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What is this "Winterm" thing that I hear about?
Winterm is the generic name for an inexpensive terminal with its own CPU that runs Windows applications from a central server. Winterms work well for jobs that require a standard set of software and store all of their data on central (network) drives. Examples include student registration, customer service stations, financial aid processing, and accounting processes. Each of these functions uses Banner, so all data are stored in the Banner/Oracle system. All upgrades are applied to the central server.
The main disadvantages of Winterms are the lack of any local drives (no floppy, no hard drive) and the requirement that all software be loaded on a central server (which means the individual user cannot add or update software).
Winterm Users: Upgrade coming to Microsoft Office
The Citrix upgrade (see "Upgrades Coming Soon...") allows us to upgrade Microsoft Office from Office97 to Office2000 for all Winterm users.
The adjustment to Office2000 from Office97 is easy for users. All of the old functions are there, along with new features that you can explore and learn as you wish. All old documents will open in the new version. The first time that you save an "old" document in the new versions, you may see the question "this file was created in an older version...do you want to save it in the new version?" Just answer yes and the file will be converted for you.
The one caveat: Microsoft Access databases. Microsoft changed the underlying database that powers Access. In Office2000 the database is MS SQL. When you open an Access97 database in Access2000 you will be asked if you want to convert. When you say YES, the system will do the conversion, but this is a one way, one time, no turning back process. Access97 users will NOT be able to open an Access2000 database.
Anyone who uses an Access97 database that now resides on Citrix should contact the Helpdesk immediately. We will help you do a trial conversion and verify that the functionality of your database remains intact. The conversion process is excellent, but if your database has complex macros written into it (something you may not be aware of), it is possible that the conversion process will need some manual intervention. Note: We have been contacting known users but we may not be aware of all users in this situation. This is an issue ONLY for users (1) whose machine now has Access 97 on it AND (2) where the actual database resides on the Citrix server farm (you get to it through Citrix). Other users are not affected, regardless of what versions of Access they have. If you are not sure what version of Access you have, open up the program, click on Help, then, About Access and you will see the version.
Access2000 does have a little different look and feel. You would be wise to take a look at the product before the conversion. You can find Access2000 loaded in most of the computer labs and on all newer PCs (those less than 3 years old). All users can utilize the NetG online learning system to see what Access 2000 looks like. See the directions for connecting to NetG on the OIT web page, TRAINING. |
