* Windows 8

[JaneS]

Does anyone know if FH5 can be installed on a new computer which has a Windows 8 operating system?[confused]

ID:6628

[BillH]

Hi Jane,

Yes, it will run on Windows 8.

This if from the Family Historian web site:

Family Historian runs on Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP – on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.

Bill

[JaneS]

Thanks for letting me know. Much appreciated.[smile]

[tatewise]

Just make sure it is Windows 8 and NOT Windows RT, which superficially looks similar.

[sgauntlett]

So, Windows 8 RT is the operating system on the Microsoft Surface tablet. As there is no sign of an iPad version of Family Historian, are there any plans for a version for this tablet?
It seems a shame given how useful and universal tablets are getting, that there isn't a tablet version yet of FH for iOS, Android or Windows RT.
[cry]

[Jane]

Writing for Tablets (Android iPad and Windows RT) means a complete re-write of the programs you can't port standard windows applications. If you want a solution which integrates with FH and works on Android and iPad take a look at GedFamilies.

[NickWalker]

Most of the Windows 8 tablets that are out or coming out can run Family Historian as it is. As Tatewise said just make sure it isn't Windows RT as that isn't backwards compatible with the Windows programs that ran in Windows 7.

If it is particularly the Surface you're interested in then Surface Pro which is out soon will run Windows 8 and therefore should also run Family Historian. However, there are several other Windows 8 tablets/convertibles.

[makfai]

Glad I read this. I am off to Ireland this year and wanted to take a netbook/laptop/tablet to conduct family research and keep in contact with Skype and email etc.

Because I can't transfer FH to anything other than Windows I had thought about buying a Dell 10' which has Windows RT. Back to the drawing board now.

Am also piloting the GenQuiry programme which I believe may not yet be fully compatible with Windows 8. Will have to be aware!


Anyone any suggestions?

[ColeValleyGirl]

FYI, I'm running and developing GenQuiry on Windows 8 now -- the only issue I've found so far is the oddity with taskbar icons noted on the Genquiry website.

[makfai]

Thanks Helen for the clarification on Windows 8 and GenQuiry. I am still using it and find it useful in particular for gathering together info on the brickwalls.

Would also like to try it out on my trip to Ireland later this year to see what it is like 'on-site; in records offices etc - if I can get hardware which meets all my needs.[confused]

[tatewise]

An alternative approach may be to use PC Remote Control.

As long as your iPad (or any other remote device) has a G4/G3/WiFi Internet connection, then it can control your PC and run FH remotely.

A requirement is that you must leave your PC switched on, with the PC Remote Control software running, before you leave home (or have someone at home to switch it on).
Also the PC must NOT revert to a standby mode or idle state after a period of inactivity.
See PC Control Panel > Power Options > Put the computer to sleep = Never.

Note that media file transfers may be slow or expensive, and best left until you get home.

Another method is to use a public PC (perhaps in a library or register office) to remote control your home PC.
Some of the utilities do NOT need to be installed, but can be run in an ordinary restricted user account using portable software on a pen drive.

[Jane]

I ended up buying a Dell 12' XPS and it's a cracking little computer, abet a little expensive in it's i7 guise, but as I wanted it for my photography I needed the speed.