The Windows 8 operating system offers a variety of benefits, such as a slick new interface and better integration with remote backup services. It is also optimized to enhance the battery life of notebook and tablet computers. We love Windows 8 and at some point we will want all of our customers to update to Windows 8. However, there are a number of compelling reasons for businesses to avoid upgrading to Windows 8 immediately.
Major Changes
The operating system’s new user interface is rather attractive and futuristic. Nonetheless, many reviewers find it difficult to use on computers that lack touch screens. Microsoft has hidden the desktop interface that it introduced in the 1990s. Staff members may need extra training before they can use Windows 8 in an effective manner.
A related problem is that relatively few employees have learned to use this operating system at home. Only about 2.8% of Internet users had Windows 8 in February 2013, according to The Next Web. On the other hand, most people already have experience using Windows 7 or XP. It’s not very difficult to switch from XP to Vista or 7.
Compatibility
Windows 8 is a relatively new product; Microsoft released it in late 2012. Some computer components and accessories currently lack drivers for this operating system. The equipment may refuse to function properly. Software companies haven’t released many business applications for this version of Windows, and some older programs may not work.
There have been relatively few complaints about the performance of Windows 8. The system requirements remain quite similar to those of Windows 7. However, computers that currently run XP or Vista may need memory upgrades before they can use Windows 8. It requires a somewhat faster processor and twice as much memory as Windows Vista.
Microsoft always releases numerous patches, updates and service packs for its operating systems. A disadvantage of upgrading to nearly all version releases is that relatively few bugs have been fixed. This means that computers may not function as reliably as they did before the upgrade. They could also become more vulnerable to hackers and viruses.
Time and Money
Firms often devote thousands of dollars and many hours of labor to upgrading their operating systems. It currently costs about $200 to purchase the upgrade version of Windows 8 Pro. New business software and memory upgrades add to the expense. Productivity may decrease while employees learn to use the new interface.
When to Upgrade
Businesses need convincing reasons to upgrade the operating systems in their offices. Generally, the best approach is to adopt a new system when the current OS can no longer run essential software. For example, an online application may require the latest Web browser, or a firm might need a new word processor to edit files submitted by clients.
Many companies remain wary of Windows 8. Nonetheless, it appears to provide a desirable option for home computer users with touch screens. Businesses may embrace Windows 8 after more people purchase it, new drivers are released, and additional software becomes available.
For further details on this issue or a free consultation, contact the premier Arkansas IT service company, Scale, today.
It should be expected with any update that some people will love it, and some will absolutely hate it. It’s human nature to be averse change. but it should also be expected that the update will have kinks to work out.
I love Windows 8… but I hate that they removed the start button and it is so difficult to shut down a machine.