Office 2007 Deployment Project

As announced in May 2008, Computer Services is in the process of deploying Microsoft Office 2007 across the UW Tacoma Campus. Please read the FAQs below to learn about how the upgrade from Office 2003 to Office 2007 affects you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What software titles are included in Office 2007?

UW Tacoma is installing Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, Access, Publisher, InfoPath, and Picture Manager.

When will you upgrade my office computer?

Existing employee computers will be upgraded from Office 2003 to Office 2007 only upon request from the user. If you wish to be considered for conversion, please complete the Office 2007 Request form. A Computer Services staff member will then contact you to inspect your computer and schedule the upgrade.

What if I plan to buy a new computer or if my existing computer will be rebuilt soon?

All newly purchased or rebuilt computers will automatically be delivered with Office 2007 installed. Exceptions are made only if software incompatibilities arise.

Do I need to know how to use Office 2007 when I teach a class?

Yes. The upgrade from Office 2003 to Office 2007 is nearly complete in all shared spaces such as classrooms, labs, and meeting rooms. Please be prepared for this change if you intend to use Office applications while teaching a course or facilitating a meeting. Free online training sessions are available so that you can easily get up to speed on Office 2007.

I heard Office 2007 is a lot different than previous versions. How do I get training?

Yes, Office 2007 has a different look and feel to it. To minimize the impact, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the tools before they are installed on your computer. Microsoft offers an array of free Office 2007 courses online. From quick tutorials to get you "up to speed" on Word or Excel, to more detailed topics for advanced users, these are a great way to learn new skills. Most courses are 30-60 minutes in length. Investing some time now can result in significant gains in your ongoing productivity. For more info, see: Technology Training Resources

 

What if my existing software isn't compatible with Office 2007?

Some older software and systems may not work well with Office 2007. If you have the following programs, your upgrade may need to be postponed:

• Endnotes (prior to version X): must be upgraded
• Adobe Acrobat Pro version 7 and earlier: must be upgraded
• Adobe Acrobat Pro version 8: requires a free patch
• The UWT Student Information System (SIS): not yet compatible, so all SIS users are being asked to wait; more information will be sent via the uwtsis Mailman list

We will work with you to resolve these and other software compatibility issues as they arise.

I use a Mac. Will I be able to upgrade?

Macintosh users will be eventually upgrading to Office 2008. More details will follow after we complete research and testing.