Written question asked by Stephen Pound (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 February 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 February 2010. It was answered by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 10 February 2010 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

Computer Software

Question: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what consideration the House of Commons Commission has given to the installation of Windows 7 on computers on the House of Commons part of the Parliamentary estate; and for what reason Windows Vista is being installed on such computers.

Answer: The support service for Windows 2000 expires in June 2010. Windows 7 was launched by Microsoft on 23 October 2009 and is now being tested by PICT. If the tests prove successful and it can be financially justified Windows 7 will be used when new equipment is issued to Members. Given the timescales for the withdrawal of Windows 2000 support and the relatively recent availability of Windows 7 the move to Windows Vista for administrative staff was considered the best option given the circumstances.

Secondary information