"Legacy" computers are defined as any computer running an operating system that has reached its end of life, or any computer that uses outdated hardware components. These computers are typically found in scientific research or classroom labs, mostly running previous versions of Windows, but might, in rare cases, also apply to Apple computers. Because these devices are no longer receiving security updates from their software developers, they do not conform with SJU's mandated information security policies and practices, and so OIT must manage them differently than other lab computers. Additionally, OIT support for these devices will be limited due to the age of their hardware and software, which often presents challenges to work around for many technical issues.
Whenever possible, faculty departments should plan to upgrade their research or teaching software or hardware for compatibility with current computing technology and operating systems. End-of-life operating systems are, by definition, no longer supported, so continuing to rely on them, in addition to aging computer hardware, poses a risk of technical issues that cannot be resolved.
Security Management
Because legacy operating systems no longer receive security updates, all legacy computers must be isolated from the campus's main network. This is accomplished in one of two ways:
- Removing (unplugging) them from the network entirely
- Placing the computer's data port on a specially configured virtual network space
Computers on the legacy virtual network are met with the following restrictions:
- Access to the Nest and some other SJU services is prohibited and blocked by the network's firewall.
- The devices cannot be joined to the SJU domain, meaning users cannot sign into them with their personal SJU credentials. Alternative user accounts will need to be created as needed.
Service Level Agreement
OIT will attempt to resolve technical problems on legacy computers, but different support approaches may need to be taken as determined on a case-by-case basis and successful resolutions are not guaranteed.
OIT is not able to perform the following services on legacy computers:
- Password resets, if a local administrator password is not known. OIT does not hold records for setup configurations, including local administrator passwords, for most legacy computers.
- Legacy operating system reinstallations. At this time, OIT only has the ability to install Windows 10, depending on the computer's age.
- Windows 10 compatibility for specialty software that would need to be reinstalled (E.g. scientific instrumentation software) is not guaranteed.
- It will be the faculty's responsibility to reach out to the software vendor for questions relating to operating system compatibility.
- In-depth troubleshooting of specialty software and hardware. OIT may be able to perform some basic or preliminary troubleshooting (this is not guaranteed), but it is the faculty's responsibility to reach out to the vendor for in-depth support.
- This includes the reinstallation and/or recalibration of instrumentation hardware and software when needed.
Computer hardware support is also limited:
- OIT cannot guarantee that hardware malfunctions will be resolved. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- OIT does not maintain a supply of legacy hardware components. These would be purchased as needed, depending on availability.
- OIT is not responsible for funding the replacement of any legacy computers or hardware components. The faculty department is responsible for funding such purchases.
Support Requests
You may request support for legacy devices by filling out the Lab Hardware or Software Support form in the Service Catalog.