Sidekick - Winter 2014 - (Page 38)

R.I.P. Windows XP JASON WERNER HENRY SCHEIN TECHCENTRAL After support ends, your Windows XP PCs could expose your systems and data to real security risks. Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014. If your practice is still running Windows XP, learn what this means for you and what your upgrade options are. After numerous extensions, Microsoft announced that Windows XP support will end in early 2014, and Microsoft will stop providing Windows XP updates, technical support, and security updates. Microsoft's Kristina Libby, in her October 2011 blog post, said of Windows XP, "While turning 10 is often lauded, in the tech industry it means you're falling behind. Ten years is a long time to have the same old technology." Microsoft says it is time to move on, and you should listen. After support ends, your Windows XP PCs could expose your systems and data to real security risks. There is No XP in HIPAA The end of security updates effectively makes Windows XP non-compliant with HIPAA, PCI and other security best practices. While the HIPAA police may not audit you the day after XP support ends, a failure to comply resulting lost or stolen patient data likely means big problems and big monetary ﬁnes. Lose Windows XP... ASAP! As XP approaches "end of life," you can expect new computer software and dental hardware will not be Windows XP compatible. Continuing to operate on Windows XP will hinder your ability to get computer help or adopt new technologies that increase productivity and proﬁts. Also, Windows XP is a security time bomb for your practice as soon as support ends and Microsoft stops issuing ﬁxes. According to a report by the National Security Agency, new 38 Sidekick | Winter 2014 Windows versions provide "substantial security enhancements over earlier Windows workstation operating systems such as XP." Get Ready to Upgrade Older computers that came preloaded with Windows XP are likely at least six years old by now. They are out of warranty and prone to problems. And watch out! When they fail, and they will, it will likely cost your practice ten times more in productivity and revenue than it would have cost to replace them. If your PCs don't meet the minimum memory, hard drive, and processor system requirements for Windows 7 or 8, your best bet, in most cases, is to replace your PCs. The cost will likely be the same once you factor in parts, labor, additional warranties and headaches when compared to upgrading individual components. If your PCs barely meet new Windows minimum requirements, consider upgrading your hardware anyway to get the most out of the newer operating system. As you consider your options, make sure you know which Windows version is required by your software and digital equipment. You may have one or two pieces of your digital puzzle that aren't certiﬁed to run on a newer Windows operating system. It may be time to face the facts that your combination of computers, software, and cameras may need an upgrade to keep things running smoothly. To talk about your best upgrade options, contact your local Henry Schein representative about a TechCentral computer assessment of your ofﬁce, or call 877-483-0382, option 1 to request one. You can learn more about Henry Schein TechCentral computer and business technology solutions at www.HenryScheinTechCentral.com. http://www.HenryScheinTechCentral.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sidekick - Winter 2014

Sidekick - Winter 2014
Contents
TeamSmile Scores a Win for Children’s Oral Health in Atlanta
Amazing Decor and State-of-the- Art Technology Key to Innovative Business Model
Privileges
Featured Designs
Can a Single Piece of Technology Make That Big of a Difference… Oh Yeah!
Midwestern University Dental Institute
R.I.P. Windows XP
TechCentral
Market Report: Dental Of ce Rental Rates on the Rise in 2014
Better Patient Care Starts with Better Imaging
Henry Schein Financial Services
Save Money on Credit Card Processing
ProRepair
Building a Successful Pediatric Practice, From the Ground Up
Henry Schein In-Office Service
A New Era in Dental Management and Marketing
Professional Practice Transitions
Reinvent Your Practice as the Gateway to Health and Wellness

Sidekick - Winter 2014