To use Windows 8, or not to use Windows 8?
That has been the question on many of our clients’ minds of late.
The majority of our clients are medical and legal practitioners, using Dragon Medical Practice Edition and Dragon NaturallySpeaking, as well as their respective business applications (Microsoft Office, electronic medical record systems/electronic health record systems, timekeeping and sundry other legal applications).
A few are still using computers with a Windows XP operating system, but most are using Windows 7. For various reasons, they may be pondering a shift to Windows 8.
Application Compatibility with Windows 8
Before even considering the move to Windows 8, ensure that all applications you rely on are Windows 8 compatible.
The majority are, but there may be a few that are not yet Windows 8 compatible.
However, some that are not compatible with Windows 8 do function, but are simply not officially supported by the manufacturer (Dragon Medical Practice Edition is one such application).
Design and Use of Windows 8
Windows 8 is an attempt from Microsoft to create a uniform operating system that will run consistently across a variety of devices (i.e. desktop, tablet, and smartphone). Unfortunately, not all devices are used for the same purposes, and therefore any acceptable “middle ground” has not yet been achieved.
Windows 8 is truly designed for a tablet or touchscreen computer. The layout and design of Windows 8 is quite alien compared to Windows 7, and many desktop users are reporting a loss in productivity with this new operating system.
Most medical and legal practitioners are using desktop computers with multiple monitors. There is unlikely any need for a touchscreen monitor interface in the near future for their main production machine.
A tablet computer (i.e. iPad, android tablet etc.) is very useful as an interim computer or when performing minor tasks such as checking email, as well as some productivity applications. However, for day-to-day productivity use, the desktop computer is still the most powerful and flexible for the professional user.
Touchscreen computers are very useful for certain tasks, but again, not yet productivity enhancing for medical and legal practitioners.
Windows 8 on New Computers
Unfortunately, new computers sold today will have a Windows 8 operating system. It is seemingly difficult to obtain a Windows 7 computer from vendors who sell computers, and this is precisely how Microsoft wishes it (coercing conversion).
Fortunately, you CAN ask computer vendors who specialize in custom built systems to create a system for you with Windows 7. Vendors who sell ready-made computers will unlikely be able to provide you with a Windows 7 computer system, so you may wish to research a quality custom computer vendor such as NCIX or similar.
The Fate of Windows 7
Windows 7 as an operating system will be supported by Microsoft for a number of years to come, and is not vanishing anytime soon. It is a very solid operating system, the likes of which have not been seen since Windows XP.
Windows XP will cease to be supported by Microsoft by the end of 2013, and by that rationale, we can project that Windows 7 will continue to be supported for at least another 8 years.
Many corporations have recently finished rolling out Windows 7, and it is therefore unlikely that they will be making a switch to Windows 8 in the near future unless there is just cause to adopt Windows 8 for their purposes.
Why Use Windows 8
The only real reason to use the Windows 8 operating system is if the applications on your computer are enhanced by the use of a touchscreen, or you feel more comfortable with Windows 8 than you do with Windows 7.
Ensure that you have had an opportunity to test Windows 8 before jumping to this operating system.
In the Market for a New Computer
If you are in the lower mainland, and in the market for a new computer, Speakeasy Solutions is happy to introduce you to an excellent computer vendor. For further information, please feel free to fill out this form.