HISTORICAL MANUALS
UK Microsoft Windows 95 Strategy
Introduction
Microsoft Windows 95 goes on sale August 24, 1995. In anticipation of this event
Information Systems has dedicated significant resources to answering the question: "What
impact will this have on the computing environment at the University of Kentucky?"
Because Windows 95 is an operating system for Intel-based personal computers that
represent about 70% of the desktop machines on campus, we expect a significant impact.
Windows 95 will not affect Apple Macintosh and PowerMac computer users since these are
not Intel platforms. The "Houdini" card that allows the PowerMac to run most current DOS
and Windows software, will not be a supported Windows 95 configuration.
The operating system controls many aspects of a computer. Older operating systems,
designed for character-based computers, employ simpler technology to interface with the
user. Windows 95 makes significant improvements to the Graphical User Interface (GUI)
introduced by the earlier versions of MS Windows. It replaces MSDOS and Windows with
a single integrated system designed to overcome many of the limitations imposed by the
older technology. At the University of Kentucky, we pushed against these limits when
integrating Intel-based PC's into our campus network, by integrating graphical support into
our applications, and by moving to a client/server database model that makes information
easier to access. Thus, Windows 95 represents a great opportunity for us to move forward
because it expands the boundaries within which we can pursue these goals.
Over the last few years the University has greatly expanded its ability to take advantage of
desktop computing. This progress came as the result of a significant investment of human
and fiscal resources. As we migrate to Windows 95, we must be careful not to lose
ground. Every major piece of software has imperfections, more commonly known as
"bugs." Working through these bugs with the vendors and software authors is tedious,
hard work. This work must be done in order to maintain a robust computing environment.
An environment in which students, faculty and staff can leverage their creativity rather than
waste precious time in non-productive troubleshooting tasks. Presently, we are aware of
several incompatibilities between Windows 95 and the previous versions of Windows that
could impede our Administrative and Educational work-flow if we choose to implement the
first release immediately. In addition, several products seem to work but are not certified or
supported by the products' vendors under Windows 95. We have been in contact with the
vendors of the affected products and they have all promised fixes or support within the first
90 days of Microsoft's release date. While we cannot necessarily depend on these
promises, we anticipate that market pressures will force most vendors whose products
don't run properly to fix them in that time period. We anticipate that some of these fixes
will be in the form of software upgrades which will have a significant cost associated with
them. For these reasons, Information Systems will not centrally support Windows 95 until
approximately 90 days after the official release date; or, until all of the strategic software
vendors begin supporting the new operating system and have fixed the most serious
problems. In turn, we urge you not to install Windows 95 in "production" University
environments until it is centrally supported. The paragraphs below detail some of the
benefits we anticipate and problems we are working to resolve. They are necessarily
somewhat technical. You can use them to help you decide how you will approach
Windows 95 installations in your area, or on your personal computer.
On-Campus Networking
Windows 95 has strong networking capabilities which make it easy to install, maintain and
use network software. When the University switches to Windows 95, we will phase out
our support for ODI drivers, which have been our campus standard for DOS and Windows
machines for about 3 years. This will provide better integration between Microsoft and
Novell networking and pave the road for messaging systems based on Microsoft Exchange
if we decide to implement them. Although the first release of Windows 95 will include
support for Netware versions 3.11 and 3.12 as well as Netware 4.x running "bindery
emulation," the support for Netware Directory Services (NDS) is not yet included. Since
migrating the Novell servers on campus to Netware 4.x with NDS is one of the initiatives
we have instituted in order to take advantage of the "Super Servers" we have purchased,
we need support for NDS. We understand that within 60 to 90 days after the introduction
of Windows 95 we can expect these network drivers to be available. The absence of this
software should make you cautious about moving to Windows 95 if you are presently
using a Netware 4.x server or if you plan to use one within the next few months.
SUPER_ONE users should specially note this fact since, there are plans to activate NDS
soon on that machine. Also, if you are an administrator of a Novell file server running
Netware 4.x you won't want to switch to Windows 95 until a version of "NWADMIN,"
the windows-based Netware administration utility for NDS is available for Windows 95.
The present version of NWADMIN is dependent on 16-bit ODI technology, which,
although it can be installed under Windows 95, is not the preferred 32-bit configuration that
we will support as a campus standard.
In addition to the problems associated with the actual network client software, some
network applications don't work correctly. There are known problems with cc:Mail
which some users may encounter. The commercial Eudora client that we support on
campus is usable, but a small problem exists with the icon not indicating when you have
mail. Also, special modifications must be made to Meeting Maker, a popular calendar
program, after installation in order to run. MS Word version 2.0, one of the most popular
word processing packages on campus will not function properly under Windows 95
necessitating a software upgrade. McGill TCP3270, our standard application for accessing
the IBM mainframe works, but it cannot use the "library" fonts under Windows 95.
Photoshop version 2.5 is known not to work. Norton's utilities and many antivirus
programs currently in use around campus will need to be upgraded in order to work. The
old versions may corrupt files under Windows 95. Most types of backup software
designed for Windows or DOS will need to be upgraded because of the "long filename"
support of Windows 95. We have some concern that Windows 95 files with long filenames
backed up from Novell servers may experience some problems during a restore.
Technicians are working to confirm this and find a fix. In order to support Windows 95
long filenames on Novell servers the OS/2 namespace must be loaded on your file server;
while this seems trivial, it has implications for file backup and recovery.
TCP/IP is the protocol used by your computer to access the internet and logon to the IBM
Mainframe as well as the UNIX machines on campus. Windows 95 includes built-in
support for TCP/IP. Thus, we can replace Novell's LAN Workplace TCP/IP software as
our standard. TCP/IP is only a protocol. Applications are needed to use this protocol.
Except for "telnet and ftp" Windows 95 does not include any TCP/IP applications. LAN
Workplace version 4.2 applications, which have been our standard for some time now, will
not work under Windows 95. On the other hand, we recently obtained a site license for
LAN Workplace version 5.0. Many of the LAN Workplace version 5.0 applications have
been rewritten to use the standard WINSOCK interface defined by Microsoft. These
"WINSOCK-based" applications will work with Windows 95. Consequently, our strategy
will be to continue to support the UKPG installed version of LAN Workplace 4.2 on
Windows 3.11 machines, but roll out the working LAN Workplace 5.0 applications or
working alternatives with Windows 95. In addition, development is in progress on a
deployment vehicle for the University community made up entirely of freeware TCP/IP
applications and those for which we have site licenses. This "Sitepak" simplifies the
installation and configuration of these applications.
Windows 95's implementation of TCP/IP lacks support for the protocol called "bootp" that
automatically assigns internet addresses (also called IP numbers). Since this is the campus
standard protocol for this purpose we must modify our approach. Technicians are currently
testing a different protocol (DHCP) to supplement bootp. We hope that by the time this
letter reaches you the software that provides this service will be functional and somewhat
tested. But, time is needed to ensure the robustness of this new protocol on the network.
Again, one should anticipate problems in the first few months as the Information Systems
technical crew "irons out the bugs."
Remote Access
Our present remote access strategy for Windows machines is based on LAN Workplace
and the UKPG installer. Windows 95 offers a significant improvement both in ease of
installation and reliability over the third-party software from Novell. By using the "Point to
Point Protocol" (PPP) Windows 95 is able to access campus TCP/IP servers and also
support other protocols. This opens up the possibility of making remote access more
"campus-like" than it is presently. Primarily our intention is to provide remote access to
campus computing resources. However, if you need full internet access from a remote site,
we have formed a partnership with MCI to provide that kind of access at a reasonable cost.
When you contract with MCI for this service you will receive software for remote
connection. It is important that you realize that the TCP/IP software from MCI is not
compatible with Windows 95 and is unnecessary. Before upgrading to Windows 95 you
will need to uninstall the MCI software (also known as UK Online). But, like LAN
Workplace, the "PPP" support included with the Windows 95 TCP/IP is fully compatible
with the MCI terminal service. This means that once again there is a simplification for you,
the user. Configure Windows 95 and you'll be ready to use MCI or the campus remote
access modems without having to maintain a third-party TCP/IP package on your
computer, except for applications. As a bonus, testing of remote Novell connectivity is
underway and we anticipate that by the time we begin supporting Windows 95 we can offer
this service through our campus terminal servers and modem pool.
Information Systems Help Desk Support
Windows 95 contains a feature-rich environment with on-line help and tutorials. In
addition, many books are being published about how to install, configure, manage and use
Windows 95. Microsoft even includes 90 days of free telephone support (it's still a toll-call
and does not include support for networking) with your purchase of Windows 95. But, the
University environment presents complex and unique difficulties for those without first-
hand knowledge of the equipment and the network. The
Help Desk
is preparing to deal
with these unique problems and support calls specific to the University's implementation of
Windows 95. The help desk employs a tiered structure. First level support consists of
answering basic questions and gathering information about a problem. Technical questions
or difficult problems are referred to a second tier within the computing center's Technical
Support group. The Technical Support group has access to resources both within and
without the University on which they can draw if the problem is outside the scope or
breadth of their knowledge. Since the number of support personnel is very limited, it is
important that the first tier be able to answer many of the user questions. This requires
training and experience. Although this training has started, it may take as much as 90 days
after the introduction of Windows 95 before Help Desk personnel have sufficient
experience to make a meaningful contribution to campus-wide support for Windows 95.
Microsoft has had the benefit of feedback from their beta program in training their support
personnel. The University must rely on a similar program to garner experience from "beta"
installations in the campus environment before we anoint Windows 95 as a "production"
system.
User Training
The Information Technology and Training Center (ITTC) offers classes to University
employees in an effort to shorten the lag in productivity that accompanies the introduction
of any new technology. ITTC maintains two computer equipped classrooms for teaching
about the software used by administrative personnel on campus. These classroom
resources are much in demand, and we anticipate a rush when we start supporting
Windows 95 as users try to take advantage of this service. The classroom computers
cannot immediately be converted to Windows 95 because classes must still be taught in the
environment most familiar to the administrative user audience and not all application
versions run correctly under Windows 95. Thus, the shift to Windows 95 represents a
commitment, since one cannot quickly restore the "old" windows environment on a
desktop computer. Although the center has already started course design for teaching about
Windows 95, it will take some time after the introduction to justify the shift in classroom
resources so that a class can be taught. Some users may want to delay their move to
Windows 95 even longer than 90 days after the "first sale" date until training is available.
ITTC needs to teach the basics, but remember that much of the basic information regarding
Windows 95 is included in the on-line tutorial. The demand from users will be for the
specialized techniques that make the real difference in productivity. The goal is that each
trained user represents one less support call at the Help Desk from that user, and ten fewer
support calls from that user's coworkers. Encouraging new Windows 95 users to take
these ITTC classes will facilitate managing the load on our Help Desk; but, in order for
users to take the classes, the classes must first be developed and the classroom computing
resources must be available.
Software Distribution
Windows 95 is a relatively large operating system compared to DOS and Windows 3.11. It
occupies about 13 to 14 specially formatted (DMF) diskettes in its compressed form. The
time it takes to load Windows 95 from diskette is significant; especially on slower
computers. Disturbingly, on some computers it takes several hours. The campus
recommended hardware for using Windows 95 is an 80486 processor or above running at
33 MHz or above with a 500 Megabyte Hard disk, 12-16 Megabytes of RAM, and
connected to a network. The minimum system for using one application at a time would be
one with a 80386 processor running at 40 MHz with 8 Megabytes of RAM and 200 Meg
Hard disk. The minimum machine would be similar to one you might use at home, i.e., not
connected to the campus ethernet. It should be noted that these recommendations are
significantly greater than the hardware specifications given by Microsoft. The discrepancy
is explained by the fact that most people will want to run applications, not just the operating
system on their computer. We acknowledge that, as per Microsoft's advertising, Windows
95 can be installed on a computer with only 4 Megabytes of RAM; however, in our
environment, we cannot support this configuration. It is just too slow for the user to be
productive.
The fastest way to install Windows 95 is from a file server on the network or from a
double-speed CD-ROM. It takes about 22 minutes for an average installation from a file
server to a recommended configuration machine. Installing from a file server also allows
the University to somewhat standardize the starting configuration of the computers attached
to the network. We are concerned about reports found in the forums that discuss Netware
and Windows 95 regarding Service Advertising Protocol (SAP) packets and Routing
Information Protocol (RIP) packets which reportedly to flood the network if certain
features within Windows 95 are enabled. By controlling software distribution to campus
machines we can help minimize the impact on the network of these misconfigured
machines. Once again, this will take time to implement, and reinforces the dangers of
rushing into the installation of numerous Windows 95 workstations by "techno novices."
Another issue associated with software distribution, support and maintenance is "Microsoft
Plus!" This is a collection of wallpaper, screensavers, SLIP scripting software (automates
remote access), Internet Browser, an Internet mail add-on to MS Exchange, Double-space
version 3.0, task automation software, a cool pinball game, and a dial-up server somewhat
similar to a terminal server. Purchase and distribution of this software will radically alter
the disk space requirements of Windows 95. While personal benefits of "MS Plus!" can be
determined from its features, we need time to assess the benefits to the University before
advocating the purchase or support of this software.
Interaction with Client/Server Database Strategy
For two years Information Systems has worked to implement a "virtually integrated
technical architecture lifecycle" at the University. The project's acronym, VITAL, suggests
the quality of the role it will play in giving direction to the University's information
infrastructure. The project seeks to unlock the information resources of the University and
make them available to the end-user by integrating the desktop computers (clients) with
large databases and data repositories kept on central machines called "servers." Crucial to
this effort has been the stability of the software on the client systems. This has proven very
difficult to control because traditionally there have been no standards for the installation of
software on these systems, nor standards for the kind of hardware found on these systems.
In the course of the VITAL project, great strides have been made towards establishing these
hardware and software standards. UKPG, an installation program was written to
standardize network software installation as a direct result of the need for stable TCP/IP
software imposed by VITAL. Next, we standardized on an SQL database, Sybase
SQLServer. A client development tool, OMNIS7 was next adopted. Then, finally, an ad
hoc query tool, Data Prism was adopted.
The move to Windows 95 affects the software running on the Windows clients. In order
for an application to talk to Sybase from an Intel PC there must be a program called Open
Client that provides an interface between the application and the TCP/IP software. To date,
Open Client has not been certified for use with the Microsoft TCP/IP included with
Windows 95. We anticipate that this will take place within 90 days of the official Windows
95 release. In addition, OMNIS 7, which allows programmers to build interactive
applications to access the data stored on the server does not run properly under Windows
95. We are presently in negotiations with Blyth software to obtain a Windows 95 version
of the software as soon as it is available. This is critical to some business officers and other
employees who are already using applications based on OMNIS 7 to access financial data
on the servers. Although Data Prism seems to work under Windows 95, it has not been
certified by the vendor.
Conclusion
Although mainframes were said to reside in "glass houses," their complexity was hidden
from most users behind a dumb terminal. Now, each of us is the manager of a "desktop
glass-house." There is an interdependence among the "smart" elements of our networked
computing environment, which has spawned a complexity at the desktop challenging that
seen in the largest of corporate mainframe computer rooms. Only through embracing
software advances like Windows 95 can we manage the growing complexity and take
advantage of the growing power at our fingertips.
Windows 95 offers great promise both in terms of productivity gains and lower support
costs. It provides more robust networking capabilities. It provides a simplified user
interface and a simpler installation procedure. However, the University cannot migrate to
Windows 95 without first solving the critical issues regarding its installation and use.
These critical issues are: How it will interact with campus networking? How it will affect
Remote Access to computing? How will we provide technical support? How will we deal
with user-training needs? How will we distribute the software so as to maintain standards?
Finally, how will we keep from disrupting the progress we have made in our client/server
database strategy as part of the VITAL project?
For more information use your favorite internet browser to access:
http://www.microsoft.com/Windows
or using your Novell client software access the directory:
MCVEY/SYS:WINUSERS\WIN95
