Launched in October of 2012, the latest version of Windows showcases what seems to be a full re-design of what we have come accustomed to. However, upon closer inspection one could easily find a fair amount of resemblance to Windows 7.
Windows 8 has seen Microsoft take a radical new approach to Touch Screen enabled computers/devices. For the first time ever, the operating system features an application store, similar to what one might find on Apple Mac devices/computers and Android devices. The store allows the downloading of (free and licensed) software/applications via the portal hosted by Microsoft. The operating system also features a new look, boasting “live” tiles on its Home Screen. These tiles can be linked to contacts, or your contact’s Facebook status, to the latest news, or weather forecasts, and many more.
Still, with its entire prowess, one must understand that the operating system is still very immature in the sense of security and vulnerability. Windows 7 offers a vastly more stable and secure solution at this present moment, mostly because it’s been around for longer, and that it has gone through the baby steps . It has had several updates, security- & hotfixes, as well as a Service Pack. These updates all contribute to a more secure and stable operating system.
It is this reason that compels IT to still choose Windows 7 as our supported operating system – used campus-wide. Thus, we roll out all new computers with Windows 7 installed. Any PC/device that is work-related, will either be upgraded (older Win XP PC’s) OR downgraded (some new PC’s ship with Windows 8) to Windows 7 with Service Pack 1.
*** Side note
The IT team is already testing Windows 8 and its customisations for future use on campus. This is a tedious task, necessary to facilitate a secure and trusted environment for all our colleagues.
(INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY TIAN PETERSEN)
Windows 8 het in Oktober 2012 die lig gesien en op die oog af lyk die nuutste weergawe soos `n splinternuwe bedryfstelsel. As ons die nuwe Windows egter van nader bykyk, is daar nie soveel anders as met Windows 7 nie.
Met hierdie nuwe weergawe het Microsoft `n drastiese nuwe benadering tot raakskerm rekenaars en toestelle. Vir die eerste keer ooit spog `n Windows bedryfstelsel met `n applikasies-winkel soortgelyk aan die wat beskikbaar is vir Apple Mac en Android-toestelle.
Die Windows 8 winkel verskaf gratis en gelisensieerde aflaaibare sagteware en toepassings via die Microsoft portaal. Die bedryfstelsel word gekenmerk deur `n nuwe voorkoms met aktiewe teels op die tuisskerm. Hierdie teels kan geskakel word met jou kontakte, Facebook, die nuutste nuus, weervoorspellings en vele meer.
Ten spyte van bogenoemde, is dit egter belangrik om in ag te neem dat die bedryfstelsel nog baie onderontwikkel is in terme van sekuriteit en kwesbaarheid. Windows 7 bied `n veelomvattender stabiele en veilige oplossing op die oomblik, hoofsaaklik omdat dit langer beskikbaar is en dit reeds deur al die groeipyne gegaan het. Dit het reeds verskeie opdaterings en sekuriteitsregstellings, sowel as `n “Service Pack”. Al hierdie opdaterings dra by tot `n meer sekure en stabiele bedyfstelsel.
Dit is om hierdie rede dat IT steeds Windows 7 kies as ondersteunde bedryfstelsel vir kampusgebruikers. Alle nuwe rekenaars word geinstalleer met Windows 7. Alle bestaande, werksverwante rekenaar of toestel sal of opgradeer word (ouer Windows XP rekenaars) of laer gegradeer word (rekenaars reeds met Windows 8 op) na Windows 7 met “Service Pack” 1.
*** NS.
Die IT-span is reeds besig om Windows 8 deeglik te toets vir toekomstige gebruik op kampus. Dis `n lastige, tog noodsaaklike taak, om `n veilige en vertroulike omgewing vir al ons kollegas te skep.
(INLIGTING VERSKAF DEUR TIAN PETERSEN)
