Windows 7:  Time to take the plunge?  by Randy Dagnon

With the Gates grants this year (and next) many libraries will be adding or replacing public access computers soon.  And with the purchase of new computers comes the question of which version of Windows to have installed, XP or 7.  There are some pros and cons either way and I will try point out a few that you may find relevant for your library.

Windows XP

·         PROS:

o   Familiarity.  Your staff is already using it and patrons are most likely familiar with it as well.

o   Hardware and software running on your current XP computers will work on new computers running XP.

o   Free security software:  Windows SteadyState.

o   Ease of updates:  The XP and SteadyState combo provide a very easy, hands off way to run Windows and virus definitions updates.

·         CONS:

o   It’s old.  While most people are familiar with XP, that may not be the case in the near future as people new to computing will have only seen and used Windows Vista or 7.

o   Support for XP will end in 2014.  This is big as it means that, for security reasons, all computers running XP on the WRLSWEB network will need to be upgraded or replaced before then.  This will entail some cost and time.

Windows 7

·         PROS:

o   You will be offering your patrons the newest operating system.

o   Usability:  I won’t list them but there are features to Windows 7 that make the computer easier to use, even in a restricted, public access environment.

o   Because it is the newest operating system from Microsoft they will be providing enhancements and security patches well past 2014.

o   Windows 7 boots up and shuts down a bit faster than XP and much faster than Vista.

·         CONS:

o   There may be a learning curve for some staff and patrons as they adjust to an unfamiliar operating system.

o   Hardware and software running on your current XP computers may not work on new computers running Windows 7.  This is unlikely but a visit to the manufacturer’s web site should be able to clear up that question. As a general rule if it works with Vista it should work with Windows 7.

o   SteadyState will not work on a Windows 7 computer meaning security software will no longer be free.  There will be licensing and possibly ongoing support costs.

There is a lot to like about Windows 7 and it is what I use on my home computer.  Is it right for your library?  For staff machines I would say yes.  For your public access computers the decision may come down to how security is handled.  If the costs are manageable and the ease of updating works as well as the Windows XP and SteadyState combination I would say go with Windows 7 for your public computers as well.  If not then librarians will have to weigh the pro and cons of each operating system and decide what is best for their library.

Notes:  I am looking into options to replace SteadyState so by the time a library is ready to order new computers I should know the costs involved and how well updates are handled.