Whether software will run.
WHAT DETERMINES COMPATIBILITY
The operating system and its version Processor architecture Available memory and storage Required components and runtimes Driver requirements
WHAT A RUNTIME IS
Supporting software an application requires to run, installed separately.
WHY THAT CAUSES PROBLEMS
An application fails with an obscure error when its runtime is missing or the wrong version.
WHAT TO CHECK
The stated requirements, before installing.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT OLDER SOFTWARE ON NEWER SYSTEMS
Compatibility modes, where provided Virtualisation, running the older system within the current one
WHY VIRTUALISATION
It isolates the old environment, which is frequently the only safe way to keep unsupported software running.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Unsupported software with network access.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
Isolate it from anything that matters.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH IN AN ORGANISATION
Which applications constrain your ability to upgrade.
WHY
They determine how long you remain on an old platform.
