Microsoft and Apple have released timelines for making versions of their new operating systems—Windows 10 and OS X El Capitan—available to consumers.
Windows 10 and OS X El Capitan are brand-new operating systems, which means there may be problems that have yet to be discovered and fixed. Those who heavily rely on their Windows or Mac computer for Case Western Reserve University business should consider waiting to download these new operating systems.
Microsoft is scheduled to release Windows 10 on July 29. Apple will release a beta version of OS X El Capitan this summer and a final version this fall.
Conduct a compatibility check
Those who choose to install the new operating systems, should take essential precautions:
- Use an external hard drive or a cloud solution, such as Google Drive, to back up data prior to upgrading the operating system. (Case Western Reserve students, staff and faculty members have unlimited storage space in Google Drive through their Google Apps for Education account.)
- Verify that hardware is capable of running the new operating system. To review the compatibility requirements of Windows 10, visit: microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-specifications. To review the compatibility requirements of OS X El Capitan, visit: developer.apple.com/library/prerelease/mac/releasenotes/General/rn-osx-10.11/index.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40016209.
- Those who depend on certain software packages to conduct university business should verify with the developer (e.g., Adobe, Microsoft) that it will be compatible with the new operating system. System requirements for popular software packages in use at Case Western Reserve are available at softwarecenter.case.edu.
Further assistance
Students, staff and faculty members can receive help with common issues, such as configuring mail, calendar, contacts and wireless access by contacting the ITS Service Desk at 216.368.HELP (4257) or by visiting the ITS@KSL CARE Center. The ITS@KSL CARE Center is open during the summer weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is needed.