ELM Bulletin - September 30, 2007
Windows Vista - When to Commit
The Windows Vista operating system has been available since the beginning of this year and has received generally favourable reviews. You might be asking yourself: "Shouldn't I just start using Vista in my office now?" In this month's ELM Bulletin we will help to answer this question intelligently.
Microsoft has recently announced that it intends to remove Windows XP from distribution in June 2008, extending by five months its previous deadline of January 2008. After that time Windows Vista will be the only non-server version of Windows available for any new computers you buy.
The primary concern about Windows Vista is one of compatibility. Reviewers have reported that some software will not run under Vista and our own experience bears this out. Some of our older development tools had to be upgraded before they could be used in Vista. In most office environments, and almost all home environments, compatibility may not be an issue; but as no exhaustive compatibility list exists there is no certainty that older software will work under Vista. Here are our recommendations on what you should do when upgrading your computer systems.
1 - Prepare - Make a list of all software that you absolutely cannot do without and contact the manufacturer of each to ask if their product will operate under Vista and what alternatives exist if it will not. In an earlier ELM Bulletin we stated that earlier versions of QuickBooks will not operate under Windows Vista, the alternative in that case is to upgrade to the most recent version. Other alternatives may include installing a software patch or even switching to a similar product from a different manufacturer.
2 - Plan Ahead - When you install your first Vista equipped computer you will quickly learn whether or not there will be problems and you could be forced into a situation where problems must be resolved instantly. Plan ahead by setting up a single Vista computer as an evaluation system in a non-critical environment. Load the test system with each piece of software you require and use it as you would any other computer in your business. Any software used only monthly or annually should also be put through a normal business cycle on the test system. This will help you to determine which, if any, problems will occur, their severity and what steps must be taken to minimize the problem without restricting your ability to do business.
Once you or your IT professionals have accomplished the above you will be in a good position to decide whether or not to begin using Vista in your business now or wait until there is no other option. Whatever your final decision, the sooner you begin your preparation for Vista the less frustrating will be your transition to Vista.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this or any other issue.
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Peter Rhebergen Telephone |
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