Windows 8.1, the most recent release of the popular Windows Operating System (OS), offers users a seamless experience across Windows-based devices, including PCs, notebooks, smartphones and tablets, says Ruben Naicker, Microsoft product specialist at Drive Control Corporation.
Improved features over the previous release include the return of the start button, improved search functionality, more applications than ever, the ability to personalise your desktop as well as fast power down.
However, when it comes to choosing the right version of this OS for use in business, users should consider going Pro rather than using the basic version. Upgrading to Windows 8.1 Pro offers business users a host of additional benefits, enhanced functionality and advanced security features for an improved user experience.
The basic version of Windows 8.1 provides full functionality intended for home users. This means that it incorporates all of the core features of the updated OS, however, it does not include any business features.
This version is aimed at the general consumer, so it is beneficial for businesses to consider upgrading. Windows 8.1 Pro is geared towards business users in the Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) space, incorporating several productivity-enhancing business tools without the expense or advanced functionality of a full-blown enterprise solution.
Windows 8.1 Pro also offers enhanced security to help businesses protect their data – an essential feature when one considers the implications of the Protection of Personal Information (PoPI) Act on business of all sizes.
One of the most essential features of Windows 8.1 Pro is the ability to join corporate domains. This is critical for users who embrace Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) as it enables them to connect securely to their workplace network.
Without Pro edition this is not possible. In addition, Windows 8.1 Pro facilitates the ability to participate in Group Policy. This is again essential for BYOD as all devices on a corporate network should conform to uniform policies and procedures in order to ensure security.
In addition, Windows 8.1 Pro offers the Workplace Join feature and Work Folders. These two features work hand in hand for improved mobile working and synchronisation across multiple devices. Workplace Join enables users to register their own devices on the corporate network, simplifying the BYOD process while guaranteeing adherence to security practices and procedures.
Once the device is registered, then IT can manage network permissions, ensure policies are enforced and enhance security. The device can also be deregistered if it has been compromised, if the user leaves the organisation, or if the device is in contravention of policy, protecting the corporate network from threat.
Work Folders enable users to more easily synchronise work-related content across devices for enhanced mobile working. This feature also enables users to keep their personal and work-related content and activities separate across devices. Using Workplace Join and Work Folders, IT can control company assets on a device, without having access to personal information and applications, providing the necessary levels of privacy for users embracing BYOD.
Further to these features, Windows 8.1 Pro has an additional focus on security. Enhanced data protection is delivered across all devices with BitLocker and BitLocker To Go. BitLocker is a drive encryption solution that provides enhanced data protection by encrypting data on the Windows OS system drive or volume. BitLocker To Go allows users to further protect data stored on portable storage such as flash drives. These features help users to keep their information secure even when they are on the move.
Windows 8.1 Pro also enables users to host a Remote Desktop Connection to their own PC, allowing users to connect to their PC using a different machine for a seamless working experience anywhere, anytime. Additional security features include Trusted Boot, Windows Defender, OneDrive for cloud-based data backup as well as remote business data removal which allows you to erase critical content from any device should it be lost, stolen or compromised.
Windows 8.1 offers the latest intuitive OS from Microsoft. However, users need to make certain they are leveraging the right version of the solution for their needs. For the majority of business users, the basic core functionality of Windows 8.1 is not sufficient for business productivity, security or compliance. SME business users should look to Windows 8.1 Pro, an upgrade that will provide additional functionality, improved security, enhanced productivity and a host of other business benefits.