Update – Windows XP end of life

Following on from our previous article Windows XP end of life… we have a few updates to share with colleagues.

The first is in relation to Windows 8.1. We have created a new build for Bromford Remote Offices on the latest version of Windows. This is a stripped down version of Windows as most of our PC’s connect straight through Citrix Desktop. This is currently being rolled out by our Mobile Analysts Lindsay, Nat and Nic at 80+ scheme offices.

The biggest change to this is that we are now using Mozilla Firefox to get onto Citrix Desktop. The reason being that Windows 8.1 uses Internet Explorer 11 and the Citrix Receiver client does not work well with Internet Explorer 11. We have therefore made the decision to install Mozilla Firefox on these machines.

We also have a selection of laptops that connect purely to Citrix Desktop which colleagues use for specific business needs. These will have to be rebuilt along with the remote office machines. If you have a non domain laptop and have not heard from us please contact the ICT Helpdesk were we will arrange for the machine to be swapped out for you.

The next update is in relation to Windows 7.  At Bromford in our five main offices (Exchange Court, Venture Court, Stowe Road, Friars Gate & Cirencester) we have Windows XP Machines in Meeting Rooms, Team Rooms and Resource PC’s within teams. After much deliberation we have made the decision to update these machines to Windows 7; rather than Windows 8.1. The main reason for this is that Windows 7 looks and works more like the Citrix Desktop which is what colleagues are used to working with on a daily basis. These machines will still have the same functionality as before but will be updated to Windows 7.

These builds will soon be rolled out by our Mobile Analysts and Helpdesk.

If you have any questions about this please either post a comment below or contact the ICT Helpdesk.