesn’t work so that device will stay on Windows 7, but separated from the University network and the internet. 

How do I know?

To check your operating system, follow these instructions: Which version of Windows do I have? 

What should I do if I am using a Windows 7 computer?

If you haven’t been contacted by us about your Windows 7 device, please raise a ticket as soon as possible with the IT Service Desk. 

Can I stay on Windows 7?

Every Windows 7 device represents a significant risk and, for this reason, continued use of Windows 7 must be approved by DTS. DTS maintains a record of all Windows 7 devices.

If you wish to continue running a Windows 7 PC after 10th January 2023, it will be as a standalone machine without connection to any network. 

  • You will not be able to access University file shares or research data storage
  • You will not be able to access the internet through a wired connection on campus
  • You will be vulnerable to cyber attacks (if you access the internet via another means)
  • We will be unable to support you if anything goes wrong

Contact and further information

Please follow these links for more detailed information:

If you have any questions or need any advice, please contact the IT Service Desk. 

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Device Replacement News – December ’22

Device lifecycle logoWhat’s new for 2023?

Our new Device Lifecycle team officially started work in December 2022 and is now responsible for the Device Replacement Programme.  The team will be co-ordinating with each school and function in turn to provide and install the most appropriate devices and peripherals. 

Following discussions with our Business Relationship Managers and stakeholders within each area, we are putting together a 12-month calendar which sets out the schedule of work planned until December 2023. This is expected to be part of a three year roll out to replace all old devices across the University.

What can you expect from us?

In an initial consultation, the team will discuss your area’s particular requirements, advise which devices and peripherals would enhance your digital working and answer any questions regarding the project.  They will then go onsite in your department to provide all help and support required to set up the new equipment.  

The aim is to ensure the transition is as simple and efficient as possible.

Until Device Replacement Rolls Out in Your Department ….

As always, if you have any problems with your University IT equipment, log a ticket with the IT Service Desk:

  • Online through the IT Self Service Portal
  • In person, you can visit the IT Service Desk on the first floor of the main Library on a weekday (8am to 5pm) or weekend (9am to 5pm), during term time
  • Email dts@reading.ac.uk

Our User Support team will evaluate any slow performing or faulty devices and recommend next steps.

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Service Desk Opening hours: Christmas vacation 22/23

Here are the DTS Service Desk opening times during the Christmas & New Year vacation.

Email and the IT Self-Service Portal will remain open; however, we will not be working as standard. New and existing tickets will not be actioned, but we will be monitoring urgent systems and services.

Day Date Telephone IT Service Desk Library Greenlands
Friday 9 Dec 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Weekend Sat 10 & Sun 11 Dec: Closed
Monday 12 Dec 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Tuesday 13 Dec 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Wednesday 14 Dec 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Thursday 15 Dec 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Friday 16 Dec 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Weekend Sat 17 & Sun 18 Dec: Closed
Monday 19 Dec 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Tuesday 20 Dec 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Wednesday 21 Dec 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Thursday 22 Dec 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Friday 23 Dec Closed
Sat 24 Dec to Sun 1 Jan: University closed
Monday 2 Jan Closed
Tuesday 3 Jan 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Wednesday 4 Jan 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Thursday 5 Jan 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Friday 6 Jan 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800
Saturday 7 Jan Closed Closed 0900-1700 Closed
Sunday 8 Jan Closed Closed 0900-1700 Closed
Monday 9 Jan 0800-1800 0800-1800 0800-1700 0800-1800

From Monday 9th January, all services are back to operating normally – term time opening hours.