Many companies are finding it difficult to make the decision to switch to the new Windows 8. Support for XP runs until 2014 and for Windows 7 until 2020, so there is no need to rush. On the other hand: Windows 8 is more secure, more flexible and also runs on mobile company devices. WINDOWS TWEAKS presents the pros and cons of switching.
There has not yet been a run on Windows 8 in the corporate sector. Large projects such as the US Department of Defense, that switches completely to Windows 8 and Office 2013are currently the exception rather than the rule. Gartner analysts even expectthat 90 percent of companies will not consider switching to the 8-series system until 2015.
Often cited arguments against Windows 8 are primarily the financial and administrative costs associated with the changeover. In addition, many companies believe that Windows 8 lacks the much-vaunted killer feature.
Despite all this, Windows 8 offers some exciting new functions, especially for professional use.
Windows 8 offers these advantages
Advantage 1: Windows 8 - safer.
The good news is that Windows 8 is the most secure Windows yet, mainly thanks to these new security features:
- It checks at startup whether it is in the same state as when it was last shut down (Secure Boot).
- Windows 8 is Microsoft's first operating system with virus protection ex works.
- Also new: the built-in virus protection "Defender" (see also under Disadvantages) and
- the Internet protection "Smart screen filter" - Microsoft introduced this in Internet Explorer 9 and has now pre-installed it in Windows 8. This protects Win 8 from fraudulent sites and programs.
- Microsoft hat zudem die Kernel-Sicherheit und ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) verbessert – ASLR sorgt dafür, dass sich Schadcodes nicht so leicht einnisten können, da Speicheradressen in Programmen nur noch zufällig gewählt werden.
- Image passwords mean that administrators no longer have to assign complicated passwords.
Advantage 2: Windows to go - take it with you on a USB stick
For the first time, Windows 8 offers the option of booting from a USB stick. Companies can thus save a complete copy including all programs, settings, documents and data on a USB stick and make it available to their employees.
You can then continue working on your notebook or in your home office while on the move, for example. "Windows to go" is also practical for administrators to try out new hardware.
Advantage 3: Euniform surface
If tablets and smartphones with Windows 8 are used in the company, they can be easily integrated - and synchronized. Thanks to the uniform tile interface on all platforms, there are also fewer problems when operating multiple devices.
Advantage 4: Improvements in detail
Familiar functions from Windows 7 such as DirectAccess, BitLocker and AppLocker are also on board and have been partially improved. AppLocker can now also be used to manage apps from the Windows Store.
Windows 8 has these disadvantages
Viele ältere Windows-XP-Systeme sind nicht stark genug für Windows 7 – und somit schon gar nicht für 8. Theoretisch benötigt ein Windows-8-PC zwar nur einen Prozessor mit einer Taktfrequenz von 1,0 Gigahertz, zwei Gigabyte Arbeitsspeicher und eine DirectX9-kompatible Grafikeinheit. Realistisch betrachtet sollte allerdings mindestens eine Doppelkern-CPU im Gehäuse stecken, vor allem wenn die Business-Version Pro zum Einsatz kommt.
Disadvantage 1: Time-consuming and risky move
Just like switching to the latest ERP software, switching to a new Windows system is usually not without its difficulties. Whether with a smoothly running enterprise resource planning software oder einem bewährten Betriebssystem – ein Systemwechsel stellt IT-Abteilungen oder externe Berater oft vor große Herausforderungen.
As it is not possible to update Windows XP directly, administrators must perform a custom installation. This means: XP is removed along with all files and Windows 8 is reinstalled.
Various Microsoft tools such as Easy Transfer or the User State Migration Tool can help with this. However, these only facilitate the migration of most user-specific data, but not the migration of special programs.
Das Neuinstallieren und Einrichten von Programmen stellt einen großen zeitlichen Aufwand dar, der Mitarbeiter von ihrer eigentlichen Arbeit abhält – was je nach Unternehmen Stunden bis Tage dauern kann.
Disadvantage 2: Complex security
Tests have shown that the "Defender" virus protection built into Windows 8 is not much good. So an external security solution is needed again.
Disadvantage 3: Training necessary
After switching to Windows 8, it takes some time to get used to the new user interface. The new tile interface and the lack of a Start button in Classic mode in particular make it difficult to get started.
Conclusion: Useful if new hardware is also purchased
Taking into account the purchase price, the migration costs and the time for training and user downtime, the most economical way to switch to Windows 8 is usually to buy new PCs at the same time.
Although even older Windows XP computers can be migrated, this is usually not worthwhile in terms of the remaining useful life. Every company should work out for itself whether a switch to Windows 8 justifies such investments.
(Article image at the top: Supar Perfundo, Fotolia)