One should think that using a software that was designed only 15 - 20 years ago should be quite possible today. After all, a PC is still a PC, right?
Not so. A PC of today (2008) is based upon the same principles as back in the early 1990's, but the technology has reach a maturity point where backwards compatibility hardly exists.
Yes, you may get WfW to actually work, if you like many others keep an old 486, or even a P1/P2 in a closet nearby. The challenge will be to render it useful, as John realises:
And IE 5 is not 15 years ago - it is more like 5.
Now, why should you, a security minded reader, care about the fact that John failed this project?
Several reasons comes to mind:
- From a continuency point of view - if you rely on some old hard-/software, make sure you have the tools and systems available in case of a failure.
- From a data storage point of view - if a software can become totally obsolete in less than 5 years, you need to make very sure that your backup systems; long-time storage; and other data you may require access to in the future; uses technology you are able to access.
- From a compliance point of view - if you are obligued to store information for a periode of time - 3, 5, 7 or 10 years - you are also obligued to be able to access the same data in the future. It is your responsibility, and it is usually a good idea to plan the technology at the same time you plan what and where to store your data.
Yes, XP, 2000 and many others will be out of date. 2000 actually did this summer, when MS pulled the support for it. Anyone remember OS/2? DOS I guess most still remember, but only hardcore, old-guys still uses it to some extent. The world (and the technology with it) moves on.
To keep up with changes, you need to keep track on what is going on, as well as on your own requirements. You are required to update once in a while, but you do not need to jump on the latest versions of everything - unless you have special requirements. It is simply a matter of balancing your needs.

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