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GW Upgrades Shipboard Computers

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050812-05
Release Date: 8/12/2005 7:55:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman Latisha Gholston, USS George Washington Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Automated Data Processing (ADP) administrators aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) began upgrading personal computers July 28 from Windows New Technology (NT) to Windows 2000.

The upgrade benefits the entire GW crew. The new system has added capabilities, such as a new Common PC Operating System Environment (COMPOSE), the ability to use USB devices and fewer limitations on the use of certain hardware.

GW Sailors can also benefit from the faster capabilities and larger memory of the new system. Windows 2000 has new security settings, and will enable the crew to use Office EX instead of Office 2000.

ADP administrators now have more control over the system and can provide easier access to the server.

“The upgraded system will look similar to what the crew is used to seeing, except it should work a lot faster and smoother. Sailors will still use Microsoft Outlook to access their e-mail,” said Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Warren Denning, the leading petty officer for the ship's ADP shop.

GW’s personal computers are updated approximately every three years. The process began with ADP storing all data back to the server.

“So far, this evolution has been a great success and we haven’t lost any data,” said Denning.

The next step was to shut down the system for 96 hours. During this down time, ADP upgraded their master system that enables them to refresh the personal computers throughout the ship one at a time.

“The new system is less stressful, more user friendly and should make the crew more productive in the work they do,” said Denning.

ADP is replacing more than 800 central processing units and installing Windows 2000 during this upgrading process.

“We did more than ‘maintenance’ on the computers. We did an actual PC refresh and renewed everything from scratch,” said Ens. Jerome Bernard Jr., GW's ADP division officer.

ADP is also refreshing personal computers and providing outside service to the other facilities GW is using while the ship is in dry dock. These services give the crew access to the server while they’re away from GW.

“This is a major accomplishment for us,” said Bernard. "Customer service is ADP’s first goal. We feel honored and proud to provide the crew with new technology, enhanced stability and more security."

ADP began to upgrade the system at the end of July and is currently more than halfway complete.

“We are working hard and trying our best to successfully complete this upgrading process as soon as possible so the entire GW crew can log on to the new system. We have appreciated the crew’s patience during this evolution,” said Denning.