Windows 8 woes & Kent Police data protection fines: IT Pro's web comments round-up

Just before the IT community starts to "consciously uncouple" from their workplaces after tiring week at the grindstone, here's a round-up what they've had to say about some of tech scene's biggest stories.

Unsurprisingly, given the Windows XP end of support deadline is now just over a week away, the vast majority of comments IT Pro's received are Microsoft-focused.

The Information Commissioner's Office's decision to fine Kent Police 100,000 for breaching the Data Protection Act, also raised some eyebrows among readers.

Windows 8 experiences

After years of scaremongering about support for Windows XP ending, Microsoft will finally pull the plug on the software on 8 April 2014.

In preparation for this, IT Pro drew up a head-to-head guide between Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 to help business users decide which one to upgrade to once deadline day arrives.

Unfortunately, rather than inspire a debate about Windows migration strategies, the comments sections turned into something resembling a support group for those who've tried to get on with Windows 8 and failed.

"Windows 8.1 is a complete nightmare to try and explain to a basic user how to navigate," said Homer.

"In trying to make an operating system that is consistent across all platforms they have totally alienated the desktop market. The lack of intuitive [design] based on a person's previous PC experience is unforgivable."

The simply named Justme also waded into the debate to share their experiences of Windows 8, too.

"I used Windows 8 for nearly a year, and went back to Windows 7," they confided. "Sorry - but until they fix the Wi-Fi issue, the mouse issue in games, and treat desktop users with a little respect, I'll stay with Windows 7. There is no reason to go to Windows 8," he signed off.

Not everyone who read the article had a downer on Windows 8, though, as the curiously named Bob Dillon is clearly a big fan.

"Windows 8.1 is far better and faster. It's my favourite Windows version to datePerfect for online gaming, too," he said.

So, that clears that up then.

Kent Police caution

Kent Police recently became the latest organisation to feel the full force of the Information Commissioner's Data Protection Act enforcement activities after a number of confidential items, including interview tapes, were left behind in a disused office.

The force was fined 100,000, with the Information Commissioner's head of enforcement warning, if the data fell into the wrong hand, the impact could have been "enormous and damaging."

However, several IT Pro readers queried the wisdom in fining a public sector organisation so much money, particularly if that impacts on its frontline resources.

"How does fining a public service make sense? It just means the service is degraded or tax has to be raised. They need to fire and fine the individuals responsible," said Vixra.

Meanwhile, Anteaus said the Commissioner would be better served clamping down on nuisance callers.

"Far more use if they fined the illegal telesales callers, especially the solar panel ones," they said.

For the record, the Information Commissioner's Office does regularly take enforcement action against nuisance callers, but as far as we can tell solar panel salesmen haven't been targeted yet.