Old versions of software
I just built and delivered a shiny new computer to a client. It has the latest hardware and Windows 10 and runs really nicely.
But… the client are still using Office 2007. That’s 10 year old software that is no longer supported and has bugs up the wazoo. For instance, the person who is using the computer wants to use IMAP, because that means he can synchronise emails and folders between devices. The trouble is Outlook has never been great with IMAP and there are several really annoying bugs that have never been fixed.
Then of course there are the security concerns with using older software and especially software that is no longer receiving security patches. This is especially relevant given the difficulties the likes of the NHS has been facing recently with the WannaCrypt/WannaCry outbreak.
Now this isn’t a call for everyone to adopt web apps, although that would solve a lot of problems. On the new computer in question in addition to Microsoft Office 2007 I also installed Thunderbird and LibreOffice. Both are free to download and install, are cross platform (they work on Windows, Mac and Linux) and are all current and fully supported.
To help me explain to the client the benefits of remaining current I think it would help me to understand why the client wants to stick with such old software. Can anyone shed some light on that for me? Why would you stay with Office 2007?
The linked article talks about the end of life for Office 2007. It’s actually in October this year.
http://www.zdnet.com/article/when-will-microsoft-pull-the-plug-on-your-version-of-windows-or-office/
I’m currently using Office 10 – In my head I believe it is new and wouldn’t dream of changing it anytime soon, in reality I can’t believe seven years have already past. I still remember installing Wondows 95 on something like 20 floppy disks? I thought it was great when 3.1 was released and I think that was 6 disks?
I’m currently using Office 10 – In my head I believe it is new and wouldn’t dream of changing it anytime soon, in reality I can’t believe seven years have already past. I still remember installing Wondows 95 on something like 20 floppy disks? I thought it was great when 3.1 was released and I think that was 6 disks?
One word one letter – G Suite.
One word one letter – G Suite.
Is it just a confidence thing wishing to stick with something you know rather than learn and upgrade to something new which can have challenges, just a thought I nervously upgrade to whatever is new but there is always a sense of the unknown.
Is it just a confidence thing wishing to stick with something you know rather than learn and upgrade to something new which can have challenges, just a thought I nervously upgrade to whatever is new but there is always a sense of the unknown.
Fashion DIY I think it’s a sign of getting old. If you want to hit back and stay young in mind if not body try new things…it really works.
Fashion DIY I think it’s a sign of getting old. If you want to hit back and stay young in mind if not body try new things…it really works.
From a user perspective, upgrades always mean changes to the way something has previously been done and extra cost. It does not make an upgrade the most attractive choice :( As a professional I know the risks so choose to upgrade but it isn’t always possible to persuade business owners of the value VS the inconvenience
From a user perspective, upgrades always mean changes to the way something has previously been done and extra cost. It does not make an upgrade the most attractive choice :( As a professional I know the risks so choose to upgrade but it isn’t always possible to persuade business owners of the value VS the inconvenience
Jo Shaer I think that is most likely the largest stumbling block.
Jo Shaer I think that is most likely the largest stumbling block.
I completed my MBA dissertation in Word xx and at 163+ pages, the last thing I wanted to do was take the chance of losing the layout/headings, etc when I upgraded to Office xx, and then again to Office 365
I completed my MBA dissertation in Word xx and at 163+ pages, the last thing I wanted to do was take the chance of losing the layout/headings, etc when I upgraded to Office xx, and then again to Office 365