Windows XP to Windows 8.1 Upgrade - "Different" notes.
I have a client that replaced one of their computers. Here are some notes from my review.
# Focus was on ease of use for the person using the new computer! NOT on the "best setup" for the computer.
- If the user of the new computer is not happy, the person writing the check is not going to be happy.
The user of the new computer said "Make it like Windows 7, that's what I have at home." That became my primary objective.
#Things that went well.
1) I Set Expectations.
- You're getting a new computer and a new printer. There will be differences.
- You are getting new versions of Word and Excel, etc. Of course they will be familiar but there will be differences. You might have a small learning curve.
- The new version of Quicken will have some expanded capabilities and may do some things differently. Again, expect a learning curve.
- "Test drive" before you need it. If you need a Quicken report for a Friday morning meeting? Don't wait until Friday to run it for the first time.
2) After initial setup and updates, Turn Off Auto-update for Windows, Quicken, anti-virus, etc. These are boot-time killers and resource hogs.
3) I left the old system in place.
- The reality is, something (some file(s)) will be forgotten. If they can get it (them) pretty quickly, they will love you (me), and you will look like you know what you're doing.
#Tips
1) Do a quick Google search on each "item" to be completed.
I found out quickly that you cannot do a straight upgrade from Quicken 2002 to Quicken 2014. Things like that could be handy to know.
2) After you think you are setup, reboot the computer to test boot time.
As quickly as you can <CTRL><ALT><DELETE> and start the Task Manager.
This will show you what is hogging the CPU during boot time.
Adjust accordingly.
3) Keep notes in Evernote.
Links to helpful articles --> Evernote.
Manufacturer's label with model number, serial number, etc. -->Pic --> Evernote
Post-It Note with WiFi information. --> Pic --> Evernote.
Now, all of that information is available to me on my laptop, tablet and phone. Sweeeet!
Lastly, after all is completed, go to your favorite, local tavern an do a review! This will hack the learning curve quite a bit.
Hope this helps.
If you have any ideas or suggestion, let us (me) know.
Joe Mobley
# Focus was on ease of use for the person using the new computer! NOT on the "best setup" for the computer.
- If the user of the new computer is not happy, the person writing the check is not going to be happy.
The user of the new computer said "Make it like Windows 7, that's what I have at home." That became my primary objective.
#Things that went well.
1) I Set Expectations.
- You're getting a new computer and a new printer. There will be differences.
- You are getting new versions of Word and Excel, etc. Of course they will be familiar but there will be differences. You might have a small learning curve.
- The new version of Quicken will have some expanded capabilities and may do some things differently. Again, expect a learning curve.
- "Test drive" before you need it. If you need a Quicken report for a Friday morning meeting? Don't wait until Friday to run it for the first time.
2) After initial setup and updates, Turn Off Auto-update for Windows, Quicken, anti-virus, etc. These are boot-time killers and resource hogs.
3) I left the old system in place.
- The reality is, something (some file(s)) will be forgotten. If they can get it (them) pretty quickly, they will love you (me), and you will look like you know what you're doing.
#Tips
1) Do a quick Google search on each "item" to be completed.
I found out quickly that you cannot do a straight upgrade from Quicken 2002 to Quicken 2014. Things like that could be handy to know.
2) After you think you are setup, reboot the computer to test boot time.
As quickly as you can <CTRL><ALT><DELETE> and start the Task Manager.
This will show you what is hogging the CPU during boot time.
Adjust accordingly.
3) Keep notes in Evernote.
Links to helpful articles --> Evernote.
Manufacturer's label with model number, serial number, etc. -->Pic --> Evernote
Post-It Note with WiFi information. --> Pic --> Evernote.
Now, all of that information is available to me on my laptop, tablet and phone. Sweeeet!
Lastly, after all is completed, go to your favorite, local tavern an do a review! This will hack the learning curve quite a bit.
Hope this helps.
If you have any ideas or suggestion, let us (me) know.
Joe Mobley