| Last Updated: 11/05/06
On October 19th, Microsoft sent letters via email to registered license holders discussing the impending release of Internet Explorer 7. This is more than a small upgrade to Internet Explorer, it is an entire new version of Internet Explorer with new usability features, security features, and a new look.
The letter from Microsoft stated that institutions had until November 1st to decide whether to block this update from upgrading institutional computers.
At Carlow, we engaged in an exhaustive testing process over the last week that examined usability with products like Lotus, Blackboard, Webstudent, and 29 other web-based services at the University.
In our testing, we determined that the browser works properly if certain configuration settings are made. We have created a quicksheet to show you how to initially set-up and configure IE7. These configuration changes are essential for IE7 to work properly. Without these changes, key products like Lotus and Blackboard will not work. These two quicksheets are available at: http://www.it.carlow.edu/Quicksheets/ie7/installing.html http://www.it.carlow.edu/Quicksheets/ie7/tabsettings.html
While some other institutions of higher learning have decided to wait to recommend the installation of IE7, we realize it is nearly impossible to stop because many of our customers have personal computers at home or in the residence halls and we have no control over these machines. Thus, we have decided, instead, to test thoroughly, and provide these recommended settings.
Microsoft will begin to 'push' the IE7 update to your PC at somepoint within the next month. In some cases, this could start tomorrow. They have not released their method to identify who will get updated and when.
You must choose to update your PC to IE7 by selecting "OK" when asked to install this update. As soon as the update is finished, you will first need to answer 4 basic questions and then you need to make the few simple changes to the configuration. All of these steps are outlined in our quicksheets mentioned above.
We have prepared two quick-sheets to quickly acquaint you with the new features available in Internet Explorer 7. These are available here: http://www.it.carlow.edu/Quicksheets/ie7/browserchanges.html http://www.it.carlow.edu/Quicksheets/ie7/whatsnew.html
We will be blocking the upgrade on our lab computers until the end of the semester and our techs will be installing and configuring all lab computers and smart classroom podium computers in the last few days of December (after finals, but before the break).
If you have questions or problems, please call our helpdesk at x8700. Please indicate when you contact us that you have upgraded to IE7.
Thank you.
Karen Sturgeon
Information Technology |
