2 ms·

If windows 10 is not a desired option, what is the next step? As another poster noted, is desktop linux a serious consideration? I'm genuinely curious when en

If windows 10 is not a desired option, what is the next step? As another poster noted, is desktop linux a serious consideration? I'm genuinely curious when enterprises take this approach - which admittedly i believe is fully rational - because it feels like MS sort of causes business to paint themselves into a corner. Ok, maybe that's not a fair portrayal, but nevertheless it creates a tough environment.

Silhouette 7y ago
Yes, desktop Linux and Apple gear are the main contenders in our case. I work in a world of relatively small businesses, which among other things means all of our IT equipment tends to be customised to the specific hardware and software needs of each individual using it. We have no "standard desktop" image, nor would it make any sense for us to have one. Right now, in the office where I'm writing this, we have multiple Windows 7 boxes, some Linux gear, both Apple and Android mobile devices, and a variety of specialist kit applicable to our current engagements. Only the Windows 7 boxes are of immediate concern, because of the imminent EOS date combined with each of them running at least one piece of expensive and Windows-only software that we can't trivially replace on the most plausible alternative platforms. So either we keep Windows 7 for a while longer, or we have to at least invest time and potentially significant money in some sort of migration exercise to another package running on another platform in those cases, assuming at least one suitable alternative package is available.
- mxuribe 7y ago
  I really appreciate what you've shared! Beyond your other comments, i think by not having a "standard desktop image" seems to have made your group that much more flexible; so kudos for that! Also, I'm wishing the best for you and your business, and if you should move to linux I'm keeping my fingers crossed even more! (The more diversity in operating systems, all the better for everyone! Though, i'll admit that i'm greatly biased in favor of linux :-) Best of luck!

Silhouette 7y ago

Yes, desktop Linux and Apple gear are the main contenders in our case. I work in a world of relatively small businesses, which among other things means all of our IT equipment tends to be customised to the specific hardware and software needs of each individual using it. We have no "standard desktop" image, nor would it make any sense for us to have one. Right now, in the office where I'm writing this, we have multiple Windows 7 boxes, some Linux gear, both Apple and Android mobile devices, and a variety of specialist kit applicable to our current engagements. Only the Windows 7 boxes are of immediate concern, because of the imminent EOS date combined with each of them running at least one piece of expensive and Windows-only software that we can't trivially replace on the most plausible alternative platforms. So either we keep Windows 7 for a while longer, or we have to at least invest time and potentially significant money in some sort of migration exercise to another package running on another platform in those cases, assuming at least one suitable alternative package is available.

mxuribe 7y ago
I really appreciate what you've shared! Beyond your other comments, i think by not having a "standard desktop image" seems to have made your group that much more flexible; so kudos for that! Also, I'm wishing the best for you and your business, and if you should move to linux I'm keeping my fingers crossed even more! (The more diversity in operating systems, all the better for everyone! Though, i'll admit that i'm greatly biased in favor of linux :-) Best of luck!