Posted by Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 8, released on October 26, 2012. It is optimized for touch screen computing and completely revamps the user interface. Recently a CBA member asked me if I was aware if law firms were switching to Windows 8. My response, in part:
“I haven’t heard of any firms switching to Windows 8, though it will become more difficult to order new computers, especially from big box retail stores, without the new OS. I would recommend against it until we know how the software that lawyers tend to use (practice management, PDF creation, etc.) works with it. I haven’t heard of any compatibility issues, but that is likely because few have made the move.”
Legal bloggers advise caution before moving to the new OS. Here are some thoughts from the legal blogosphere:
- Changing Operating Systems – How Soon We Forget Past Lessons – Richard Ferguson, Law Technology Today
- Windows 8 For Lawyers : 5 Initial Thoughts – Larry Port, Legal Productivity
- Should You Upgrade to Windows 8 OS Software? – Ellen Freedman, PA Law Practice Management
- No Love For Windows 8 – John Harding, Family Law Lawyer Tech & Practice
As I mentioned, getting a new PC with an older (Windows 7) version of the operating system will be increasingly difficult. If you are in the market for a new PC and are not interested in Windows 8 this is a good time to buy while you still have choices.
Here are a few reviews of Windows 8 from technology publications:
Note that older machines may not have the computing power to run Windows 8 and all reviewers agree that users of the older Windows operating system will have to re-learn something they have been familiar with for years.
Change is often challenging. Microsoft’s new OS is attempting to bring the best of traditional computing and ease of use of tablet computing together. As with any major change to a familiar product there will be a time of (sometimes painful) transition. Add the increasing dominance of cloud computing options that make decisions about operating system de minimis and computer users should at least smile at the increased opportunity for choice in today’s technology market.