Windows is an Operating System, one that most of you are running – well, all of you if you’re running consignment software. Just like any application software, Windows is updated from time to time. I’m not talking about going from XP to Vista or 7. Within each version of Windows, it is constantly updated. The majority of the time, these are security updates (to help keep your computer protected from vulnerabilities). This is “The Good” portion of Windows updates.
Some of these updates aren’t specific to Windows though. Hardware devices (e.g. printers) can receive updates from Microsoft. This is “The Bad” portion of Windows updates; well, at least it can be.
The reason I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss the good and bad sides of Windows Updates, is because your tag printer can be affected. You know, the little device that is basically the life blood of your business. If you can’t tag items, you can’t put inventory out on the floor for sale.
In a recent update, I noticed Microsoft recommended one for my Zebra LP2824 driver…
Now, I’m not saying that installing this update is going to break everyone’s tag printer. What I am saying is, any change to your printer driver (the software that makes your tag printer function) can lead to undesirable results. Even the slightest change can cause alignment issues, skipping tags, etc.
So it’s a double-edge sword keeping your system up to date. You want to make sure Windows is updated and secure. You don’t want to just let any and all updates come down, not without your knowledge.
Dean
I am a Software Developer, System Administrator, and consignment software specialist. I currently manage hundreds of consignment workstations, point of sale systems, and database servers all across North America and I am the developer of Peeps' Software, Peeps2Go, and Peeps' Consignor Login for iOS and Android. I've been helping consignment & resale store-owners since 2003. I started The Computer Peeps in February of 2010. Peeps' Software launched in 2016 and is now on hundreds of systems all across North America. I have successfully converted dozens of stores from all of the major consignment software systems. After 20 years of working with consignment stores, I understand the unique challenges consignment & resale store-owners face. From electrical issues in old buildings or strip malls, to advocating for them when their old consignment software keeps crashing.