Forwarding attachments from your phone

Several people reported to me that they have had problems forwarding emails with attachments.  I ran some tests on both Android and iPhone.  Here is what I found:

If you are using an Android with the default email program that comes with the phone, as is the norm, and if you simply open an email that contains an attachment and then try to forward that email to someone else, the recipient will receive the email but not the attachment.  The reason for this problem is that the phone only sends what it has. By default, the phone does not download an attachment simply because you open an email.  Doing so would quickly clutter up the limited hard drive space you have on your phone as well as wastes bandwidth that costs extra when used excessively.

If you click on the attachment and download it to your phone and then try to forward it to someone, that forwarded message should include the attachment.   That was the case on several tests I tried on my Galaxy S5.  

With iPhone 6, when you forward an email, the phone should prompt you whether you want to include the attachment.  If you say yes, the phone downloads the attachment and then includes it in the forwarded email.  Some people reported that there are times when the iPhone does not ask whether you want to include the attachment.  In the tests I ran on an iPhone 6, however, it asked me every time, unless there was no attachment associated with the email.

Another option is to use the Gmail App rather than the default email app that comes with your phone. when using the Gmail App on either the iPhone or Android, there is no need to download the attachment at all. Forwarding an email that contains an attachment will automatically include that attachment for the sender regardless of whether it has been downloaded to your phone or not. This is obviously much more efficient if you do not intend to download the attachment for viewing on your phone otherwise.  By design, if you simply reply to the email, even Gmail will not include the attachment. 

If the Gmail app is not already on your phone it is a free download from Apple's App Store or the Google Play Store depending on your phone.  On Android, there should be no need to configure the app if you were already logged into your phone using your Gmail account. An iPhone will need to know your email address and password.  You can use the Gmail app or the default email app on your phone interchangeably. You can go back and forth and they will remain in sync.  So if you only want to use Gmail to forward emails, that is perfectly fine.

Microsoft Office Online

The IT Department has been evaluating a move from WordPerfect to MS Word.  In case you missed it, you can read my log from last month on Word vs. WordPerfect.

As we continue with our evaluation, you may want to consider trying MS Office Online.  Recently, Microsoft made Office Online free for personal use.  If you have a Microsoft account, (or create a free one) you can access Office Online and use it.

MS Office online comes with online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and several other applications. It also offers a free terabyte (~1000 GB) of online storage space with OneDrive.

I tried a few features of Office Online but have not used it extensively yet.  It can perform most of the basic functions of the standard version of Office, but it definitely is a light version.  Don't expect  to have all the same features you have on your disk based version of Office.  For example, I tried to create a dual column document, as I know I cannot do that in Google Docs.  I was unable to do so using MS Office Online either. There are probably many other similar shortcomings if you are working on more complex documents.

Still, the program had the same basic look and feel of MS Office, with a limited version of the ribbon toolbar.  You also have the ability to open and edit MS Office documents and download documents you have created in MS Office format.

If you want to give this a try, I have a few warnings:

1. Only the home version of Office Online is free.  By its terms of service, you are not permitted to use it for commercial use.  Using this service for work documents would seem to violate its terms of service.
2. If you have to create a new Microsoft Online account, I strongly recommend using a personal email address rather than your work email.  We have used some of your work emails to create accounts in order to install MS Office 2013 on your computers.  Also, we may use your work emails in the future if the firm decides to purchase Office 365 in the future.  If you have a personal account using this same email address, it will only lead to complications and conflicts.
3. Microsoft seems to limit an IP address to the creation of three online accounts per day.  So if you try to create an account from work and are told you have reached the daily limit, there is nothing we can do about that.  You will have to wait for another day, or set up your account from home.
4. Do not store work documents in this online account.  If your account is closed for any reason (such as violating terms of service for commercial use) we would have no way to recover this information.
5. Keep in mind that the Help Desk does not support MS Office and has no experience with the online version, so if you have problems, you are on your own.

If the firm does eventually decide to move to an Office 365 subscription and phase out WordPerfect, we would get the full subscription which includes a traditional version of MS Office, not just the online version.  But this free version is a great opportunity for you to give it a try and decide if it is something that could be useful.

MS Office also now offers versions of its Office suite for use on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.  Just go to the App Store or Google Play and download the App to your device.

Time Entry

Lawyers live and die by the billable hour.  The firm is focused on making sure we capture all the time you spend working for clients.  If you are a timekeeper, this affects your annual review, your compensation, and the firm's overall profitability.  So it is critical not to lose time by forgetting to enter it.

Enter Time Right Away 

It is firm policy that you enter your time contemporaneously.  If possible, you should have a time entry screen open all day so that you can enter time immediately following each task.  Trying to reconstruct your work at the end of a day, week or even month is virtually impossible.  You will inevitably end up not being able to record much of your work.  Further, late entries may result in your time not going out on the right bill, or worse, the case may close and your time cannot be billed at all.

Entering time does not mean writing down notes on a piece of paper.  Time is not really entered until you have entered your time in the system and finalized that time.  Also, the firm requires that all timekeepers enter their own time.  Secretaries or other staff cannot enter time for you, even using your notes.  I strongly recommend entering time directly into the computer rather than writing it down and then having to enter it a second time into the computer.

Be Accurate and Complete

Our clients have exacting standards, regarding time entry.  Many of them insist on seeing the full details for each entry, and will read your descriptions.  Be sure you understand your client rules about specificity, maximum lengths of descriptions, and what tasks the client will or will not pay for.

Even if you cannot bill for time, be sure to enter it.  Clients like to see that you worked on something and then waived the charges for it, even if you are doing so out of an obligation to client rules.  Time spent on unbillable matters should also be entered as this is considered during your annual review.

Time and Billing System

The firm uses Elite Enterprise ver. 3.9 for its time and billing sytem.  Records are stored in a SQL database located in our main office in Philadelphia.  Our system runs across four separate Windows server: the Elite App Server, which runs all the Elite applications; Elite DB, which hosts the database, Elite Web, which runs Webview; and Elite WH which is used for reporting and processing of our bills..  All users, regardless of office, connect directly to the Webview server in Phila when entering time on Webview.

Webview

The primary way to enter time is through Webview.  This is the same basic time entry system that we have used since we started with Elite over 15 years ago.  You can access Webview from our network, either by clicking on the link from the Research Home Page, or going directly to http://10.0.0.213/webview.  Either method requires you to be inside the office or connected via VPN. Enter your name and password, and you can enter time on the calendar.  Originally, Webview ran on any internet browser.  However, Elite decided to limit access to Internet Explorer only, and at least version 6 of IE.  Some newer version of IE require that you operate in "compatibility mode".  If you have trouble getting past the screen where you enter your name and password, it usually means you are using the wrong browser.  

Once you have entered your time, you must finalize it.  It is fine to leave time unfinalized  until you are sure you no longer need to edit an entry, but the time cannot be billed to a client until it is finalized.  The IT Department finalizes time once a week on Mondays. but you should not wait for us to do it for you.

iTimeKeep

A big complaint about Webview is that you are limited to Internet Explorer and that you must be in the firm's network, either by being physically on site, or connected via VPN.  This is not always convenient if you are on the road or doing work at home.  For this reason, the firm has an alternate time entry system known as iTimeKeep.  This program allows you to enter time from any internet browser.  So if you prefer to enter time on Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, you can use this. Even Apple's Safari browser will work.  You also do not need to be in the system.  Any internet connection will work.  Just go to: http://desktop.itimekeep.com and enter  your email address and your password (usually this is the same as your Google password).

Once logged in, click on the + to enter a new time entry, fill out your entry and save.  You can then submit all of your saved time.  Once it is submitted through iTimeKeep, your time will show up in Webview as unfinalized time.  You must still finalize it in Webview.

Also, iTimeKeep is not limited to Windows or even PCs.  You can download the iTimeKeep app to your favorite iPhone, iPad, or Android device and enter time from there as well.  These Apps are free downloads in Apple's App Store or Google Play.  Just download, enter your email and password, and start entering time.  It's that easy!

I have been asked if iTimeKeep will eventually replace Webview completely.  The answer is no.  iTimekeep is a supplement to Webview, which actually does considerably more than allow time entry.  Webview will not be going away.

Timetrax

Some of you may still be using Timetrax for time entry.  This is an older time entry system that we provided years ago.  Elite has not supported Timetrax for many years.  They even claim it will not work on the version of Elite that we use.  Nevertheless, we did get it to work for some people, although we have had more and more problems getting it to install at all.   We are continuing to support it for people who are still using it, but are not installing it on new computers  If you have any serious problems with it, we cannot provide support.  You will need to start using either Webview or iTimeKeep.

Time Entry Tips

When entering time, many users find it convenient to use Shortkeys.  This program, which we install by default on all firm computers, allows you to create a shortcut.  You can use this to enter boilerplate phrases, sentences, or even paragraphs with just a few key strokes.  This is particularly helpful with repetitive time entries where you tend to say the same things over and over, with only a few minor adjustments.  If you need help configuring Shortkeys on your computer, just call the Help Desk.

Although Shortkeys is not available for iPhone or Android, many users find the dictation software on those devices to be useful.  Rather than typing in your descriptions, just click on the microphone and dictate.  It is pretty accurate and much faster.

Maps

There are lots of map programs available.  MapQuest is a favorite for many.  There are also Yahoo Maps, and Bing Maps available for use on the PC, although I haven't used them much.  Personally, I like Google Maps.  It is usually pretty accurate has many useful features, and I have gotten used to it over the years.  That will be my focus on this post.

Google Maps Desktop

Google Maps is handy on the desktop.  I can find an address, use Google Street View to see a picture of the location, get directions from another point, view current traffic, get a prediction on traffic at certain times or days of the week, etc.

I can also search an area for specific businesses or categories (restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc.).  Aside from directions, I most commonly use the traffic feature to see if my planned router is having any problems. Overall, I find it quite helpful and that it has improved over the years.

Google Maps Mobile

Google Maps is also available on my phone.  Since we usually want to have a map when in the car or otherwise on the move, my Google Maps phone app gets used rather heavily.  With mobile, I can do most of what I get from the PC version.  One thing I like especially is that if I search a destination on my computer, when I get in my car can prepare to set a destination on my phone, Google the last few destinations on my computer right there, so I don't have to type it in on my phone.

I can also have it read me directions while I am driving, much like a GPS.  Of course it is not a good idea to mess with any phone apps while driving.  In fact, it is illegal in most States to be doing anything on your phone while driving.  But if you set up your directions before you start, you can have your phone read directions to you over the speaker without touching the device.  You can also get a dashboard mount for your phone so you can see the directions without touching it.

Hint: running the map for a long time will drain your battery pretty quickly,  You may want to plug your phone into your car adapter for long trips.

I find Google maps on my phone to be better than the GPS built into most cars.  It seems far more accurate.  In addition, I can get real time traffic information on my phone, unlike the GPS.

Waze

On a recent recommendation, I started using a new app called Waze.  Waze is an app available for both iPhone and Androids.  It has your traditional maps, but also receives information back from other users to give you real time information about traffic speeds, etc.  It allows users to report problems, such as accidents.  It also allows the to report police speed traps.

I have used it for a few weeks and find it interesting.  Like Google Maps, you can set up directions ahead of time and have it tell you when to make turns.  Waze provides much more detail as you are driving along.  It warns you of potential traffic issues such as an accident reported ahead on your route.  Sometimes it provides a little too much information, such as telling me every time there is a disabled car on the shoulder ahead.

 I don't know if it will replace Google maps for me, but you may find it useful when driving.  Particularly if you drive in high traffic areas, Waze's real time traffic information and its ability to provide alternative routes on the fly can make it very handy to find the best way through a jammed rush hour.

The Future of Email

Move from GroupWise to Gmail

For many years, the firm used Novell GroupWise for its email and calendaring system.  About two years ago, we switched to what is today called Google for Work as our email system.  In making this change, we lost some features, had to go through the difficulties associated with migrating all of our existing data to the new system, and had to relearn how to work with email the Google way.  Many have expressed to me their unhappiness with the change, so I thought I would spend today's post explaining why we made the change.

The change was not made lightly.  I have  had a personal Gmail account since early 2005, when the Gmail was still in beta testing.  I created a test domain with Google back 2008.  For several years, I judged Gmail not ready for the enterprise environment, but kept watching it improve.  We eventually created a test group that worked with the test system for many months and eventually made the decision in early 2013 to move the firm and its domain to manage Gmail.  The data and user migration itself took nearly a year to complete.

Reasons for the Change

There were many reasons for the change, including the following:

• Mobility: Gmail offers a much easier way to connect to iPhone and Android devices, as well as other access outside the office.  By removing the need for a client, you can check email on any computer with Internet access from anywhere in the world.  Although GroupWise had a web component, it was limited in its ability and difficult to use for many functions.
  
• Disaster Recovery: because Gmail is available from anywhere at any time, a disaster event that shuts down an office does not put us out of business.  We had two snow related events that caused an office to be shut down for several days while using GroupWise.  Attorneys could not access mail because the server containing their mailbox could nto get power.  Should such an event happen today, attorneys can still access email from home or a coffee shop without having to worry that the mail server is sitting in a powerless building.
  
• Better Mail Management: GroupWise tended to slow down the more mail you kept stored in your mailbox.  Gmail is designed so that even if you have tens of thousands of emails in your inbox, it does not get slowed down trying to sort and present them to you every time you open your account.
  
• Spam Filtering: Our spam filtering service went out of business in 2013.  A new service was going to cost as much per user as all of Gmail, which includes spam filtering.
  
• Server Proliferation: maintaining GroupWise required the maintenance of a mail server, a second server to connect phones to the mail system, a third server to handle web and internet interface issues, as well as space on six servers in various satellite offices.  Maintaining all that at a time when IT staff was shrinking was becoming too difficult.
  
• Remote Access Complaints: When using GroupWise remotely or from offices that did not have a local server, there were quite valid complaints about how slowly GroupWise operated.  By contrast, Gmail is designed to operate over low bandwidth Internet connections and works much better under such circumstances.
  
• Extra Features: In addition to mail, contacts and calendars, Google for Work offers a wide range of other features and add-ons, including Google Drive, video conferencing, instant chat, etc.  It also offers additional benefits behind the scenes benefits such as encrypted communications for clients who demand it, and management of cell phone devices to protect the security of email content.
  
• Elimination of several bugs: GroupWise had been giving us problems with corruption of archived mail, as well as issues related to addressing sent mail properly.  These are issues we were able to leave behind by moving to Google.
  
• Better Backup and Recovery: Use of Google Vault allows us to search for and recover any emails sent to or from the firm.  This makes tracking disputes over whether an email was sent much easier.  It also allows us to find content a user might have accidentally deleted but now needs.

Despite the difficulty of any transition and despite the loss of a few features we may have like in GroupWise, I think the switch was a major improvement for the firm.

Alternative Solutions:

Some have asked why the firm did not switch to a Microsoft Exchange system.  For me, this would have been worse choice than staying with GroupWise.  The problems of server proliferation and staff time spent fixing data problems or hardware and software glitches would have become worse.  Exchange would not only be more expensive and time consuming to run, but would probably result in increased down time.  It would increased IT staffing needs, resulting in increased costs.  Also, because Exchange must be updated every few years, the costs and inconveniences of upgrade would have made things worse.

Another option would have been to have a hosted Exchange server.  This essentially would shift the hassles of running the exchange server to a third party.  We looked at this option.  In addition to being more expensive, we would be reliant on the quality of services of whomever was managing our server.  Service and support might not live up to promises.  We also found greatly increased costs for various options that might need to be added later, such as encryption for clients would add extra costs.

A third alternative would have been to go with a competing cloud solution, such as Microsoft Office 365.  Microsoft did not start this service until mid-2011, after we were well into testing Google.  In its infancy, Microsoft had a great many bugs to work out.  It also offered few extras and was charging a great deal more and offering less features.  In addition, the web client was rather weak and limited, and using a new mail client would reduce our ability to access mail from outside the office and create additional expenses.  Google's solution made much more sense.

There were a number of other mail services that we considered.  But I was attracted to the security of having a large established multinational corporation that that could back up its data all over the world, and unlikely to go bankrupt to be a strong selling point for Google over many smaller companies offering similar services. 

Using a New Interface.

Of course, no solution is perfect, and I know people have complaints about Gmail.  One of the most commonly expressed is frustration with the user interface, i.e. the web page that shows the inbox.  Many people more familiar with other mail clients have found it difficult to get used to this.  

For a time, we considered adding a mail client to work with Gmail.  We tested Mozilla Thunderbird extensively, but were not satisfied with how it worked and decided not to send to a test group.

We are still evaluating whether to use MS Outlook as a mail client that can connect to Gmail.  This will give users the ability to do their mail in Outlook without having to use the Gmail web interface.

I have concerns about this option, not the least of which is that it is another point of failure.  It is another program that the help desk would need to learn and support.  There is the cost of getting Outlook for many users not using MS Office.  There are configuration issues related to keeping Outlook in sync with Gmail.  There will inevitably be difficulties with users who use Outlook sometimes and the web interface other times, with different features available depending on how it is accessed.  Obviously, Outlook would not be available on every device you might access your mail account, meaning there would inevitably be some back and forth.  I also don't put it past Microsoft to create bugs when connecting Outlook to Gmail, or eventually cutting off Google's ability to use its patented ActiveSync technology in order to force users to drop Gmail for Microsoft's solution.

These concerns aside, we have been evaluating Outlook as an option and have been testing its benefits and limits.

Gmail Will Remain for the Foreseeable Future

Some have asked if we might switch our Email to Office 365 or another provider.  I am still convinced that Gmail provides the best option for the firm.  Even if I were to be convinced there is something better, it would take several years to plan and execute a conversion of all of our data.  I am unlikely to put the firm through such a disruptive event again unless there was a marked benefit to the change.  At present, I do not see that with any other service or system.

What are your thoughts?

I have  tried to express my view in this article.  But you the users have a say in where we may move in the future.  If there are good reasons to change, we are always open to looking at other solutions.  You can make your opinions known by taking the poll below.  Click on the link below to take the firm's poll on email systems:

Take the Poll

See the Results

The results will update as more people take the poll, so feel free to check back.

Laptops mobility vs. desktop replacement

Size Matters

For many years, the firm has purchased full size laptops with 15" screens for attorneys.  They are bigger and bulkier than many newer laptops available.  But as they were considered desktop replacements, many people wanted the larger screens and full keyboards.

We could purchase smaller and lighter laptops, but they have smaller screens, smaller keyboards, and most do away with CD/DVD drives.  Are these sacrifices worth the savings on size and weight?  I certainly welcome user feedback on this question.  If you wish, take my poll on laptops:

Take the Laptop Survey

See the Responses

Docking Stations

Another question I often hear is why the firm no longer purchases docking stations for laptops.  In the past, firm laptops came with special ports on the bottom of the laptop, so a user could easily connect to a docking station with little effort.  Newer laptops purchased by the firm do not have this docking, and have caused us to rely on USB port replicators or other devices for users who want to use various external accessories at their desk.  It also requires the user to plug and unplug more wires when taking the computer to and from the office.

The reason for this is cost.  A laptop with similar specs to what we are currently buying, but which also has the docking station port, costs around $500 more.  The docking station itself is another $200 or more.  Multiply that by more than 100 attorneys, on average going through a laptop every 2-3 years, and you have added roughly $35k to annual IT costs vs the nuisance of having to pull a few extra plugs when you take your computer home.

Lenovo has developed a new device called Onelink that allows you to connect multiple devices through your power connection.  This only works on the newer laptops with the rectangular power plugs.  If you have one with a circular tip, it will not work for you.  Onelink allows you to plug into your power cord, and immediately have your keyboard, mouse, monitor, and other external devices connected.  We are currently testing this device to see if it works as promised, but it may be available soon for those who regularly carry their laptops home and have multiple cables to reconnect.

Tablets Will Not Replace Laptops

I have also been asked whether tablets may eventually replace our laptops.  I am a fan of tablets for many features.  They are convenient for mobility as they are much smaller and lighter than laptops and have longer battery life. I much prefer the larger tablet screen, compared to my phone.  But I don't see tablets working as a laptop replacement any time soon.  For starters, most tablets run on IOS or Android.  These systems are simply incompatible with a  great many of our programs.  Some of this could be overcome with some solutions such as virtual desktop, but the cost to the firm to invest in such a system makes this unlikely in the foreseeable future.  Tablet screens are also much smaller than for laptops.  Lack of full size keyboards and mice also make them difficult to work with, unless you also want to carry around a bag full of accessories.

Tablets, in my opinion, are nice supplements to laptop or desktop computers, but not a replacement.  Typically, they are stripped down so that the memory and processing power is not as much as you would find in a laptop.  The OS is also not nearly as robust as you would find on a PC or laptop.  There will likely be more powerful tablets in the future, but this will then take away from what makes them useful.  They will demand more power and have shorter battery life, or they will become bulkier to handle a larger screen or more powerful battery.

Another real weakness is accessories.  You can attach a wireless keyboard or mouse, but a great many accessories will not work with a tablet.  Other things such as printers, flash drives, DVD drives, etc. do not easily connect to a tablet, at least not without buying special wireless accessories.  In short, there are many advantages to having a tablet in addition to a computer, but not as a replacement.  And the firm does not wish to pay the costs of providing attorneys or staff with both.

Price Remains Key to Adoption of New Features

Other newer laptop features such as touch screens, or solid state drives (which improve performance) will probably come to be used eventually.  But given the firm's focus on cost savings we probably will not see those on firm computers until the cost differential falls substantially.

Double Sided Printing

I was recently asked a question about printing on double sided.  Printing on both sides of a papers saves both money and storage space.

By default, you might want to leave printer settings on one sided, only because court filings or letters probably need to be sent one sided, and you don't want to have to reprint things that went to two sides by mistake.  When printing from Google, you should see a check box for two sided printing.  For other apps, there is usually a printer options window that comes up before printing.  You can select two sided there if your printer supports it.

Most of the HP printers in use at your desk are capable of printing on two sides, although some of our older models do not.  If the name of the printer has a D in it, D is for duplex and you should have an option to print to two sides.  Similarly, almost all copiers firm-wide can print on both sides.  You can also request that reliable print out on two sides if you want them to do that.

If you have any questions about how to print on two sides, feel free to call the help desk.

Windows: Newer is Not Always Better

Today I will address questions about the firm's policy on Operating Systems, what we support and why we support or don't support others.

Firm History with Windows

For several years the firm has relied on Windows 7 to meet its needs.  Before that it was XP, and before that the standard was 98se.  You may notice we skipped quite a few versions of Windows.  The firm never adopted Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, or most recently Windows 8.   There are many reasons for this, but the bottom line is that Microsoft has taken a great many missteps in its attempts to push forward.  Many of these rejected versions were unstable, did not work with certain products on which the firm relies, or have had difficult user interfaces.

Change is Never Easy

The IT Department tests every version of Windows that is released for compatibility, stability, and other issues and judges each.  We were very quick to jump on the XP bandwagon when it was released in 2001.  XP offered a great improvement in stability and memory management over earlier versions.  It's user interface was not terribly different from what came before, thus minimizing training issues for end users.  Also, it's wide adoption by the market ensured that all programs and applications would be compatible with it.

Our switch to Windows 7 a few years ago was more delayed and tentative.  Although released in 2009, we did not begin deploying computers with Windows 7 until 2011.  Making the change also required upgrading the versions of WordPerfect we were using as well as other applications, including our VPN client.  Most importantly, Windows 7 was incompatible with the version of Elite Time and Billing that we used at the time, resulting in the need for a major upgrade of the time and billing system costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I point out all this to make clear that changing our OS does not simply mean we start buying computers with the new OS on it.  Such fundamental changes take planning, testing, and multiple product upgrades.  Such changes are not made lightly.

Today we are all about XP and 7

Because Windows XP is no longer receiving security updates, we are working our way through a multi-year project to retire all of our Windows XP computers.  Believe it or not, there are still some desktops in use from 2001/02 when we first began to deploy XP computers.  These machines have served us well but are well beyond where we need to be today.

We are using Windows 7 as our standard.  Even though Windows 8 has been out since 2012, it has been widely rejected by the marketplace.  There are several compatibility issues.  Also, most users find the very different user interface confusing and confounding.  Microsoft has heard these complaints, and it moving back to an interface much more familiar to Windows 7 users when it releases Windows 10 later this year. (MS is inexplicably skipping Windows 9, having renamed its Windows 9 development project Windows 10.)  Assuming it meets our requirements, I suspect we may move directly to 10 at some point.  Exactly when this happens will depend greatly on our testing for compatibility and other purposes.

We are not alone in this.  A sizable majority of all computers in use today worldwide use Windows 7.  The second largest is Windows XP, with Windows 8 and 8.1 combined making up less than 15% of all desktops, despite having been on the market for nearly three years now.

Home Computer Choices

If you are buying a home computer, I recommend Windows 7.  You can still buy computers with Windows 7 pre-installed.  Newer is not always better.  There are a number of things you can do in 7 that you cannot do in 8 or 8.1.  For example, Windows 8 does not come with DVD codecs.  If you want to watch a movie on your computer with Windows XP or 7 just require you to throw in the disk.  If you have Windows 8, you would need to get a third party player to install.

Additionally, the user interface for 8 has been widely criticized by just about everyone.  Microsoft tried to make an interface that would work well on all platforms, from phone to table to desktop.  It ignored the reality that the interface for a small screen phone really needs to be different from that of a PC with a giant monitor.

All that said, most firm resources will run on Windows 8, although if you need help, neither I nor the rest of the IT staff have a great deal of experience with this OS.

Similarly, if you are a fan of the Mac or Linux, most firm programs will not run on these systems.  Of course, Gmail is available on just about anything with a browser.  But you will be on your own trying to connect to our network or access files.  I do not recommend staying beyond Windows if you want to be compatible with the firm.

Going Forward

I have been very focused on trying to make resources available on a wider variety of devices.  The rise of IOS and Android devices are examples of new things we are trying to accommodate.  This is one reason we decided to move our mail system to Google.  The recent addition of iTimeKeep for time entry, that will run on just about anything, is a great improvement over Webview, which required a VPN connection and only runs on certain version of Internet Explorer.

We will continue to move in the direction of making mobility more accessible.  But compatibility is best when using a device running Windows, and a version of Windows that IT has tested and approved.