ThinkVantage Software Under Windows Vista

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This is a guide for University-centric installation and configuration of Lenovo's ThinkVantage software on a modern Lenovo ThinkPad running University-supported 32-bit versions of Windows Vista.

Contents 1 Background 2 Continuous Use Utilities 2.1 Access Connections 2.2 Access Help 2.3 Active Protection System 2.4 Client Security Solution 2.5 EasyEject Utility 2.6 Fingerprint Software 2.7 Power Manager 2.8 Productivity Center 2.9 Rescue and Recovery 2.10 System Update 3 Limited Use Utilities 3.1 Keyboard Customizer Utility 3.2 Maintenance Manager 3.3 Message Center 3.4 Presentation Center 4 Single-Use Utilities 4.1 Create Recovery Media 4.2 Secure Data Disposal 4.3 System Migration Assistant

Background

In general, the latest versions of Lenovo's ThinkVantage software are compatible with Windows Vista. However, compatibility does not equal 'savvyness', and not all ThinkVantage software is a good match for Microsoft's newest operating system. This document details the different ThinkVantage software and discusses which are useful with Windows Vista and why.

Continuous Use Utilities

These are utilities that are in fairly constant use on a ThinkPad.

Access Connections

Not Suggested For Most Users. Information Systems & Computing (ISC) suggests that Access Connections not be used with Windows Vista-based ThinkPads. At this point, we do not believe that Access Connections, which attempts to provide useful automation to Internet connectivity and related services, works well with Windows Vista in the University environment. One exception to advice this is for users of WWAN connectivity such Verizon's EVDO - they will often find Access Connections does a better job of managing this connectivity than the card-specific middleware does.

Access Help

Suggested. ISC suggests that Access Help, which is a hardware-specific help reference, be used with Windows Vista-based ThinkPads.

Active Protection System

Strongly Suggested. ISC strongly suggests that the Active Protection System, which protects the internal hard drive from the effects of sudden drops, be used with Windows Vista.

Client Security Solution

Not Suggested For Most Users. ISC suggests that the Client Security Solution not be used with Windows Vista, unless there is a defined and specific need for the security features it provides. There have also been some serious functionality problems reported with the Client Security Solution at the University, which ISC continues to investigate.

EasyEject Utility

Suggested. ISC suggests that the EasyEject Utility, which enables and configures ejection of various hardware devices such docks, slices, optical drives, and network cards, be used with Windows Vista-based ThinkPads, especially single-spindle X-series ThinkPads that are being used with a slice.

Fingerprint Software

Suggested For Some Users. ISC suggests that the Fingerprint Software, which enables the integrated fingerprint reader on some ThinkPads, be used with Windows Vista when such a fingerprint reader exists.

Power Manager

Suggested. ISC suggests that the Power Manager, which enables far more precise control and monitoring of a ThinkPad's batteries than Windows Vista itself, be used with Windows Vista-based ThinkPads. ISC's testing also suggests that the Power Manager significantly enhances battery life over Winodws Vista's generic controls.

Productivity Center

Optional. ISC suggests that the Productivity Center, which integrates access to most ThinkVantage software, be used by Windows Vista users who find this integration useful.

Rescue and Recovery

Suggested For Most Users. ISC suggests that Rescue and Recovery, Lenovo's integrated back-up software, be used with Windows Vista unless another back-up solution is preferred, in place, and in use.

System Update

Strongly Suggested. ISC suggests that System Update (an integrated updating utility sometimes called TVSU) be used with Windows Vista. System Update has especially high utility for Windows Vista at this point because ThinkVantage software is often being revised to increase functionality or compatibility.

Limited Use Utilities

These are utilities that are generally used for system configuration or reminders.

Keyboard Customizer Utility

Optional. ISC suggests that the Keyboard Customizer Utility, which allows easy customization of keyboard commands, be used by users of Windows Vista who desire this capability.

Maintenance Manager

Optional. ISC suggests that the Maintenance Manager, which allows somewhat integrated access to various Windows maintenance utilities and scheduling of their use, be used by users of Windows Vista who desire this capability.

Message Center

Optional. ISC suggests that the Message Center, which displays various messages from Lenovo, be used by users of Windows Vista who desire this capability.

Presentation Center

Optional. ISC suggests that the Presentation Center, which stores multiple settings relevant to doing a successful PowerPoint presentation, be used by users of Windows Vista who frequently present from their ThinkPads. Other users will find the Presentation Center to be of limited use.

Single-Use Utilities

These are utilities that are rarely used, but are part of the ThinkVantage software suite.

Create Recovery Media

This utility, which helps create a full CD-RW based back-up, is suggested for use with Windows Vista.

Secure Data Disposal

This utility, which helps ensure that any critical data is permanently removed from a PC before it is disposed, is operating system-independent.

System Migration Assistant

This utility, which assists users in moving from any previous Windows-based system to a new Lenovo-based system, is suggested for use with Windows Vista, but can removed once the migration is complete.