Whats the Difference Between Windows 7 and Windows 10?

Released on July 29, 2015, Windows 10 is now the operating system of choice for more than 61 percent of all Windows-based PCs.

In some ways, the design looks forward and back: Unlike recent iterations, the latest version marks a return to the classic Start Menu for access to applications and it also includes Live Tiles that show relevant, real-time data (a nod to Windows 8 functionality).

In addition, Windows 10 streamlines search and notification functions with a dedicated search bar at the bottom of the desktop and notification center in the bottom-right corner, making it easier for users to search, schedule upgrades or make changes.

Its also notable for incorporating virtual desktops, automatic updates and improved security. A detailed rundown in BizTech explains these and other points to consider.

READ MORE: The Complete Business Guide to Windows 10

A Windows 10 rollout requires advance planning and team cooperation to successfully execute. That outcome is especially critical in healthcare, an industry prone to hacking and whose mobile tools are increasing in use and number.

Among the questions that businesses should be asking:

Making sure all stakeholders are educated and aligned before a kickoff is critical, notes technology consultant and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Russell Smith, who addresses these issues and more below.

READ MORE: 5 Essential Questions to Answer for a Smooth Windows 10 Migration

Enhanced security functions found in Windows 10 are key to helping protect medical data and devices from harm. They include:

Windows 10 includes tools for smarter browsing and collaboration, including the Microsoft Edge browser. Users can annotate web pages using a keyboard or a stylus pen on the touch screen of a Microsoft Surface tablet, and share the notes. The software also works faster than its predecessors, thus boosting productivity.

In addition, Microsoft recently announced new Teams features that include advanced messaging capabilities, such as priority notifications and message delegation. The features also can integrate electronic health records for better care coordination.

READ MORE: How Windows 10 Can Improve Healthcare Collaboration, Communication

A Windows 10 transition doesnt happen overnight, as a HealthTech profile of several hospitals and clinics making the move have found.

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in Houston spent two years preparing for a migration. The systems IT staff made the shift look easy but the process required infrastructure upgrades, training and painstaking work to ensure applications would be compatible with the new operating system.

Similarly, Michigan Medicine opted to replace 70 percent of its 35,000 aging computers to ensure Windows 10 compliance and usability. To tackle the massive task, the medical system hired a third party to warehouse and unbox new equipment; it also created three internal teams to manage progress across facilities.

Allegro Pediatrics in Washington state also started early, by allowing some doctors to test and familiarize themselves with computers equipped with Windows 10 before a companywide rollout. It was one of the easiest transitions Ive ever been part of, says Brock Morris, Allegros CIO and chief marketing and communications officer.

READ MORE: Healthcare Organizations Face Hurdles as They Move to Windows 10

Windows 7s end of life has massive implications for healthcare organizations, many of which havent updated their supporting infrastructure for medical devices due to longer device and vendor lifecycles.

Also complicating matters: a number of medical device manufacturers continue to ship devices that have computers running Windows 7.

A critical step is isolating and segmenting legacy Windows 7, Server 2008 and older devices so they dont communicate with the rest of the network unless absolutely necessary. Network segmentation also reduces the attack surface and can prevent attackers from probing and pivoting across the network.

Provider organizations should also develop solutions to run applications that cannot be updated to newer versions of Windows remotely. Its possible to run these applications on an isolated environment and use a tool like Microsoft RemoteApp to display them on newer PCs.

READ MORE: Device Security Must Be Top of Mind for Providers During a Windows 10 Migration

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Moving to Windows 10 in Healthcare: Read Our Complete Coverage - HealthTech Magazine