Support Policies for Windows Operating Systems
INSRV-Imaged Windows XP Support Policy
INSRV Support Policy
Fully supported by INSRV. All hardware and software queries (provided not caused by additions or alterations to the standard image) will be fully supported by INSRV.
Microsoft Support Policy
- Mainstream Support retired 31-Dec-2006
- Extended Support retired 31-Dec-2011
(Microsoft support dates may be subject to change. Correct at time of publication.)
Virus software availability
For detailed information, please refer to the security and virus protection web pages.
Security vulnerability rating
Comprehensive. Operating system and application security patches fully tested and automatically deployed to all INSRV XP imaged systems daily. Virus Software fully supported and updated hourly, regular security audits undertaken, unnecessary services disabled and application compatibility testing undertaken prior to release.
Protection of the Cardiff University network
Compromised systems fully investigated by INSRV. Disconnection from the network likely only in the most extreme cases where disruption to other network users is unacceptable.
INSRV advice
XP imaged systems offer the greatest stability, security and protection for the Cardiff University network users. The burden of software provision, virus protection, security updates and technical support is all provided by INSRV.
Custom-Built Windows XP Support Policy
INSRV Support Policy
Not Supported. Custom built Windows XP queries received by INSRV referred back to school for resolution.
Microsoft Support Policy
- Mainstream Support retired 31-Dec-2006
- Extended Support retired 31-Dec-2011
(Microsoft support dates may be subject to change. Correct at time of publication.)
Virus software availability
For detailed information, please refer to the security and virus protection web pages.
Security vulnerability rating
Adequate. Provided Custom built Windows XP systems have been configured for automatic Windows Updates and automatic virus updates, systems should remain adequately protected from virus and hacker attack.
Protection of the Cardiff University network
To protect the Cardiff University network and its users, unsupported Windows XP systems suspected of being compromised will be disconnected from the network without warning. Schools are responsible for the provision of security for these systems, and will be accountable if compromised systems impact on other network users.
INSRV advice
Upgrade to an INSRV XP image.
The role of virus protection, software provision, security updates, technical support and software updates, all normally resolved by INSRV, fall to School staff where custom built Windows XP systems are used.
Compromised systems will be disconnected from the network without warning, and school staff expected to resolve resulting issues.
Windows 2000 Professional Support Policy
INSRV Support Policy
Windows 2000 is not supported. Queries received by INSRV are referred back to school for resolution.
Microsoft Support Policy
- Mainstream Support retired 30-Jun-2005
- Extended Support retired 30-Jun-2010
(Microsoft support dates may be subject to change. Correct at time of publication.)
Virus software availability
For detailed information, please refer to the security and virus protection web pages.
Security vulnerability protection
Adequate. Provided Custom built Windows 2000 systems have been configured for automatic Windows Updates and automatic virus updates, systems should remain adequately protected from virus and hacker attack.
Protection of the Cardiff University network
To protect the Cardiff University network and its users, unsupported Windows 2000 systems suspected of being compromised will be disconnected from the network without warning.
Schools are responsible for the provision of security for these systems, and will be accountable if compromised systems impact on other network users.
INSRV advice
Upgrade to an INSRV XP image.
Whilst these systems remain adequately protected by the continued provision of critical security updates through to June 2010, the role of virus protection, software provision, security updates, technical support and software updates, all normally the responsibility of INSRV, fall to School staff where custom-built Windows 2000 systems continue to be used.
Compromised systems will be disconnected from the network without warning, and School staff expected to resolve resulting issues.
Windows 95/98/ME/NT4 Support Policy
INSRV Support Policy
Not supported - Windows 95/98/ME/NT4 queries received by INSRV will be referred back to School for resolution.
Microsoft Support Policy
- Windows 95 - Final (Extended) support withdrawn by Microsoft 31-Dec-2001
- Windows 98 - Final (Extended) support withdrawn by Microsoft 11-Jul-2006
- Windows ME - Final (Extended) support withdrawn by Microsoft 11-Jul-2006
- Windows NT4 - Final (Extended) support withdrawn by Microsoft 30-Jun-2004
Virus software availability
For detailed information, please refer to the security and virus protection web pages.
Security vulnerability rating
Extremely vulnerable to virus and / or hacker attack leaving system inoperable or resulting in the total loss of all data. Virus software is ineffective at preventing infection from viruses exploiting operating system vulnerabilities. Re-infection can only be prevented by Microsoft Security Hotfixes, which are no longer available for Windows 95, 98, ME or NT4 after the dates above.
Protection of the Cardiff University network
To protect the Cardiff University network, Windows 95/98/ME/NT4 systems suspected of being compromised will be disconnected from the network without warning.
Schools are responsible for the provision of security for these systems, and will be accountable if compromised systems impact on other network users.
INSRV advice
Replace Windows 95/98/ME/NT4 systems with an INSRV XP image system as a matter of some urgency.
Windows 95/98/ME/NT4 systems may be rendered totally inoperable by a virus attack and will be disconnected from the network without warning.