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      http://hi-tek-systems.com            Technology Solutions for Small and Mid-Size Businesses                          

HTS:  We are committed to research and deployment of new products:

 Current Solutions:

  • Windows 7: To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade, that is the Question. 

    As the economy shows signs of recovery, the Windows 7 Discussion has come back to the table. Businesses will be looking to upgrade to Microsoft's latest Operating System.  So, is your business ready to Upgrade? 

    Business Owners should take this into account when deciding:

    -How old are my PCs and Business Critical Software?
    -How is my Business Critical Software licensed? 
    -What if I don't like Windows 7, can I revert back?

    How old are my PCs and Business Critical Software?
    Although you may be able to upgrade existing XP and Vista PCs (use the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to check your hardware, http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx ), we recommend upgrading hardware and software together for this deployment.  While it may be possible to run Windows 7 on a PC that was purchased two years ago, we have found that most PCs purchased from that time and before will face trouble in the form of performance (slowness) or functionality (software/driver issues).   

    So, if your PCs are a bit older, you probably are better off purchasing new ones that are licensed with Windows 7 instead of trying to upgrade old equipment.  But don't worry about upgrading all computers at once!  Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 are all compatible with each other and can all share resources on a Windows 2003/2008 Domain.  You might want to deploy Windows 7 for one section of your business, say 5 users, and see how it goes.  Dual-Licensing allows you to revert back to XP if need be. So be sure to choose a PC that has "downgrade rights" to XP.  Just look for the phrase "Downgrade Rights to XP Pro" on the spec sheet.       

    How is my Business Critical Software licensed? 
    This is a great question, and can really determine your budget and planning before you upgrade.  If your current PCs were bundled with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) software at the time of purchase, you will need to purchase new software with your new PC.  On the other hand, if you have Volume License software, or Retail Boxed Product License, you will be able to install and license that software on the new computers.  To remember this, just use the phrase we use in the industry, we say "OEM software lives and dies with the machine".  And that is why OEM is often a cheaper way to license software.

    What if I don't like Windows 7, can I revert back?
    Yes, but....
    As we mentioned earlier, a Dual-Licensed PC has the rights to run either Windows 7 Pro or XP Pro.  However, when it comes time to switch, a complete format of the hard drive is required.  In other words, all data is deleted and then the new OS is installed as a new installation.  So, make sure you understand this concept before deciding to switch operating systems.  In an effort to simplify the process, some manufacturers have made it very easy to revert or downgrade-providing BIOS cues or even a custom program in your Programs List.  Make sure you understand that "downgrade" means "format and install from scratch".        

Telecommuting:  Better than a solar car. 

Save gas, work from home, and forget the suit-what could be better?

Plenty of companies are looking into Remote Desktop Solutions that allow their employees the flexibility to work from home as if they were seated in their office.  Printing, connecting to databases, using Email Clients like Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes.  These functions require a constant connection to the user's Office PC. 

The number 1 reason most companies do not tap into this possibility is security, or unauthorized access.  They don't fully understand where the security steps are, and what is necessary to complete a remote login.  Encryption, VPN, and multiple log-ons with varying passwords ensure secure log ins.  Some people like knowing that 4-5 steps are required to make a remote connection, while others are OK with just 2.  We will customize the layers of security according to your level of comfort and desired ease of access.