Operating Systems at KAUST: What You Need to Know (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Every device at KAUST depends on an operating system, the quiet hero that keeps your laptop running,
your browser opening, and your files appearing when you click them. We do not always think about our OS
until something goes wrong, like a frozen screen eight minutes before a presentation, a missing WiFi
connection, or that one application that suddenly refuses to open.
To keep all of us working smoothly, KAUST IT supports three primary operating systems across University
owned devices. This keeps the campus secure, makes day to day work more reliable, and reduces the drama
caused by outdated systems.
Quick overview
KAUST IT supports three main platforms on University owned devices:
- Windows for most business and administrative work
- macOS for research, teaching, and creative work
- Ubuntu Linux for research, scientific computing, and technical workloads
The Three Operating Systems Supported at KAUST
Main operating systems at KAUST
| Operating system
| Typical use at KAUST
| Why it is popular
|
|---|
| Windows
| Business, administration, general productivity
| Strong compatibility with enterprise tools, solid security, and reliable integration with KAUST systems.
It is the standard on most staff devices.
|
| macOS
| Research, teaching, creative and design work
| Smooth performance, strong security, and great support for scientific and creative tools used across labs,
offices, and classrooms.
|
| Ubuntu Linux
| Research environments, scientific computing, technical teams
| Long term support releases provide stability and security, with excellent support for code, simulations,
data analysis, and other scientific workloads.
|
Each OS has multiple versions with different support timelines. The key idea is simple: stay on supported versions
to keep your device secure and performing well.
Why OS Support Matters (With Real Life Examples)
Think of your operating system as the engine of your digital life. When it is up to date, everything runs smoother.
Your apps behave, your device stays secure, and your work keeps moving.
But an outdated OS?
That is like trying to drive a research vessel with a tiny outboard motor in rough water.
Here is how outdated systems affect you:
| Area
| What can go wrong
|
|---|
| Security | Unsupported systems are like leaving your front door unlocked. They might be fine until they are not.
Missing security updates make it easier for attackers to exploit known weaknesses.
|
| Compatibility | Ever opened a file and wondered why everything looks wrong? Older OS versions can break how apps behave
or stop you from installing newer tools and features.
|
| Access | Devices on unsupported OS versions may eventually lose access to KAUST services based on security
requirements and minimum security standards.
|
And yes, sometimes that moment when eduroam refuses to connect is your OS waving a tiny white flag.
Security reminder
Staying on a supported OS is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your work,
your device, and the wider KAUST community.
Understanding Support Status (Without the Boring Parts)
Every OS version on the KAUST IT Operating Systems page has a status to help you know where it stands:
What the support statuses mean
| Status
| What it means
|
|---|
|
Testing
| This OS is not yet supported by KAUST IT.
|
|
Active (Default)
| This OS is supported by KAUST IT and new machines will be built with this OS unless otherwise requested.
|
|
Active
| This OS is supported by KAUST IT and will be installed on request.
|
|
Phasing Out
| This OS is no longer supported for new builds. Security updates will continue for existing installations,
but feature updates are discontinued. Migration is strongly encouraged.
|
|
End of Support (EoS)
| This OS is no longer supported. Use requires justification, approval, and is subject to periodic review.
|
These labels align with the KAUST Minimum Security Standard, which keeps our campus devices protected.
Myth Busting (Because We All Think These Things)
Common OS myths and the facts
| Myth
| Fact
|
|---|
| If I ignore update reminders long enough, they will stop.
| They will not. Trust us. We have tried.
|
| Upgrading will break everything.
| Modern upgrades are smoother than ever and KAUST IT supports you throughout the process.
|
| My OS version does not really matter.
| It matters a lot, especially for accessing secure KAUST systems and research environments.
|
What KAUST IT Is Doing to Help
We know OS upgrades are not anyone's favorite activity. They rank somewhere between renewing a driver’s license
and cleaning the fridge. But we make it as simple as possible.
KAUST IT:
- Rolls out upgrades for compatible Windows devices in phases
- Provides easy, self service macOS upgrades
- Supports researchers moving between Ubuntu LTS versions
- Notifies you when your OS needs attention before it becomes a problem
- Helps determine whether your device should be upgraded or replaced
If your OS is being phased out, you will receive an email with clear next steps and a timeline to help you prepare.
Quick Check: Is Your Device Up to Date?
Here are simple steps to check your OS version on each platform.
How to check your OS version
| Operating system
| Steps
|
|---|
| Windows | - Click the Start Menu.
- Type About your PC and open it.
- Look under Windows Specifications to see your edition and version.
|
| macOS | - Click the Apple Menu in the top left corner.
- Select About This Mac.
- Your macOS name and version will appear at the top.
|
| Ubuntu Linux | - Open Settings.
- Scroll down to About.
- Look for the OS Name and Version.
|
If your version does not match one of the currently supported releases on the KAUST Operating Systems page,
it is time to plan an upgrade.
Helpful Link
Need Help or Not Sure?
KAUST IT Service Desk
If you are unsure about your OS version, or need help upgrading your device, the
KAUST IT Service Desk is ready to support you.
- Call 910
- Or submit a ticket through the KAUST Portal
Behind the Scenes
Our teams continually test upcoming OS releases to ensure they work smoothly with KAUST applications,
security requirements, and research tools before they are recommended to the community. This helps ensure
a consistent and reliable experience across campus.
Accessibility Note
Keeping your OS up to date also improves compatibility with accessibility tools and ensures a smoother
experience with assistive technologies.
Final Thought: Keep Your Device Happy
A supported and updated operating system is one of the simplest ways to protect your work and keep your
device performing at its best.
Think of it this way:
A few clicks today can save you hours tomorrow, and your device will thank you for it.
Thank you for helping us keep KAUST devices secure, reliable, and ready for what you do every day.
