Hi Jazzmamal (Bob)

Not disagreeing with most of what you wrote. I have enough experience in the computer, realtime, data processing and system design/development (going back to even the teletype and core memory days (not quite to Eniac), to HPC Super Computer environments to misperceive that anything in the computer world (or otherwise) is perfect. But, a software app or system is only a joke if it cannot perform the required task and meet the user's requirements. Some of the software I still use (e.g., SONAR (versions 5 and X1 as well as several associated plugins/apps, etc.) work quite well on platforms prior to Windows 10. I have no need to abandon those apps, as they perform as I require them to (sorry about the long winded rebuttal to your Windows 7 assessment).

My point here is that some of the older versions of software perform better than the latest major versions (if in fact there are newer versions). Some of those apps run well on Windows 7, but may not run, or may run poorly on Windows 10. I tend to go with what works for me. Lastly, those vintage systems don't need to be on-line. Any data transferred to another system is thoroughly checked (nothing is perfect though). In the old days, one could hardware-write-protect hard-drives and silos, where you had to physically be at the system to write enable them (that's another era). But consumer hardware (e.g. our PC's) are inherently vulnerable from the software right down to the CPU's.

In your environment (tax preparation), most of the corporate level tax preparation and associated accounting programs will require (as you state) the latest, patched versions of the hosting system/OS for legal, regulatory and compatibility reasons. Understood.

My previous comment referred to people harmed (financially) by data breaches and not receiving just compensation. Those responsible for the data breaches as you accurately point out are "partially" responsible (recall Equifax, the IRS, Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and other firms/organizations had up to 6 months to notify those affected). Even then, the offer of some lame, fly-by-night Identity Protection Service for a limited time period was the only compensation. That's the (bad) joke.

And you are right..."Nothing is Perfect"...not Windows 7, not Windows 10.

Best wishes during the tax season,

Rich

P.S. I expect this thread will soon be archived to the dungeon.

Last edited by rich in ca; 02/20/20 02:32 PM. Reason: correct typo