MD2014 Beta 1 available for testing

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MD2014 Beta 1 is available for testing within the University.
This is the first release on the 2014/15 desktop for testing and we will require testing to have been completed and signed off before we can release the desktop.

This will be particularly important for Corporate Systems and other University-wide software due to the updates that have been included for 2014/15, which include Java 1.7 and IE11.

We have included Java 1.7 as Java 1.6 is now not supported by Oracle and is not receiving any security updates, but contains critical security flaws that are being actively exploited.
In addition to this, there are now teaching applications that require Java 1.7 to be installed.
We know there are some services that still require Java 1.6 as they don’t work with 1.7.

IE11 has been included due to the necessity to update from IE9 due to the issue of Google not supporting IE9 to access Google Apps which is affecting students accessing their gmail, and also because IE10 or IE11 will be required for teaching and learning for 2014/15.

The Beta has been made available in order to allow extensive testing to occur of both Java 1.7 and IE11.
Any issues with applications that require Java 1.6 or IE9 will need raising and possible solutions discussed and implemented.

ITS are aware of how to image a machine with the 2014 Beta 1 image so if you require a physical test workstation re-imaging please contact ITS or myself.
This should only be installed on test workstations as the jobs will wipe the disk completely, and new versions of the Beta will be released periodically until the final release version.
For HBP, we have two Beta 1 machines in the Desktop Test Area that are clearly labelled as Beta 1 test workstations.

There a some MD2014 Beta 1 VDI virtual machines available for testing within vWorkspace. Initially these are for IS&T staff to test.

Anyone wishing to test specific applications that need installing should use a physical test machine and request the software to be installed.

MD2014/15 includes the following updates:

  •  Internet Explorer 11 x64 and x86
  • Java 1.7 Update 51 x86 & x64 JRE – Note no JDK now in master image as only used for teaching and often different version to what we install. Might want JDK 8 for teaching in 2014/15
  • UE-V x64 agent 2.0
  • .NET Framework 4.5.1
  • Windows Powershell 4.0
  • Symantic Enterprise Vault Outlook Add-In 10.0.4
  • Apple QuickTime 7.7.5
  • RealPlayer Enterprise 2.1.11
  • Dell vWorkspace Connector for Windows 8.0 MR1
  • Sassafras Keyserver Client 7.1