Supported Operating Systems
Information Technology Services (ITS) will only provide support or grant network access for the versions of Operating Systems that meet the security requirements for a safe and secure computing environment. This document is intended to provide information on what operating systems are acceptable for use at all campuses of Loyola University Chicago.
Loyola Owned Computers
The current Windows operating system that is installed and supported on all Loyola-owned desktops and laptops is Windows 10. Windows 10 is installed and maintained by ITS or by specific departmental IT departments. ITS maintains copies of the Windows Operating System licensed for Loyola University Chicago owned computers only (not personally owned or student computers).
Personally Owned Windows Computers
Students, faculty and staff, are all required to be registered on Loyola wireless networks and wired networks in the residence halls. Loyola provides free wireless access for all devices to all students, faculty, and staff. If your computer is not fully updated, is running an “out of support” operating system, is missing the appropriate anti-virus, or has peer-to-peer file sharing programs installed, you will not be allowed onto our network. Supported operating systems include:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 8
Unsupported Operating Systems
- Windows XP - Out of support as of April 8, 2014
- Windows Vista - Out of support as of April 11, 2017
Windows 7 - Out of support as of January 14, 2020
As of the dates listed above, Microsoft no longer provides security updates or technical support for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malware and help keep users and their data safer. PCs running Windows 7 after the end of support should not be considered to be protected, and it is important that you migrate to a current supported operating system – such as Windows 10 – so you can receive regular security updates to protect your computer from malicious attacks.
If you have equipment that requires an unsupported Windows operating system to function, such as scientific instrumentation or scanners that do not function on Windows 10 or higher, please contact the ITS Helpdesk. We will work with you to discuss upgrade options or make accommodations for your XP computer that will provide an additional level of security and keep the computer safe.
Macintosh OS X
Information Technology Services (ITS) does not currently provide full support for Macintosh computers regardless if purchased individually or with university funding. Macintosh computers running OS X versions 10.8.x through 10.15.x will be allowed onto the network if the latest updates are applied.
Loyola does not maintain a licensing agreement with Apple. As a result, ITS does not distribute the Macintosh OS to Loyola users. Users who want to install OS X on their computers must purchase both media and license from the App Store.
- Operating Systems other than Macintosh OS (for example, Windows via Parallels or Boot Camp) running on Apple computer hardware are unsupported.
- Any Macintosh OS running on hardware other Apple computer hardware is unsupported.
Tablets, PDAs and Smartphones
In order to provide the most modern experience and to support the additional security with Multi Factor Authentication enabled applications, Loyola recommends the minimum versions for supported mobile software and devices. Older devices and third-party technology providers do not support or guarantee modern security and full functionality. ITS will provide support for these resources on a best-effort basis.
- iOS 11 and above
- Android 8.0 (Oreo) and above
Linux Operating Systems
- Loyola will provide best efforts to permit access for Linux operating systems and cannot guarantee access.
- Most standard distributions will work.
History:
- September 16, 2014: Initial Policy
- June 22, 2015: Annual review for PCI Compliance
- June 22, 2016: Updated operating system version, Annual review for PCI Compliance
- June 22, 2017: Annual review for PCI Compliance
- Sep 7, 2018: Annual review for PCI Compliance
- Sep 30, 2019: Annual review for PCI Compliance
- Dec 5, 2019: Made changes to supported operating systems
- Feb 28, 2020: Removed reference to OS Agent and updated supported operating systems
Information Technology Services (ITS) will only provide support or grant network access for the versions of Operating Systems that meet the security requirements for a safe and secure computing environment. This document is intended to provide information on what operating systems are acceptable for use at all campuses of Loyola University Chicago.
Loyola Owned Computers
The current Windows operating system that is installed and supported on all Loyola-owned desktops and laptops is Windows 10. Windows 10 is installed and maintained by ITS or by specific departmental IT departments. ITS maintains copies of the Windows Operating System licensed for Loyola University Chicago owned computers only (not personally owned or student computers).
Personally Owned Windows Computers
Students, faculty and staff, are all required to be registered on Loyola wireless networks and wired networks in the residence halls. Loyola provides free wireless access for all devices to all students, faculty, and staff. If your computer is not fully updated, is running an “out of support” operating system, is missing the appropriate anti-virus, or has peer-to-peer file sharing programs installed, you will not be allowed onto our network. Supported operating systems include:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 8
Unsupported Operating Systems
- Windows XP - Out of support as of April 8, 2014
- Windows Vista - Out of support as of April 11, 2017
Windows 7 - Out of support as of January 14, 2020
As of the dates listed above, Microsoft no longer provides security updates or technical support for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malware and help keep users and their data safer. PCs running Windows 7 after the end of support should not be considered to be protected, and it is important that you migrate to a current supported operating system – such as Windows 10 – so you can receive regular security updates to protect your computer from malicious attacks.
If you have equipment that requires an unsupported Windows operating system to function, such as scientific instrumentation or scanners that do not function on Windows 10 or higher, please contact the ITS Helpdesk. We will work with you to discuss upgrade options or make accommodations for your XP computer that will provide an additional level of security and keep the computer safe.
Macintosh OS X
Information Technology Services (ITS) does not currently provide full support for Macintosh computers regardless if purchased individually or with university funding. Macintosh computers running OS X versions 10.8.x through 10.15.x will be allowed onto the network if the latest updates are applied.
Loyola does not maintain a licensing agreement with Apple. As a result, ITS does not distribute the Macintosh OS to Loyola users. Users who want to install OS X on their computers must purchase both media and license from the App Store.
- Operating Systems other than Macintosh OS (for example, Windows via Parallels or Boot Camp) running on Apple computer hardware are unsupported.
- Any Macintosh OS running on hardware other Apple computer hardware is unsupported.
Tablets, PDAs and Smartphones
In order to provide the most modern experience and to support the additional security with Multi Factor Authentication enabled applications, Loyola recommends the minimum versions for supported mobile software and devices. Older devices and third-party technology providers do not support or guarantee modern security and full functionality. ITS will provide support for these resources on a best-effort basis.
- iOS 11 and above
- Android 8.0 (Oreo) and above
Linux Operating Systems
- Loyola will provide best efforts to permit access for Linux operating systems and cannot guarantee access.
- Most standard distributions will work.
History:
- September 16, 2014: Initial Policy
- June 22, 2015: Annual review for PCI Compliance
- June 22, 2016: Updated operating system version, Annual review for PCI Compliance
- June 22, 2017: Annual review for PCI Compliance
- Sep 7, 2018: Annual review for PCI Compliance
- Sep 30, 2019: Annual review for PCI Compliance
- Dec 5, 2019: Made changes to supported operating systems
- Feb 28, 2020: Removed reference to OS Agent and updated supported operating systems