A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

What are the minimum required computer - Kiki

Posted: Sep 16, 2013

specs for most companies that require you to have your own computer. Got laid off from MM, who provided computers (the ONLY good thing about them!)....but now as I am looking I am finding most places don't do this. Can you use a laptop if you have the required specs? My laptop has 4GB "sdram" and 500 GB hard drive. It has windows 8. I guess I'd have to buy an expander. Will these specs be okay? Thanks in advance!

Computer Specs - nn

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Your biggest problem is going to be Windows 8. Most companies require you have XP, Vista or Windows 7. Most computer tech professionals consider Windows 8 a "piece of junk" as far as an OS is concerned. Other than your OS, you should be okay. Good luck!

Thanks so much. Yeah, heard the same about Windows 8...n/m - Kiki

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x

Windows 8 - anon

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My computer crashed and I have been looking at new computers. Any particulars on why not Windows 8? Thanks.

Windows 8 - nn

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First of all, check out the help wanted ads for MTs. Most if not all of the ads and NOT supporting Windows 8. You have to remember that companies that provide software platforms are usually not in a hurry to update their software to meet the needs of the latest platform out there. In answer to your question regarding Windows 8, it was designed more for "tablet" use more than anything else. Also, as kind of mentioned above, many of the common software programs out there that we as MTs use on a day to day basis do not support Windows 8. I have Windows 7 Professional and most of the programs that I utilize were written for use with Windows XP. With a little "tweaking" I got them to work.

Windows 8 - Art

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Windows 8 is not compatible with Bayscribe.

No Windows 8 - across the board

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Almost universally, Windows 8 is not compatible with transcription platforms. The only way you can buy a brand new Windows 7 PC is to have one built for you by your local independent computer store. Or you can do what I did and order a refurbished PC with Windows 7 through Sears. I bought a Windows 7, 64-bit PC with huge memory that will is probably more than I will ever need to use. And since I work full time at a university, we get all software for free, even on our home PCs. I got MS-Office 2013 for free.

Most don't use new PCs (sm) - Rose

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Since the health care system is so cheap, many of us are forced to find 11 year old computers through the want ads that still run Win XP for compatibility with their old versions of transcription and editing software. I have not heard of anything that is compatible with Win 8, however some use Win 7.

Save your receipts for tax deductions, as we are frequently fired after spending a fortune having computers specifically built for client specs. I had to spend 1700 on a PC running Vista of all things, then got fired for leaving 2 spaces between sentences when I was never told not to. I then spent $400 in an old system and 10 year old software for compatibility with the next MTSO client, only to find they misquoted which operation system I needed for that particular client! So, beware.

Windows 8 is Really - Windows 7 Beneath the Surface

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I had a motherboard fry because of a thunderstorm and needed another computer. Every single new machine out there has Windows 8. I hate it when you don't have a choice anymore, but I had to do what I needed to do. Despite being told by management that Windows 8 will not work with their platform Lo! And Behold! All Windows 8 is, is Windows 7. You just have to get past the front shell and click to "DESKTOP" and you're in business! It looks like Window 7, acts like Window 7, and works like Windows 7 and IS compatible with the two companies platforms I work with that told me no way Windows 8. I am, however, an advanced computer user, so with a little tweaking, problem solved.

aren't they all an expansion of the prior? with a different look. Kinda like the BOS. - Why start from scratch? NM

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'

Windows 8 - uniquemonique

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Most MTSOs programs are not compatible with Windows 8. Most computers out there come with windows 8,however, you CAN downgrade to Windows 7, either have someone do it for you or on the web. Just call whatever computer store you have in your area and ask them.

Most don't use new PCs - PrincessMoFo

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You don't have to search out 11 yr old computers.. You can go online to best buy and/or walmart and look at their refurbished Laptops.. They have great ones on there with windows 7 usually for under 400 dollars.. many people have do not like refurbished but I've always bought them personally for myself and my family and have never had an issue with them. It's really the best cost effective way to get a new/newish pc that has a 1 year warranty.

Computer Specs - PrincessMoFo

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I am in IT for a transcription company so I can honesty say it will depend.. We have 3 platforms (3 different type of ways to transcribe) here and 2 of them work flawlessly on windows 8 and 1 of them is quirky on windows 8.. If it's a web based platform you should be ok but if it's something that uses Word on your local pc then it's iffy. Also Office 2013 is even worse then Windows 8 and I really hope you don't have it. You also have plenty of hard drive space and while I personally think 4gb is a bare minimum you should do find on it (Ladies always max out your memory when buying a new computer!!!) Also with a laptop you can hook up a monitor to it if your laptop screen is too small as all laptops come equipped with a monitor port on the side or back.. :)

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