Goofy Notions!
Some of you who have been using the DentaLab systems for a number of years may remember that in one of our newsletters a few years ago, we included this topic. It turned out to be very popular and we received a number of responses. Some of the goofy notions are worth repeating and we have encountered some new ones along the way. So here are some of these: My system is running smoothly, so there's no reason to do backups. One of the cardinal rules of working with computers is that you backup your datafiles on a regular basis and you know how to restore if needed. There are many reasons--from hardware malfunctions to technology changes to operational mistakes to viruses to theft to damage. While hardware is much more reliable than it was years ago, it can still fail and many times, there is no warning, no sputtering, it just stops. Within in our user group, we have been told about roof leaks, break-ins and theft along with the standards such as simply getting old and worn out. Software can fix broken hardware. No, but sometimes it may seem that it can. Software can examine a disk and create bypasses around bad spots. Software can help to defragment disk files. Software can help to get rid of malware such as viruses, spyware, trojans. Software can detect and create workarounds to problem areas. But no, it does not really repair broken hardware. There's no need to bother checking the specifications. Said another way, this notion is that everything goes with everything. We wish this were true. While there have been strides toward greater compability among various components of a computer system, there are still a lot of incompatibilies and basic requirements that must be met for software to function properly. So yes, it is necessary to tune in to the specifications.
I like the way my software runs, I am comfortable with it--so why should I bother with new technology. Modern computer systems include technology from many vendors and this technology keeps advancing. It is important to keep an eye on technology and make sure the components of your system remain compatible. This is particularly true for keeping your application software in tune with the operating systems, browsers and device drivers that are still supported by their manufacturers. When technology becomes obsolete and no longer supported, after a time there is typically no one or very few with the know-how to support it. You should also keep in tune with government compliance requirements and industry standards as these continue to change. All dental lab software is pretty much the same, so I should just go with the cheapest. Nothing could be further from the truth. While there is a core with some commonality, software within this industry varies quite a bit. It is important to check the history of the software development and the commitment to keep it up to date with technology and compliance, to do a trial run with the software to be sure it will meet your current and future needs and to create a dialogue with the developers who will support you. There have been 36 dental lab software systems that have come and gone. Some were developed for one lab with no commitment to include other methods or viewpoints, no commitment to keep up with technology and compliance, some are sold only as is, take it or leave it, some have had no programmers on staff and no willingness to address special needs, to support adequately, to fund future improvements and some have been audacious enough to offer software based on stolen code in violation of the copyright laws (beware! there is one of these currently out there). Affordability along with high quality and commitment is a good thing--cheapest mostly not. |