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Most computer Operating systems are now changing frequently. A balance needs to be maintained between newer systems, which have the latest features and support newer hardware, vs existing older installations, which may be needed for older software or hardware still in use.

Successful adoption of newer versions is dependent on many factors, including compatibility with existing equipment, drivers for adapters and peripherals, software compatibility, and bug fixes. It can often take several months for these factors to be sorted out so the system is stable and supportable. New operating systems also offer many benefits, including new features, functionality on new systems, faster deployment and updates, and manufacturer support.

Likewise, older operating systems present their own challenges, including lack of manufacturer and software support, security issues, lack of desirable functions, and increasing effort to support them.

Today's Operating Systems

Windows

As of September 2013:

Current: Windows 7

New / Upcoming:

  • Windows 8, released in October 2012 for desktop, laptop, and and tablets systems. It intruduced phone-like touch interface and applications, while retain compatibility with older Windows programs. Windows 8 is growing in use and features.
  • Windows 8.1 current Windows- Released October 18, 2013. Provides improved stability and features. We will begin supporting Windows 8.1 during the coming months, along with Office 2013.

Deprecating: Windows XP is now 11 years old, and all manufacturer support and security patches will end in April 2014.

Obsolete: Windows 3, 95, 98, 2000, NT

Apple

As of October 2013:

Released 10/22/13: OSX 10.9. Unknown, since new.

  • Even though this OS is "free", please touch base with ChemIT before upgrading. Thank you.
  • As the release date, Symantec anti-virus maker does not have a date when they'll have a client ready.

Also current: OSX 10.8 – released in 2012. Very good, stable.

Deprecating: OSX 10.6

Obsolete: OSX 10.5 and older

Linux

Linux versions and updates vary tremendously. ChemIT tries to support one or two primary branches and related tools for new work, and update others when possible.

Current:

  • CENT OS 6.4, 64 bit – this is being used for all new Chemistry cluster and workstation builds, along with current compatible cluster management software.

Upcoming: - New Linux versions may appear frequently.

Deprecating:

  • Fedora - (Current version is 19) Some Chem Clusters currently use Fedora 10, 11, 13, and 14. These versions, and their tools are either incompatible with newer hardware, or the current cluster management tools. These systems may run as is for now with basic support, but should be rebuilt when possible. Time to develop Chemistry support for newer Fedora versions is prohibitive.

Obsolete: IRIX, Solaris, Gentoo, SUSE, RedHat 5.x

Categories Explained

Current

Recent, stable systems.

  • Supports most software used for Chemistry applications and instrumentation.
  • Full Manufacturer, Vendor, and Campus support available.
  • Functional and security patches available.

New / Upcoming

Newer release, may be required for some new hardware.

  • Full manufacturer support
  • Full vendor, campus, and ChemIT support usually takes a few months to develop, as bugs get fixed, software is modified for compatibility, university systems are adapted for operation and installations are developed and tested.

Deprecating

Older, but mostly functional.

  • Manufacture can campus support may be phasing out or ended.
  • ChemIT expertise may be limited.
  • Should be upgraded whenever possible.
  • May have security and functional issues.

Obsolete

  • Manufacturer, vendor, and campus support ended.
  • Might not run on new hardware
  • Use only where required on older equipment.
  • No functional or security patches available
  • Should not be connected to the Internet.
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