Support Ending for Windows XP and Office 2003

[Barber, Matthew]

As of March 31st computers running Windows XP will no longer be allowed to connect to the Physics/OSU network. This OSU policy is the result of Microsoft ending support for Windows XP as of April 8th, 2014.

PCF is working to identify each Windows XP computer connected to our network. We will work with the responsible parties for each computer to plan for this policy change. If you are responsible for a computer using Windows XP please consider contacting action at mps.ohio-state.edu to develop a strategy for compliance with this new policy, especially if we have failed to contact you.

Some available options to be compliant with this policy are:

Upgrade the operating system from Windows XP to Windows 7 (or another supported operating system).
Permanently remove the computer from the network.
	The computer can be used offline.
	The computer can be replaced with a compliant system.
	The computer can be retired.
File an exception for the computer and place it behind a hardware firewall.
	The hardware firewall will not be purchased by PCF, but can be maintained by our group.
	A long-term plan for replacing the Windows XP machine will need to be created.
Additionally, we are willing to explore other options as required.

Without support from Microsoft, it is only a matter of time before computers running Windows XP become a real liability that ultimately extends to everything connected to our network. With that in mind, the Office of the CIO will be actively searching and monitoring our network for machines that are not compliant with this policy. It is important that we handle each case appropriately to avoid being listed as non-compliant and to keep our network (a shared resource) secure.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Sincerely,
Matt

Matthew C. Barber | IT Systems Manager
College of Arts and Sciences  | Department of Physics
1199 Physics Research Building | 191 West Woodruff Avenue Columbus, OH 43210
614-292-3401 Office | 614-292-4269 Office
barber.107 at osu.edu