4 ms·

Firms that implement software using software from a vendor (eg, Microsoft) have to follow the manufacturers instructions. If they feel they cannot do that, the

Firms that implement software using software from a vendor (eg, Microsoft) have to follow the manufacturers instructions. If they feel they cannot do that, then they should use a different OS vendor (not Microsoft). That goes for proper, documented uses of the API but also for not using unsupported versions of the OS. When people purchase equipment, there are equipment contracts. Medical equipment, depending on the type, needs to follow FDA approval guidelines. Clearly, not piece of equipment should allowed to be running in a hospital based on an unsupported version of an operating system. That is simply irresponsible. Each newer version of Microsoft OS implements security features not in earlier versions. In some cases, there are changes to the Intel hardware for additional security that later versions of the OS take advantage of. Again, firms and governments should not be using unsupported versions of hardware or software. > "It is also unrealistic to expect organisations concerned with literally saving lives not to buy equipment unless they have a plan in place to deal with updating the software on or used with that equipment in arbitrary ways with arbitrary consequences whenever anyone responsible for any part of its software sneezes. The need for stability, reliability and longevity is precisely why so much in this kind of sector is regulated in the first place." The longevity is mostly the supported API across different versions of the OS, and not the OS itself. Each version of Microsoft OS comes out with additional security features and vendors who use Microsoft OS (or any OS) need to plan for upgrading their application software that uses the OS and purchasers of application software should insist on it.

Silhouette 9y ago
Clearly, not piece of equipment should allowed to be running in a hospital based on an unsupported version of an operating system. That is simply irresponsible. You keep writing things like that, as if the only practical alternative in many cases was not turning the equipment off altogether. Each newer version of Microsoft OS implements security features not in earlier versions. And more spyware, too. What should a hospital do if Microsoft decides to instruct them to update to a new version of Windows that will automatically upload all of the data on the local hard drives to a Microsoft-cloud-hosted backup system, complete with all the legally protected sensitive personal information? Again, this issue can't just be as simple as suppliers getting to move the goalposts however they want after the sale. The longevity is mostly the supported API across different versions of the OS, and not the OS itself. Then why are so many healthcare providers who were caught last week saying they couldn't upgrade from Windows XP because some essential functionality of other software or equipment no longer worked on Windows 10?
- davidf18 9y ago
  > "Then why are so many healthcare providers who were caught last week saying they couldn't upgrade from Windows XP because some essential functionality of other software or equipment no longer worked on Windows 10?" In the US, they might possibly be in violation of HIPAA health data privacy laws because by running on an unsupported OS they are leaving themselves open to cyber attacks and stolen health care data. Best to deal with vendors of software that upgrade their software to the newest OS versions, especialy if it has anything to do with health data. > "You keep writing things like that, as if the only practical alternative in many cases was not turning the equipment off altogether." Microsoft had been warning for years that they were going to discontinue service and they have done it with previous OSs, so no surprise there really. Software vendors and their customers need to prepare ahead of time. If properly maintained by their IT Depts, these Windows 10 Upgrade messages never come up.

Silhouette 9y ago

Clearly, not piece of equipment should allowed to be running in a hospital based on an unsupported version of an operating system. That is simply irresponsible. You keep writing things like that, as if the only practical alternative in many cases was not turning the equipment off altogether. Each newer version of Microsoft OS implements security features not in earlier versions. And more spyware, too. What should a hospital do if Microsoft decides to instruct them to update to a new version of Windows that will automatically upload all of the data on the local hard drives to a Microsoft-cloud-hosted backup system, complete with all the legally protected sensitive personal information? Again, this issue can't just be as simple as suppliers getting to move the goalposts however they want after the sale. The longevity is mostly the supported API across different versions of the OS, and not the OS itself. Then why are so many healthcare providers who were caught last week saying they couldn't upgrade from Windows XP because some essential functionality of other software or equipment no longer worked on Windows 10?

davidf18 9y ago
> "Then why are so many healthcare providers who were caught last week saying they couldn't upgrade from Windows XP because some essential functionality of other software or equipment no longer worked on Windows 10?" In the US, they might possibly be in violation of HIPAA health data privacy laws because by running on an unsupported OS they are leaving themselves open to cyber attacks and stolen health care data. Best to deal with vendors of software that upgrade their software to the newest OS versions, especialy if it has anything to do with health data. > "You keep writing things like that, as if the only practical alternative in many cases was not turning the equipment off altogether." Microsoft had been warning for years that they were going to discontinue service and they have done it with previous OSs, so no surprise there really. Software vendors and their customers need to prepare ahead of time. If properly maintained by their IT Depts, these Windows 10 Upgrade messages never come up.