Georgetown University in the US has banned the use of the Windows 7 beta, informing students and faculty it will not support the trial version of Microsoft's latest operating system, according to a report.
The university's information technology group noted it generally does not support any beta version of software, unless otherwise noted, reported InformationWeek.
And in the case of the Windows 7 beta, the Georgetown IT group reiterates Microsoft's warning that the beta could disable security software, as well as cause other hardware, such as printers and video cards, to function incorrectly, according to the report.
The university IT group, however, notes it will support Windows 7, once the final version is released and has been tested. Microsoft expects the final version of Windows 7 to be released at the end of the year or early next year.
Windows 7 beta is expected to be offered through February 10.
Banned implies that the software is not allowed to be used, not supported just means that you can use it, but if you have problems, you're on your own. It's quite common to have unsupported software used by students and staff at universities. They may even be advised not to install the software. That's fine, as long as they don't expect any help with it.
Banned software, on the other hand, is normally uninstalled when discovered.
It would be more surprising if the uni did support beta software or encouraged users to install it.