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ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
 Posted - 03/15/2003 : 09:04:35
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ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2003 : 09:08:41
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It seems to me that becoming a little more standardized, especially in the area of computers would assist us as a group.
My suggestion is that, as we move forward, we consider the computer operating system we use.
I am suggesting that we began a slow move to standardizing on Windows 2000.
Please weigh in here and lets hash this thought out.
It seems to me that we could benefit by standardizing several areas of adjusting and this might be a start. |
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ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2003 : 09:09:52
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| In my previous post I used "we". "we" to my mind is the CADO community. |
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2003 : 10:08:19
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Chuck, I don't doubt that there are a number of areas of standardization, that if achieved; would benefit the claims and adjustment process.
However, to start with, are you suggesting that the OS platform be 'designated' or 'limited to' - W2000? Or, more generally to any current MS platform?
I've heard of people having various problems with XP, Millenium and various other MS platforms, where their specific applications go beyond general usage or have the involvement of any technical software beyond minimal usage. I've never seen anyone in a claims function using an Apple product, but it likely exists to some degree. Is this the type of 1st step you had in mind?
Can you provide us with the basic 3 or 5 reasons, that standardization to an OS; would benefit our function?
Do these benefits go beyond the quirks related to the transmission of documents and data?
There is a lot of work being done by IT types to develop portal platforms, that will eventually allow transmission of computerized content, to flow freely between operating systems. This IT development, is focused on the big picture of all the service type providers to the insurance industry. |
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ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2003 : 12:43:53
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Several of the posters use Windows 2000 and it seems to be a stable platform.
My thought is that CADO members might have designated OS and I suggest Windows 2000.
Microsoft's domination of the OS market leads me to beleive that Microsoft intends to force a move from 98 SE, they have already ceased to support Windows 95, and that that move will lead to being forced to run soft ware compliant with XP. Most notably the Office suite.
My thought is that if the CADO members, standardized/designated one operating system, benefits would acrue. For one thing when a member has a computer problem on a storm site there would be others using the same software who could assist.
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Ghostbuster
476 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2003 : 13:32:24
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Chucky-poo, I reached my limit on upgrading this and that. Everytime I look in my cabniet at the ever larger growing stack of yesterdays whiz bang upgrades, it makes me realize the utter futility of keeping up with the Jones and Gates and Big X.
If anything, I'm to the point where my last upgrade is going to be the new chrome plated, plastic clipboard with an erasable ball point pen and yellow ruled pad. Are there any suckers out there who would like to make a bid on a box of never used 5 1/2" floppy discs from 1990?
Enough is enough! |
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tomgriffin56
USA
88 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2003 : 13:52:36
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| I was actually forced by one carrier to upgrade to where I could run MS Office 2000 or above in order to utilize their various spreadsheets and etcetera which they would send us to fill out and then send back to them. I went ahead and upgraded my whole system, 2.4 Ghz, 512 RAM, DVD/CD-RW, 15" screen, XP Home edition. I know most people think I should go on up to XP Pro but I haven't had any trouble with what I've got. I tried upgrading my old computer to MS 2000 Pro but kept having problems with various equipment and software so I took the old computer back down to where I had it before and use it as an e-mail and backup system. |
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katadj
USA
315 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2003 : 17:31:56
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I have Win 2K advanced server on the home/office network, and Win 2K on all the laptops and PC's.
Very stable system no more blue screens, crashes etc, xcept when the "old operator error" comes to visit, as in Murphys law.
I am in accord with any kind of standardization, even converting to Red Hat / Linix if necessary.
Whatever makes this boat, firm, float, free, and easy.
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tomgriffin56
USA
88 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2003 : 14:03:47
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Can somebody a touch more tech-oriented and multi-OS experienced give us an idea what the pros and cons of each OS are especially as relates to the various software that CADO members may use?
As I said before I tried switching to MS 2000 Pro but couldn't get drivers for some of my old equipment so I went back to ME on that system and just bought a totally new system including scanner and printer which has XP Home. If I were to go to MS 2K I think I would have to wipe everything on this system and do a clean install due to MS's little scheme of things, am I correct?
I am also willing to standardize as long as I stay competitive in the marketplace and especially if I gain any ground. |
Edited by - tomgriffin56 on 03/16/2003 14:09:31 |
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TomToll
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2003 : 14:52:15
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| Tom, Janice and I have been using XP for over a year and have yet to experience any problems. One thing that helps our system is the installation of an automatic defragmentation program. You can find it at Executive.com. We highly recommend it. |
Tom Toll |
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Gale
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2003 : 15:43:44
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Chuck we have been using MS 2000 for some time in development but have now made it our in-house standard because of its stability. For most adjusters it may be best to run with whatever their new systems ship with (today that is XP Pro or Home) if they do not own MS 2000 currently or would have to hire someone to install it.
Your suggestion would be a step forward in usability and make life easier for the software vendors but I question if most adjusters are into backing up all files and wiping their hard drive, which is really the only “right” way to install a different OS.
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Edited by - Gale on 03/16/2003 15:44:56 |
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tomgriffin56
USA
88 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2003 : 19:34:56
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| I defrag at least once a week if not more and clean out unneeded files every week or two. I try to backup weekly as well. There ain't nothin' worse than sitting there with a blank 'puter screen looking back when you have 30-50 claims waiting!!!!!!! |
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ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2003 : 20:37:16
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My thought wasn't to do an immediate change, but to start a general move. If I understand Microsoft's intention, it is to force changes/upgrades to software that is compatible with XP.
I use Windows 98 SE, most of the time, and have very few problems. I learned the hardway the ins and outs and am able to keep it running, but I see a day coming when XP is going to report to Microsoft what machine you have it on and what software you are running. I know that I am going to move to Windows 2000. But my overall thought was that there are several areas where standardization would help to sell our product. |
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ShermaninCO
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2003 : 16:23:13
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| It is hard to buy a laptop now without WinXP either home or pro. The only difference in the pro is it has a little more remote support capabilities built in, for most adjusters this is not nessesary and not worth the added cost. |
Bill Sherman
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katadj
USA
315 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2003 : 20:05:34
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There are many unknowns with XP, as well as many "yet to be determined" issues.
A) You can only load the OS twice.
B) The OS has much more access to your computer,especially stored information, when you are online.
C) The OS is NOT tried and true as is Win2K.
D) The OS MAY require you to repurchase/ REUP it every year, (To be Determined)
Win 2k is the base system if we are to stay with the Win product. The other options are Linux and perhaps others.
A Major change. (such as swithching OS), on our parts will have to be interfaced with the vendors and the carriers, and this will be an ardous and time consuming task.
There is always more to the package than the wrapping.
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Gale
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2003 : 19:48:16
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| RD that is a good summary. Microsoft makes us cry a lot but will be around for a few more years. Actually there is not even a close second in the world of OS's unless you count Apple and they flipped off the insurance adjusting industry when they dropped the Newton. I think some still are using Write-On from Seamless Software. If they had made it to a positive cash flow I expect the adjusting software industry would be much different today. As Microsoft and McDonald's has taught us all, major key to success is great marketing. :) |
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An OS thought
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