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 has also improved kernel security and ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) - ASLR ensures that malicious code cannot become embedded so easily, as memory addresses in programs are only selected randomly.
• 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

Many older Windows XP systems are not powerful enough for Windows 7 - and therefore certainly not for 8. Theoretically, a Windows 8 PC only needs a processor with a clock frequency of 1.0 gigahertz, two gigabytes of RAM and a DirectX9-compatible graphics unit. Realistically, however, there should be at least a dual-core CPU in the housing, especially if the Pro business version is used.

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 or a tried-and-tested operating system - a system change often presents IT departments or external consultants with major challenges.

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.

Reinstalling and setting up programs takes a lot of time, which keeps employees from doing their actual work - which can take hours or even days, depending on the company.

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)