Moving from a Macintosh to a Windows-based personal computer raises a number of issues for the individual or group making the transition. Concerns that will need to be addressed include the purchase of new hardware and software, training in the new Windows environment and new or unfamiliar software packages, and increased support needs requiring increased support staff or additional training of existing support personnel.

Moving one or two individuals from Macintosh to Windows-based computers might seem easy enough, but concerns such as printing, networking, file sharing and software compatibility within a mixed Macintosh and Windows environment pose questions that will require workable answers for all users and support staff. Transitioning an entire group to Windows can eliminate many of the mixed environment concerns, but will require additional training and support to switch the organization to Windows as smoothly as possible.

The following is a list of issues that should be kept in mind when contemplating or beginning the transition from Macintosh to Windows-based computer systems.

Do you have licenses for the Windows applications you will run, or do you have the budget to acquire the programs you will need?

Will Macintosh users in your group need to upgrade their software to provide compatibility with Windows programs? Will everyone be able to share files easily between Macintosh and Windows computers? [Expanded Discussion]

TRAINING/SUPPORT

Are you already familiar with a Windows environment, or will user training be required to get up to speed on the new computer system? Will you or your users require training on the software applications running on the Windows-based computers?

Does your group have sufficient user and/or system support resources to provide assistance to the new Windows users and computers? [Expanded Discussion]

If you will have a mixed environment of Macintosh and Windows-based computers, do you have adequately trained support personnel to handle the proven increase in support needs for a mixed environment¹?

If you are making a complete transition to Windows computers, does your support staff have the Windows knowledge available to assist your group? How will your support staff get that knowledge? [Expanded Discussion]

NETWORKING/DATA SHARING

Do you have a strategy for sharing files between Macintosh and Windows users? Most mixed environments rely on servers to act as bridges for data sharing and networking. Do you have a server computer that both Macintosh and Windows computers can access? Do you have the budget to acquire one? Do you have support staff who can install and maintain such a server?

Do your users know how to share files between Macintosh and Windows computers? Basic knowledge of issues such as file formats, software version compatibility, server folders and directories, and shared media (floppies, zip disks, etc.) will be required to avoid common mistakes when sharing files in a mixed environment of Macintosh and Windows computers. [Expanded Discussion]

Do your current printers offer Windows support? If not, do you have access to printers that can be used by Windows computers, or do you have the budget to acquire printers that will? [Expanded Discussion]

Does your group print to networked printers that are visible to Windows users? Unlike most Macintosh printing over a network, Windows computers require printers to be accessed through a server. Do you have a server that can be used to access printers? [Expanded Discussion]

Does your support staff have sufficient knowledge of server administration to assist your group with both data sharing and printing through servers? How will your support personnel get that knowledge?

CAN YOU PAY FOR IT?

When considering all of the issues involved in transitioning a user or group from a Macintosh to a Windows-based computer, the bottom line is cost. How much time, training, support, hardware and software will be required to make the transition? Each of these elements has a financial component in both the short and long term. The hardware and software you choose can influence your longer-term support and maintenance costs.

How well you train your users and support staff now can reduce the needs for repeat training later. Spend enough now to purchase reliable hardware and software, train your users and support personnel, and develop a server-based network that your support staff can manage. Through wise planning, the up-front costs of a well-crafted transition from Macintosh to Windows-based computers will easily pay for themselves through reduced repair and upgrade costs, lower support costs, less computer and network downtime, and an educated and confident group of Windows users.

(1. Gartner Group Consulting Services. "Technical Support Costs and Dual-Platform Desktops: Managed Diversity." Summary available at http://www.apple.com/whymac/ggstudy/default.html.)

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