Been running WinVista on a laptop for yrs.
Using a few legacy programs from the XP era which I'd prefer to keep using
(TDS Foresight, CarslonSurv2004) and Specra Prec. Survey Office 2.x
Also have Win Office 2007 install disks/license.
The question is:
Will Win8 be compatible w/ the workflow?
Those of you that use Win8, any problems/benefits?
Considering a custom desktop w/ Win7 because I recall reading of various Win8 issues running older software.
--DB
PS Took a look for a "search older posts" feature but no find. Excuse the stupid question.
If you are using "legacy software" (as I am), I would suggest you go to Win7 with 32 bit operating system. I just recently discovered this and last week set up 3 new workstations and all my old software works just great.
You can also get 64 bit OS, but you will need to run in XP mode and I have heard mixed results with that. Kris said he recently did that with no problems. Others have not been so lucky. Also, my "geek" has told me that if you are in XP mode your computer will be vulnerable to attack since XP is no longer supported. I have heard others say it ain't so - so you're on your own.
Two cautions however:
- A 32 bit OS can not support more than 4 gig of RAM - so don't order more.
- You may or may not have problems with drivers for old printers / plotters. But you can get around this by setting up an XP machine as a print server.
I use DELL computers because my "geek" is an authorized DELL reseller and gives me great support.
That's my $0.04 worth.
Forum search feature is in the top right corner of the screen below the icons for Facebook, Twitter, etc.
As to your question I think one of the major issues with transitioning to Win7 or Win8 is the change to 64bit processing. I know that Win7 can be installed as 32bit which clears up many of the issues with older software but limits the capabilities of your new hardware. The 64bit OS versions will make more efficient use of the modern hardware (better performance) but you lose the ability to load 16bit programs. With older software this can be an issue.
With AutoCAD 2000i and LDD2i I ran into an issue where the software was 32bit (will run under 64bit OS) but some of the installers were 16bit (will only run under 32bit or lower OS). This and the lack of serial/parallel ports are the biggest issues I've seen.
Hopefully others will chime in on the specific software that you are running.
Good Luck.
32 bit vs 64 bit...
been using Vista as 64 bit, and had issues that may have arisen from that, but they never impeded workflow. Occasional lock up for no apparent reason, but who knows what causes that?
thanx SW. I'll search older posts on Win8
--DB
I'm using a Taylor-Made Whitesmoke I really like.
Hack
> I'm using a Taylor-Made Whitesmoke I really like.
>
> Hack
Why would someone with a call handle such as "hack" worry with playing a quality putter such as the Taylormade model you mentioned?
Ha.....good point...that slipped right by me.
> been using Vista as 64 bit...
If Vista works for you Win7 should be no problem. Rather than going to Win8 I'd try to hang on until Win9 becomes available next spring. If you can't wait, maybe go with 7 for now and plan on upgrading next year. The upgrade fee to 9 is expected to be nominal, maybe even free.
OR...
OOPS...nevermind
Taylor-Made makes nice golfing tools...
OR...
That's the one I use too - not perfectly dependable but gets the job done 😀
BTW: I really was looking for computer advice.