Operating system (OS) support

We aim to ensure the security and integrity of the Departmental network and wider CUDN by encouraging the installation and use of modern operating systems which are supported by maintenance contracts (where applicable) and which may be kept up-to-date with security patches.

It is assumed that all operating systems have had patches and service packs applied. Some operating systems or versions thereof cannot be patched and made secure so do not connect machines running them to the Departmental network.

This following list is not intended to be exhaustive. If you have a particular need or requirement to run an OS that is not listed, please contact the Computer Officers preferably by email to support@ch.cam.ac.uk to discuss the situation.

The following operating systems are either currently supported, or were previously supported but have now become obsolete within the Department of Chemistry. Obsolete operating systems will have their network access limited or blocked.

• Windows (Intel platform):
  • Windows 2019 Server
  • Windows 8 or older (obsolete)
  • Windows 10 (obsolete October 2025)
  • Windows 10 extended support year 1 (obsolete October 2026)
  • Windows 11
• Unix/Linux:
  • Ubuntu 20.04 (obsolete April 2025)
  • Ubuntu 22.04 (obsolete April 2027)
  • Ubuntu 24.04
  • Ubuntu 26.04
  • Debian/GNU Linux stable
  • Non-Ubuntu desktops - not supported by Computer Officers
• Macintosh:
  • MacOS 12 Monterey and older (obsolete)
  • MacOS 13 Ventura (obsolete September 2025)
  • MacOS 14 Sonoma
  • MacOS 15 Sequoia
  • MacOS 26 Tahoe
  • Mac OS X Server - not supported by Computer Officers