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| To Upgrade Your Software, Or Not? |
| Written by Jim Mays | |
| Wednesday, 27 June 2007 | |
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All of your computers are obsolete. Perhaps that’s an exaggeration, but
with the release of Microsoft Vista you might agree. Although Vista was
not actually on the market until January 2007, prior to its release,
there were some great bargains being advertised on the system.
Retailers were scrambling to get rid of those “old” Windows XP Systems
and as a result, you may have come away with a great deal on that
computer you got for Christmas. Don’t despair though, because that shiny new computer isn’t ready for the trash heap just yet! For those of you who don’t keep up on all the new technology, an operating system for a computer is very much like the propeller on an airplane. You could have an airplane with all leather seats and the best instrumentation in the cockpit. It may have a very powerful engine, but without a propeller attached it isn’t going anywhere. In November 1985, Microsoft introduced Windows, its first operating system. At the time, it was derided for copying the “look and feel” of Macintosh computers. However, due to inexpensive hardware costs and the sheer magnitude of software available, it was ultimately very successful. Subsequent versions improved the user’s ability to create professional looking newsletters, check for spelling errors, and access the Internet. The vast majority of organizations now use Windows as the “standard” operating system. The release of Windows 95 was the last huge marketing blitz by Microsoft, and there are probably some organizations that still have computers running that particular program. At the time of its release (in 1995) it was hailed as a vast improvement over all other operating systems. Users were skeptical, but they eventually started using the new system, not because they were convinced of it’s superiority, but because they were forced to do so. Microsoft stopped supporting old versions and software vendors began selling software proudly displaying the “certified” seal indicating it was Windows 95 compatible. From their website (www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/wow.mspx), Microsoft makes the following claims for Vista, “… designed, developed, and tested by partners and people like you to make the personal computer more ‘personal.’ Windows Vista adapts to the way you want to use it — from learning your computer habits so it can prepare applications for faster access, to the addition of personalization features like Windows Sidebar and Gadgets. Windows Vista also includes everything you want, so you can enjoy your digital entertainment the way you want it.” Wow! Who wouldn’t want the personal computer to be – well, more personal? As before, you’ll start to see applications available only for Windows Vista, including Microsoft’s popular word processing program, Word, available as part of the 2007 Office System (“Save time, Manage Information, Stay Connected”). Windows Vista might very well be a great product, but for counselors, will it really make much of a difference? Should your organization run right out and start buying it? The answer to that question depends on the needs of your organization. There are some nifty new features, such as the ability to better adapt the computer to meet your specific needs, and an improved, less confusing interface. There are reasons to wait, too. On Dec. 25, 2006, The New York Times ran an article entitled, “Flaws are Detected in Microsoft’s Vista,” that describes the potential for a “vulnerability” that could make Vista systems less secure. Computerworld, an IT Industry Publication, reports that the British Education Communications and Technology Association (BECTA) has recommended that UK Schools not upgrade to Windows Vista due to a host of concerns including file compatibility and the availability of certain features that can be found without an upgrade. As software becomes ever more complex, not even the most arduous process can ferret out all of the bugs. Microsoft claims, on its website, that this version of Windows is the most tested product in history. However, not even Microsoft can detect every single problem. Typically, software companies will release a version and when problems emerge, they will issue a service pack and/or upgrade to the current version to address those issues. The upgrade gets a minor version number after the decimal point. For example, an upgrade might take the 3.0 version of a product and assign it the version number of 3.1. Many people in the information technology industry will not use software until it’s reached at least .1 status. Therefore, it might be a good idea to let others be the “beta testers” before jumping on the Windows Vista bandwagon. If what you have works, there is really no reason to change it. It’s very similar to buying a car. Ideally, you want to get as much use out of your current car as possible. Eventually you will reach a point where it costs more to keep the old one than to buy a new one. The same can be said about computer software. If you have something that works well, keep it and get your money’s worth out of it. It will become increasingly difficult, although not impossible, to purchase a new computer without getting Windows Vista. Microsoft is safe in the assumption that you’ll be making a purchase eventually. Treatment facilities are not known for their cutting edge technology, nor should they be. When carpenters are working, they don’t spend much time thinking about their hammer or saw; these are just tools that help them to do the job. As a counselor, the primary job is to care for people, and computers are merely there as tools. If you must have the latest and greatest software, by all means upgrade to Vista. The rest of us would love to know how that turns out. In the meantime, use your computers like any other tool and focus on great care for your clients instead.              |
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