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Tom's Tech Tips

Tom’s Tuesday Tech Tip: Upgrade to Windows 8 or Wait?

Windows® 8 is out and, like every other operating system released by Microsoft, people either love it, hate it or just keep on with their old Windows OS. Several Certified Legal Nurse Consultants have asked me whether or not they should upgrade their computers to Windows 8. My answer, as always, is an unequivocal, “It depends.”

If you’re buying a new computer, laptop or desktop, you’ll probably have a choice of operating systems. If you’re going with Win8, just make sure you have lots of memory and a fast processor. That way you’ll get the most out of Win8. If your new device doesn’t come with a touch-screen (and it’s a laptop) you might be better off deciding to go with Win7 (again get lots of memory).

If you’re considering upgrading the operating system on an existing computer, I’d say don’t unless you have a compelling need to upgrade. The software used most by CLNC® consultants is some version of Microsoft® Office and a web browser. There are no upgrade issues there as you’ll probably purchase the newest version with your new machine and it’ll be a learning curve but backwards compatible.

But, if you have legacy business software such as a CRM system or accounting software (think QuickBooks) you might want to stay with XP or Win7 until you change hardware because you may end up needing to upgrade all that software to a Win8-compatible version which costs time and money. Take an inventory of your installed and most-used software – that may help you decide.

Is Win8 perfect? No, but then no OS ever is. Is it compatible with all your existing software and devices? Probably not. You’ll have to check the specific software you’re using plus what hardware you use in your legal nurse consulting business (printers, scanners, etc.) for compatibility before you upgrade. You can check here before you buy and look at the website of the provider too.

Finally, not every hardware manufacturer or software provider has updated all their drivers for Win8, so if you do buy a new computer you might find it running slower with Win8 than with Win7 – but that will change.

Keep on techin’,

Tom

P.S. Comment here and tell me whether or not you’re planning on upgrading to Win8 and why.

One thought on “Tom’s Tuesday Tech Tip: Upgrade to Windows 8 or Wait?

  1. Thanks to Tom’s Tech Tips, I purchased my first lap top several years ago. Recently, I purchased a new lap top with Windows® 8. It is a little different and there are few things that I like better on Windows 7. But I think it is a matter of getting used to it. Overall, I do like it and it has some features that Windows 7 did not. One simple thing that I really like is the Simplepass. This is a way to bypass entering a password which has always been a necessary nuisance. I swipe my index finger over a scanner and I am immediately where I left off. This is so cool!

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*The opinions and statements made by Vickie Milazzo, the founder of Medical-Legal Consulting Institute, Inc. are based on her experiences and expertise, should not be applied beyond the specific context provided, and do not guaranty or project actual results. Vickie Milazzo is no longer involved in the operations or management of the business, but is involved as an independent education consultant.

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