Windows 7 is supported at CERN

The new version of the Windows operating system - Windows 7 - is now officially supported at CERN. Windows 7 32-bit is now the default operating system for the new computers at CERN.

What’s new in Windows 7

Users of Windows XP will find many new features and options. Users of Windows Vista will feel very familiar with one major difference: higher performance and better responsiveness of the operating system. Other enhancements include: refined Aero desktop that makes it easier to navigate between your different application windows; new snapping windows that allows user to resize a window simply by dragging it to the edge of the screen and “pin” that allows grouping and arranging often accessed applications on the taskbar.

Windows 7 introduces the new concept of libraries – containers for user files that have links to different local or network folders. By default, users can see four libraries: Documents, Music, Pictures and Videos. These libraries point to the corresponding user folders on the DFS . Users can include additional folders in these libraries as well as create complete new libraries for different user content.

From the point of view of the CERN Windows infrastructure, everything remains the same, so users will feel very much at home. The applications are still managed with CMF and users’ home folders continue to be stored on DFS (Distributed File System – system for saving files on network file servers). Also, the same printing infrastructure is available and the same way of distributing monthly patches will be applied.

Complete printable documentation for NICE Windows 7 is now also available!
(Printable NICE Windows 7 Documentation at: https://cern.ch/winservices/Help/?fdid=5)

Training offer

In order to allow a smooth transition to Windows 7, training tutorials featuring Windows 7 and Office 2007 have been prepared by Windows Desktop Services team in cooperation with CERN Technical Training. These sessions will take place in June. They will be given in English and French and they are now available in the HR training catalogue. The tutorials are free of charge but registration is required. We encourage users to sign up and attend these sessions so that they can get the most of the new functionalities of Windows 7 and Office 2007.

The following training tutorials are scheduled:

• “Working with Windows 7 at CERN”, June 1st, 2010 at 15:30 - 16:30, (English)
• “Travailler avec Windows 7 au CERN”, June 3rd, 2010 at 10:30 - 11:30, (Français)
• ”Get the most of Office 2007!“, June 21st, 2010 at 15:30 - 16:30, (English)
• “Profitez bien de Office 2007!”, June 23rd, 2010 at 15:30 - 16:30, (Français)

More information about the IT3T - IT Technical Training Tutorials 2010 can be found at:

by IT Department