Windows Vista has been out for just over a year and, as usual for OS releases, it has been met with mixed reviews. But your small nonprofit is still operating on Windows XP (or some other version) and wanting to know if it’s time to upgrade. Whether you are using Macs or PCs, here’s a few questions you want to ask before making the switch to a new operating system.

Operating SystemHas the OS been out long enough to work out all the bugs? Microsoft will often release a free patch that corrects software bugs a year or two after the new OS launch. It may be a good idea to wait until the patch is released before making the change.

Is the new OS a significant improvement over our current system? Does the new operating system offer any valuable improvements over the current system? Usually a change in OS does not mean a significant improvement in productivity, but there may be other advantages.

Will the new OS work on your current computers? If an upgrade also requires new hardware, then consider the cost before making a decision. You may be better off buying new computers with the new OS already installed. If you were planning a computer upgrade in the next year, don’t purchase a new OS.

Will your peripherals devices (e.g. printers, monitors, scanners) work with the new OS? Often times, older peripherals will not have the necessary driver to operate with new OS releases. Check this out before making an upgrade.

Do you have a knowledgeable person to install the OS and assist with the transition? Can this be handled in-house, or will you need to hire a consultant/contractor to do the work? Will training be required for staff using the new OS? Consider all the possible disruptions before taking this step, and plan for how these will be handled.

If you have one, how will the upgrade affect your network? You will probably want to upgrade every computer at the same time, and be sure the network will continue to function. Plan ahead so your network isn’t down for several days while you try to solve problems.

Is your old operating system will supported? As software ages, the manufacturer will eventually stop providing updates and support. Microsoft current supports Vista and releases immediately prior to Vista. Don’t expect any new updates for Windows 96.

After answering each of these questions you should have a good idea whether or not upgrading your OS is worth the trouble and expense. But here’s my simple rule for when to upgrade operating systems. I upgrade whenever I find that what I need to do is only possible on the new operating system. In other words, I wait until the need is evident before making the switch. For the nonprofits I have worked at, this is typically a year or two after the release of the new OS.

So, take your time and don’t rush to buy the latest OS. Carefully weight the pros and cons and make an educated decision.

[PhotoCredit:RudolfSchuba]