Conference 7.286::digital

Rec'd the following recently from GPS, make sure your office PC meets min 
system requirements...

From:	ZEKE::CAMILLERI "Mark A. Camilleri 381-1907  01-Sep-1995 1008"     
1-SEP-1995 11:22
To:	@ZKO_ALL
CC:	CAMILLERI
Subj:	Microsoft Windows 95 - GPS Advisory #2



			***  DIGITAL INTERNAL USE ONLY  ***


TO:          	All Global Processing Services Customers

SUBJECT:     	GPS Service Advisory - Windows 95 Features, 
		System Requirements and Training 

EFFECTIVE:   	September 4,1995

RELEVANT     
SITES:  	All U.S., Canadian and Latin America sites served by
		Global Processing Services

ADVISORY:    	This advisory is the second in the Windows 95 series
		of announcements. This advisory is intended to provide
	        information on Windows 95 features, system requirements, 
                training and additional technical information
		that may prove useful as reference.
	        
		Windows 95 has been designed to increase productivity
		and ease of use. 

		New Features Include:
		-  New User Interface 
		-  Plug and Play - recognizes new hardware devices as
		   they are installed on your PC
		-  Long filenames - up to 255 characters when using
		   32-bit applications
		-  Preemptive multitasking - allows multiple applications
		   to run simultaneously with little impact to system
		   performance
		-  Improved performance
		-  Easier network configuration
		-  Compatibility with most existing MS-DOS based 
		   and Windows based applications. Some applications 
		   will not work, please refer to ALKAID::DISK$LIB:
		   [DESKTOP.WIN95]Risks.txt for hardware and software 
		   compatibility restrictions.
		
		Minimum Requirements:

		-  GPS will support Windows 95 customers that meet
		   the following minimum requirements:

		-  Storage Requirements for Windows 95 only:
		   (Does not include applications)
			
				   Minimum   Typical	Maximum
				   Install   Install	Install	

		New Install	   30  MB     35MB       65MB
		Over Windows       23.5MB     27MB       48MB	
		Over Windows
		 for Workgroups    18.5MB     22MB       43MB

		-  GPS requires minimum of 33 mhz 386DX Processor
		-  GPS requires minimum of 8mb of memory

		GPS Service and Support Structure for Windows 95:

		-  Customers requesting on-site software installation 
		   will be billed at the PC Installation Service 
		   cost indicated on the list of GPS FY'96 Services
		   Prices located in VTX GPS.

		Training:
    
               	-  VTX LEARNING has full details regarding Windows
		   95 classes.
		   - Windows 95 System Administration (OSCSA-04)
                   - Migrating Your Computing Environment to 
                     Windows 95 (EY-110E-E0)
                   - Supporting Microsoft Windows 95 (EY-S411E-L0)
                   - Windows 95 Differences for End Users (EY-T121E)
                   - Windows 95 Differences for New Windows Users 
                     (EY-T124E)
                   - Install & Config Microsoft Windows 95 (EY-T134E)

	        - CompUSA (1-800-Train-80) has full details regarding
                  their daytime, evening, weekend classes:
                  - Making the Transition to Windows 95
                  - Upgrading to Windows 95
                  - Introduction to PC w/ Windows 95

		Additional Reference Material: 

	   	If users would like access to additional technical
		information for reference purposes, the following
		resources are available:

		-  Windows 95 Note Conference - RANGER::WINDOWS95
		-  Pathworks for Windows 95 - RANGER::PW95IFT
		-  GPS Americas Desktop File Service - ALKAID::DISK$LIB:
		   [DESKTOP.WIN95]ADD_REF.TXT
	    
IMPACT:		There are certain risks that you must consider before
		migrating to Windows 95.  Those risks involve Windows
		95 interaction with TeamLinks, KEAterm, PATHWORKS
		and other areas which could have severe impact
		on your desktop productivity.  Users who have
		dependencies on interactions with TeamLinks,
		KEAterm and PATHWORKS should review the details
		of the risks associated with the upgrade, evaluate
		whether the risks will impact productivity and base
		the decision and timing on the results of the analysis.

		The details can be obtained over the network by
		copying:
		ALKAID::DISK$LIB:[DESKTOP.WIN95]RISKS.TXT

    This topic is also covered in note 4070 and specifically in   4070.26.

    Hello,
    
    I am going to add my two cents in.  Installing a new operating system
    on a PC which is stand-alone is easy.  Installing a new operating
    system into the office/network problem creates many complex issues
    which take time to solve and is difficult.
    
    Installing Windows 95 is the easy part.  Getting it to work 
    with an existing infrastructure in a uniform manner is not.  
    
    Larry

    
    Yes, I have 488/66 which meets all the requirement.  You don't seem
    to understand, IM&T has refused ny request for a Win 95 upgrade,
    perioed.
    
    regards,
    
    bob
    

    Please refer to 4070.26 which talks about internally purchasing
    Windows95.  Even if you bought a copy of Windows95 for home,
    it is illegal to install it on more than one PC or install
    personally owned software on Digital assets.
    
    Larry

    Another way of looking at it: you like it; you want it, but do you
    *need* it to do the work you're doing on your PC? If you're involved
    in W95 training you can make a really good case that it's a
    requirements. If you use your PC for Office-style applications, you
    might have a hard time proving that you'll save the company money by
    installing it *now* rather than later. (Besides, why go with W95
    when NT is **much** better?)

    Illegal to install personally owned software on Digital assets ?
    Where's that documented ? I have a legitimate copy, bought by me, of
    Microsoft Autoroute, on my Digital-owned laptop. It tells me where to
    drive to get from A to B, quickest/fastest/cheapest. It's not much good
    to me if it's on my PC at home...

I have installed the latest and greatest software for people in the past without any training after 
explaining to the person that it would be a learning curve for me to support it.  The first time they had a 
problem that I did not get fixed fast enough for them, because I had no training/knowledge of the 
product, they escalated to my management. 

I can understand why the person would not want to do the install without training.  I know anumber of
people doing PC support for GPS that have not even seen Windows 95 yet, never mind had any 
training in it or even a chance to test the install.

Dave V

>>    Please refer to 4070.26 which talks about internally purchasing
>>    Windows95.  Even if you bought a copy of Windows95 for home,
>>    it is illegal to install it on more than one PC or install
>>    personally owned software on Digital assets.

	this is simply untrue...virtually all PC licenses state that
	you may not use the software on more than one computer
	*at the same time*...this provides for the ability to install
	said software on your home system, your work system, your notebook,
	and any other systems you may have since it is generally impossible
	to use more than one system "at the same time"...

	that being said, the problems with having CNS/IM&T/whatever
	*officially* install/support Windows95 have been discussed elsewhere...
	if you are willing to learn a little about how said software
	really works, it is definately possible to install both
	Windows95 and PATHWORKS95 and get them to work with the existing
	infostructure...

	_kelley

<<< Note 4139.8 by AKOFAT::pkodv1.mso.dec.com::vaughan "All it takes is a point of light" >>>
                           -< I can understand why >-

I have installed the latest and greatest software for people in the past
without any training after  explaining to the person that it would be a
learning curve for me to support it.  The first time they had a  problem that
I did not get fixed fast enough for them, because I had no training/knowledge
of the  product, they escalated to my management. 

I can understand why the person would not want to do the install without
training.  I know anumber of people doing PC support for GPS that have not
even seen Windows 95 yet, never mind had any  training in it or even a chance
to test the install.

Dave V

    Operating System software is licensed per PC while Application software 
    is licensed per User.  Windows95 License states the software can
    be installed on only 1 PC.
    
    As for installing personally bought PC software at work.  Please
    see refer to page 4.1 in the Corporate PC Security guide CP211-04.
    You can obtain this guide by typing VTX SECURITY, pick option 6, then
    option #1 and #4 (211.04) Personal Computers
    
    Larry
    

    Gartner Group has released a series of reports about upgrading to
    Windows95 in a corporation. Their insights and strong advice:
    
    - the real upgrade costs runs around $1500
    - wait till the first dot release is available (termed I believe
      somewhat greasily as the "Tune Up Pack" by Microsoft)
    - IMT's should have a definite plan and timetable and should 
      communicate and motivitate it
    - if they don't they will be sorry as users's will attempt guerilla
      tactics to have it installed thereby forcing IMT's hand into a 
      difficult situation
    
    re roelof

    Gosh Bob, if you believe you need an exception, follow it up!
    
    A friend of mine works at New England Electric, they are not planning
    upgrades for at least a year.
    
    Mark

>>    Operating System software is licensed per PC while Application software 
>>    is licensed per User.  Windows95 License states the software can
>>    be installed on only 1 PC.
    
	hmmmm...although methinks that's somewhat of a generalization,
	I'll grant you, after reading the fine print of some more 
	of these PC licenses including MS OS stuff, that the single
	physical PC restriction does come up sometimes...some would argue
	that virtually all of these "break-the-seal" licenses are somewhat
	legally indefensible but I agree that encouraging that ideal
	could be somewhat career limitting ;-) I therefore offically
	back down............

	_kelley

I have heard that the contracts department in Hell is using the PC license
agreements as their new model for the "immortal soul" agreement.

--Scott

Subj:	I: Latest on Windows 95


Microsoft Windows 95 Stuns World 
     
Redmond, Wash (AP) - Fans and detractors of the long-awaited Microsoft  
Windows 95 have been stunned and amazed by the incredible events surrounding
the August 24 release. Windows 95 has been hailed by industry giant Pierson
Holcombe Pewter as "the most advanced operating system ever produced."  But
even he could not have predicted yesterday's events. 
     
It began when peace was declared in Bosnia.  Said Ahmad G'Hui, spokesperson
for the Serbs, "Now that [Windows 95] has been released, we just don't see
any reason to fight each other.  This is an amazing product." 
     
Then France announced its intention to stop all testing of nuclear weapons.
"We used to think that our national boundaries were of utmost import.  To
safeguard them, it was necessary to continue testing [nuclear weapons]," said
Jacques Fenetre of the French government.  "The Microsoft Network (tm) has
changed all of that.  It's such a small planet!" 
     
On the other side of the "small planet", George Bush and Saddam Hussein  met
face-to-face for the first time.  After a tense greeting, they started
sharing notes about their experiences as Windows 95 beta-testers.  Soon the
two lifelong enemies were laughing and chatting like old friends.  In a
startling display of candor, Hussein said "If I hadn't been so frustrated
with the beta, I'd have backed off from Kuwait much sooner."  Bush laughed and
commiserated with Hussein, saying "Well, Saddam, I  *told* you it'd be released
eventually, all you had to do was wait.   Hey!  Let's play some FreeCell!" 
     
Oil prices dropped as OPEC transferred their accounting software to the  
new platform.  Loggers in the United States' Pacific Northwest turned  
their axes in for spades after seeing a Microsoft Video of spotted owls  
using Windows 95.  In an economic shocker, the Peso reversed its  
downward spiral due to huge Windows 95 sales in Acapulco and Mexico City. 
     
On the health front, Hildegard Wicca, a housewife in Boston, MA,   reports  
that Windows 95 has removed her facial warts.  "I sat down in front of   the
computer, pressed 'Start', and felt something odd on my face.  When I looked
in a mirror, my warts were gone!"  Even more amazing is the story of Mark
Cense, the Los Alamos man who was reported last week as having an incurable,
fatal form of cancer.  His doctors were amazed yesterday when, after simply
buying Windows 95 at the local Computer Universe store, his cancer went into
remission. 
     
When asked for a comment on these almost miraculous events, Microsoft's Bill
Gates, recently declared to be the richest man in the United States,  
replied "If you think *this* is good, just wait until you see Windows 97!" 
     
Reports that China's release of dissident Harry Wu was contingent on his  
returning with "as many copies of Windows 95 as he can carry" are unconfirmed
at this time. 
     

    
    
     You folks are missing the point.  I'm at PKO and can't get Win 95
     installed.  If you're at OGO (Stow) you "can get it installed". I have
     a confirmation e-mail that says OGO people are being upgraded, and
     yes, their PC is on the network.  ???????
    
     Anyone got reasonable explanation to this ???  Wrong DEC location.
    
     PLEASE.
    
     Regards,
    
     Bob
                                        

    Bob,
    
    What are we missing?  You need help and cannot get it.  Escalate,
    escalate, escalate!  If your request is critical to your job and/or
    company goals, then someone up the chain should help you.  That does
    not mean you won't have to write justifications, get backing from your
    boss, etc.
    
    Mark

    Bob,
    
    Just move your office to Stow! It's not that far from PKO.
    

    I work as an instructor at PKO.  On Monday, Sept 25 I am conducting a 5
    day Supporting Windows95 class.  It is the Microsoft course (540) and
    is Digital p/n EY-S411E. 
    
    We have empty seats.  Lots of them.
    
    On Monday, Oct. 2, I am conducting the same course... also at PKO3.
    
    Call DTN 264-7000 or (603)884-7000 to enroll.
    
    There will be other offerings of this, as well as other WIN95 courses.
    
    Other Windows 95 courses currently being offered are:
    
    
    EY-T124E  WIN95 New Users/ Environment	1 day seminar
    EY-T134E  Installing and Configuring WIN95  2 day L/L  (MS course 544)
    EY-T214E  WIN95 Differences			1/2 day seminar
    
    
    Tony
    

    The MS Win95 license says
    
    1. Grant of license. This EULA (End User License Agreement) grants you
    the following rights:
    
    . Systems Software. You may install and use one copy of the SOFTWARE
    PRODUCT on a single computer.
    
    [there's loads more, but I think thats self-explanatory]
    
    Alan
    

    Regarding the original question, the author never has answered the
    question if he had a Digital owned license of Windows95.  If you do
    then GPS will help install the software.   Otherwise you will have to
    wait until you can procure a Windows 95 license.
    
    Larry

    Methinks GPS is being just a touch disingenuous here. "We'll support
    Windows 95 if you you have a Digital license', but nobody can purchase one.
    At the same Windows NT which can be purchased internally is NOT
    supported. Does this mean that when every Tom, Dick and Henrietta can
    purchase Windows 95 that support will no longer be offered?  
    
    Please forgive the cynicism, but this comes from an extremely
    frustrated user who has GPS reply to requests for assistance that NT is
    not supported. This was before determining that the problem wasn't on the 
    server. 
    
    Here, and in other notes and conferences, I have seen recommendations for 
    skipping 95 altogether and going directly to NT. Let's see do I pick the 
    operating system I can't buy, or the one that won't be supported,
    Hmmm...? I know, I'll stick with the one that doesn't perform well enough 
    for me to work productively.
    
    Jay

    Hmmm...
    
    Seems to me that if one can't install and make work a simple operating 
    system on a PERSONAL computer, then one should stick with what they
    know...Win 3.1%
    
    I personally would just be happy with a copy of the software, I can
    figure out how to install the bloody thing...

    A calendar should be consulted before courses that would otherwise be
    popular are scheduled: those Windows NT courses, which are right here
    in the building I work in and would have been interested, were
    scheduled across both days of Rosh Hashanah and then again over Yom
    Kippur.  Oh well...
    
    /Charlotte

    re: .26
    
    /Charlotte,
    You describe an ongoing problem... one which affects us all from time
    to time.  Last time it got me personally, I had to fly from Boston to
    Phoenix on Easter Sunday to conduct a one-day seminar on Monday.
    
    I'm sorry for us all.  But, then, we can't say nowdays, that Digital,
    is exactly a "people" company anymore.
    
    
    tony

    Being in GPS, but not the Helpdesk, have your call escalated.  With any
    installation, you must provide the software (even if that is just
    buying it from QPC).  Someone in the group should know how to do the
    install even if that individual didn't.
    
    On NT, not long ago their was no demand for NT support.  In these times
    of always trying (forced) to cut cost, only those service being paid
    for get support.  This creates the cycle of I have no customers so I
    won't invest in supporting it and I won't take any customers until I can
    support it.
    
    I suspect with the recent increase in NT interest the support issues
    will be resolved.  Probably NT Workstation only at first and then the
    Server version.

RE: .18

	The folks in Stow that are getting upgraded may be part of MCS.
	MCS has a very agressive plan to move to Windows95 (and Microsoft 
	Exchange).

							mike

    re .29 That's an interesting statement, especially since MCS has VERY
    few systems actually capable of running Windows95. Those 320p laptops
    that all the MCS field engineers carry around (with their impressive 80
    meg hard drives!) aren't going to run Windows95... :-(
    
    Harry
    

    what, Harry?  You noticed?
    
    :^)

    re: .30
    
    Harry,
    
    Mike in .29 is correct.  The MCS CIO has decreed that the MCS desktop
    will be WIN95, MS Exchange, Office 95, and as little custom code as
    possible.  Our group is working to make that a reality with the
    DECgenisys replacement.
    
    I'm not quite sure where he stands on WWW, but it is a part of our
    DECgenisys replacement.
    
    Bob

RE: .30

	Who's to say they won't scrap the 320p's in favour of Ultra's over
	time?

							mike

    They'll have to scrap the 320p's in favor of _something_. Windows95
    just isn't an acceptable solution on a 320p. :-( I'd be very surprised
    if the folks pushing the Windows95 mandate have considered the cost of
    equipping every MCS field engineer with an Ultra. Even at IEG prices,
    we're talking some serious bucks. True, they're really needed, but
    where will the money come from? 
    
    Our MCS field engineers are using 320p's (20 Mhz 386sx) with mono
    displays (forget trying to use any serious software on those, the mouse
    disappears while it's moving!), 80 meg hard drives (and doublespace
    really slows those things to a crawl!) and a 2400 baud internal modem
    (there are no upgrade modems available. I've tried to buy one!) The
    320ps were already behind the curve when issued, they're way behind
    now...
    
    Harry
    

I've seen a couple of notes in the WINDOWS95 notesfile saying that people
have managed to get Windows 95 running on a 320P....

				Steve

    That's cool...
    	... and anything else?
    		:-)
    

    From what I've seen of my local MCS folks, those that have 320P's are
    the lucky ones (or maybe not su lucky ;^) ).  My local folks are still
    terminal-based individuals with a shared desktop PC in the office.

> That's cool...
> 	... and anything else?
> 		:-)
    
  Not before the battery is exhausted. :-)

                                   Atlant

    >I've seen a couple of notes in the WINDOWS95 notesfile saying that
    >people have managed to get Windows 95 running on a 320P....
    
    Does the battery last long enough to get through the boot process? Just
    installing Windows for Workgroups and DoubleSpacing the hard drive on
    the one that I had brought performance to a crawl. I can't imagine how
    long it must take to get Windows95 up and ready to run a program on a
    320p. I'd get tired of looking at the welcome screen.
    
    Harry
    

    re last couple
    
    boot time for 320p with windows95 and drivespace 3
    
    I just did an unscientific test and it took approx 2 min. 15 sec. to boot
    to the start menu with windows95.  its slow but usable.
    btw. with drivespace i get approx 131 meg of usable space. this is
    without using ultrapacked files.  i kind of feel that would be too much
    of a performance hit on the thing.
    
    \cheers
    \bob
    
    ps i just loaded it for grins, to see if i could do it, my real laptop is
    a 486.

    I put Linux on a 320p and it works quite nicely. 

	... of Linux? I have a spare 120MB hard disk for my 325sl and would LOVE to put a basic UNIX
on it for home learning. Not every source file, mind you, just the binaries.

    It's available on winnah::
    (Check nlfdc::linux-users for more info)