Tech Corner - Technology News & Tips for the Business Computer
User
SWOT the Bugs out of Your Business Plan with
This Cool Tool
The new economy is stirring change
and innovation in many ways for many types of businesses. Wouldn't
it be nice to better understand how a change will impact your
business before you implement it?
One very effective method for
indentifying and planning change in your business is the SWOT
analysis. Originally developed during a business convention at
Stanford in the late 1960’s, the SWOT analysis is a simple yet very
powerful tool for determining whether or not a change will
accomplish the desired outcome. SWOT is an acronym that stands for
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Each of these
terms can be used for categorizing the different aspects of a
business model as it is evaluated.
The SWOT analysis categories provide
a framework to determine values for key parts of an existing
business model, evaluating a new business model or identifying
processes that might be in need of change. Running a SWOT analysis
can be a very simple thing done by a single person or a complex
process that involves everyone in the company.
Here is a link to a really cool free
online tool to help you understand how a SWOT analysis is put
together and help you setup and run one for your own purposes:
http://www.inghenia.com/gadgets/swot/swot_en.php
This software breaks up the process
of evaluation into a typical matrix where strengths and weaknesses
are internal and opportunities and threats are external. All the
text you see in the fields of the lists can be edited so you can
enter your own information to run your own SWOT analysis. Just click
in a field and type.
To run a SWOT analysis on your
business model you might want to consider the following aspects of
your business:
·
Product (what are we
selling?)
·
Process (how are we
selling it?)
·
Customer (to whom are we
selling it?)
·
Production (how do we
produce and deliver it?)
·
Finance (what are the
prices, costs and profits?)
·
Administration (how do we
manage all of the above?)
As you begin to evaluate the items
above you will inevitably see the need to sub-divide some of the
items into smaller parts in order to be effective. In some cases you
may want to run a primary SWOT analysis on the categories above to
identify the top level strengths and weaknesses of your business
model and then a secondary SWOT analysis on items within each
category to identify specific targets for improvement. After you
have listed all of the parts of the business model to be evaluated
you begin to identify and rate all aspects of each item based on the
four SWOT categories.
For example, what are the strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats of your products in the
current market? Competitive pricing might be a strength. Low demand
might be a weakness. Compatibility to outsourcing might be an
opportunity. Growing imports in your market might be a threat. Try
to identify all the relevant aspects of your products that can be
categorized in this manner. Give each one a value for its SWOT
category rated on a scale of -10 to 10 according to its dynamic
factors such as the ease or difficulty involved in changing it for
the good of your company or the level of impact it will have on your
business goals.
As you work through your business
model with this process using the online software at the link above,
a perspective will soon emerge that will provide insight for action.
As you might imagine, the scoring of each item you evaluate will be
actionable according to its SWOT values and reveal high percentage
options for adapting your business model. In other words:
·
Items that score high in
strengths should be maintained or expanded.
·
Items that score high in
opportunities should be adopted or become priorities for planned
improvements.
·
Items that score high in
weaknesses should be remedied or eliminated.
·
Items that score high in
threats should be countered by whatever means available.
Sometimes the best tool for a tough
job is one that is well worn, tried and true. Done correctly, a SWOT
analysis should provide information you will need to make positive
changes to your business with greater confidence and reduced risk.
Windows 32bit vs. 64bit OS’s
Like any other subject of common conversation, computer technology
has its share of myths, rumors and urban legends in circulation at
any given time. One topic that seems to have the rumor mill
grinding lately is the difference between 32bit and 64bit versions
of the Windows operating system.
The release of Windows 7 has the potential to turn the discussion in
a completely different direction, because WN7 is a completely
different animal in this regard. This will no doubt add to the
confusion that already exists.
This edition of the Tech Corner will attempt to set the record
straight with fact based information about the differences and how
to choose the right OS. But first, let’s put to rest some of the
myths.
Busting the Myths
First and most prevalent is the myth that a 64bit OS is
“future-ware” and of little use in the present day beyond the realm
of high-end gaming since there are very few software applications
that are written for 64bit systems. The fact is that 64bit versions
of the Windows various operating systems have been in use for
several years and there are cases where business computers with
64bit systems are quite useful today. WN7 offers drastic performance
increases with the 64bit version, if you have the hardware to run it
correctly.
Next is the myth that 32bit software will actually run slower on a
64bit OS. This is one of those strange urban legend type myths that
is totally untrue but has a familiar ring to it so it spreads at a
high rate of speed among those that don’t understand the topic –
which would include most business computer users not involved in the
business of I.T. The fact is that software written for a 32bit OS
either runs fine on a 64bit OS or it is incompatible with obvious
issues. Even incompatible software will run fine on a 64bit system
in Vista and WN7 if the built in compatibility protocols are
utilized.
Last, there is a smorgasbord of myths concerning specific benefits
and perils with a 64bit OS on a computer. These myths are usually
based in misinterpretation of facts about how much RAM is used by
various operating systems and how OS’s work with drivers. This is
not surprising, because the facts can be a bit confusing.
For example, many people think only 64bit versions of XP or Vista
can use over 3GB of RAM. This is true for the most part but the
32bit versions of Vista can “recognize” up to 4GB of RAM in the
system, even though no 32bit system can use the extra RAM for system
processes like a 64bit system. Confused? Unless you have an
integrated video device that can share the RAM, 32bit Vista can see
4GB but like XP 32bit it will only use 2.8 GB of the RAM for
computing. 64bit Vista Business can use up to 128GB of RAM, a
ridiculous concept for a workstation since peak usage for even the
most demanding applications rarely exceeds 2GB of RAM. The primary
use for major amounts of RAM is in start up of Windows and programs,
and some other system processes like printing.
64bit systems have the capability of using more RAM and running
faster than 32bit versions but they are unable to accomplish this
feat due to improper or poorly developed drivers. For this reason
certain applications that rely on close integration with hardware
like a video card or peripheral like a printer function poorly or
experience errors with a 64bit system. Even though this is really a
driver issue that isn’t actually related to the 64bit OS, the word
gets around on the blogs that the 64bit OS is the problem since
things seem to work fine in a 32bit system. WN7 is about to change
all that for the better.
So what is the straight story?
It’s really pretty simple. 64bit versions of Windows are an
excellent option where they fit the need, but they are only a fit
for certain circumstances. For the purpose of this article, let’s
assume that we are talking about business workstation computers only
and not servers or computers for recreational or home use. Within
that scope, what follows are the facts about 64bit OS’s for
workstations.
The primary benefits of a 64bit OS are the increased computing
capacity of having twice the bandwidth of data flow, the ability to
use more system memory (RAM) and increased protection against
malware and viruses. The main drawbacks are that there are a limited
number of hardware drivers and virus software applications available
for XP and Vista 64bit systems when compared to 32bit systems. WN7
promises to have a much wider compatibility with drivers than
previous versions. Understanding what these facts actually mean is
the key to making the right choice of OS.
RAM and the 64bit OS
Many people know that a 64bit OS will recognize and use more RAM
than a 32bit OS but they don’t understand the primary function of
RAM in a modern workstation computer. All current versions of
Windows use RAM primarily as a buffer or loading mechanism when
opening or closing the OS or a software application, or processing a
file. This also includes OS functions like saving or processing
files for storage or printing. Once a software application is open
and running the speed at which it runs is primarily dictated by the
horsepower of the processor (CPU) and other system components – not
the amount of RAM.
This buffering process is a function of the Windows operating
system, not the software application or file being loaded, so it
doesn’t matter if the software is designed for a 64bit OS or a 32bit
OS – the increase in speed is still realized – if such an increase
is possible.
Ah, now you may be asking why wouldn’t an increase in speed be
possible?
Answer – if you have a robust, well matched set of hardware in your
workstation currently, the computer may already be loading most
applications and processing files as fast as possible with a 32bit
OS! At a certain threshold of performance the increase in speed
resulting from the ability to use more RAM may be negligible due to
the limitations of how Windows works with hardware in all versions
prior to WN7. Windows 7 has fundamentally changed that aspect of the
OS so 64bit versions of the new OS are much faster than the 32bit
versions – but only if you have the hardware to run it.
Also, all RAM is not the same. The type of RAM that is typically
used in the average desktop computer that you might find in retail
stores costs about 20 bucks for a 1GB stick and it has a capacity
rating for bandwidth and speed that just meets the minimum
requirements of the hardware and OS for that PC. A 1GB stick of high
performance RAM can cost over $100 and have performance capacities
that are exponentially higher than the $20 dollar stick. In terms of
actual performance 2GB of high quality, high speed RAM with a 32bit
OS can actually work better than 4GB of the cheap stuff with a 64bit
OS.
64bit Systems and Software
With the exception of 16bit software (DOS) and older 32bit software
that runs in 32bit Windows by using a 32bit shell over a DOS
application, software compatibility issues with a 64bit OS are
generally limited to virus software and hardware drivers. Almost all
32bit software applications that have been written for Windows XP or
Vista will run fine and load faster (RAM and other hardware
permitting) in a 64bit Windows operating system. If there is a
problem, installing the software to run in compatibility mode
assures that it runs in the 64bit OS just like it would run in a
32bit OS.
Virus software and hardware drivers must be 64bit versions, that is
to say developed specifically for use with a 64bit OS in order to be
compatible. This is due to the fact that bug-ware and drivers
interact with parts of Windows that applications like design
software or a word processor never use.
As always, there are certain exceptions to the rule. Some software
applications rely on specific hardware drivers to function
correctly, and those applications can have issues with a 64bit OS.
Most applications that fall into that category are recreational in
nature or non-essential for business. Examples might include music
software like I-Tunes or software for a Bluetooth headset or mouse.
Cheap discount rack software or shareware apps that are the product
of low quality or non-standard programming practices may also have
problems running in a 64bit OS.
We have extensively tested quality software applications like MS
Office and CV Solid in 64bit systems and found no issues at all.
64bit Systems and Hardware
Most conventional drivers for quality mainstream hardware such as
video cards, motherboards, network adapters, printers, keyboards and
mice are readily available for 64bit versions of Windows. Once again
there are exceptions. New multifunction printer-scanner devices and
trendy new Bluetooth devices may not have drivers for 64bit
applications even though they are quality products. Handheld devices
like smart phones and PDA’s may also lack software versions to
connect to a 64bit system. Software to connect digital cameras and
drivers for memory stick readers may also have compatibility issues.
This depends on market demand and the diligence of the hardware
manufacturer in developing software and drivers and varies from one
brand to the next.
64bit Systems and Virus Protection
The security benefits of a 64bit OS gets pretty technical in the
details but the short story is that a computer running a 64bit
version of Windows has certain additional protection against
malicious or rouge software intrusion that is not possible in a
32bit OS. Many modern CPU’s have a type of protection built right
into the hardware called DEP that will only function in a 64bit OS.
Also, the 64bit versions of Vista protect the Windows Kernel (one of
the most critical parts of the OS) from any modification by viruses
or unauthorized software updates by drivers or programs. Not a big
deal for most users but it’s a plus nonetheless.
Windows 7 Changes Everything
The trial versions of Windows 7 64bit that we have tested have been
remarkably stable and compatible – far beyond any previous version
of Windows. This is because WN7 has finally dealt with the issues
that existed in previous versions regarding the use of hardware.
Until WN7 the Windows OS was years behind the hardware that has been
available in the market. WN7 makes use of modern technology in
hardware while providing new levels of software compatibility that
are long overdue.
Making the Decision
Speaking in the broadest terms, if you have a quality high
performance desktop or notebook workstation that is relatively
current technology you can probably update to a 64bit OS without
major issues – but you probably don’t need to unless you are going
to upgrade to WN7. If you are using a computer that is up to the
task of running your business and manufacturing software
applications now, the time and effort required to update to a 64bit
version of older versions of Windows probably won’t be worth the
minimal increase in overall performance.
Over the course of several years of bench testing we have rarely
seen any business or manufacturing software application max out the
system resources of the computers that we build and sell here at
1Goal with 32bit versions of Windows. Running applications on a
single user workstation only needs so much horsepower and anything
over and above that is just folly for bragging rights.
But we have sold lots of computers with older 64bit OS’s when that
type of system was called for. For example, due to the speed
constraints caused by heat management in laptops we have found that
64bit operating systems provide significant performance improvements
with mobile computing technology over the 32bit versions. Also, we
always suggest a 64bit OS for the dedicated CV Solid servers and
server/workstation desktop machines that we build. This is due to
the fact that multiple users accessing programs and files on the
same machine can benefit from the 64bit OS’s ability to use of
larger amounts of RAM much more than a single user workstation.
If you can see the need for a 64bit OS now that you have the facts
then you might as well give it a go, but before updating an existing
machine or ordering a new computer with a 64bit OS you just need to
do some simple homework and you will avoid all problems. Verify that
your virus software makes a version for 64bit systems and that
compatible drivers are available for all your hardware and
peripherals and then plan accordingly. You will want to backup
everything before upgrading an existing system.
Here is one other tip. Hard drives are cheap. You might consider
adding another hard drive to your new or existing system and setting
up a dual boot machine. That gives you the ability to run your
business software in the faster 64bit system and still boot to the
old 32bit system for playing I-Tunes and rocking out with that
Bluetooth headset that you love.
We always welcome your questions about computers for your business.
Just give us a call or send an email and we will be happy to help.
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