[enraged_camel]

A lot of those machines have Windows embedded in them, because a lot of doctors and nurses are really, really bad with technology and cannot use anything more complicated than Windows's familiar user interface. Training involves "OK, now use the mouse and double-click this icon on the desktop to start the program."

I wish I was kidding.

[afarrell]

> I wish I was kidding

I know that "tired person in a hurry" is a trope, but considering how masochistic the health professions are about sleep, it really applies here.

[stephengillie]

Windows is a familiar interface for computers. Is there a good reason for not using a familiar user interface?

[tremon]

Huh? Of course there is. "Familiar interface" isn't even a functional requirement, it is only of secondary importance for any system. Actual functionality is much more important.

As an aside, if "familiar interface" is your only requirement, I'd suggest to install a door handle or light switch.

[seanp2k2]

Your comment may sound sarcastic on the first read, but I agree with the point; don't use Windows when what you needed could be done with a micro controller or a physical circuit. Not sure if the application here fits that at all, but I've definitely seen things like you-do-it check-outs, ATMs, billboards, etc running Windows. I would think that these systems would be much better off with something like a hardened micro controller running a remote display system vs a multi-gigabyte operating system.

With Windows 10, this problem will likely get a whole lot worse. What do you do when MS pushes a forced update to your deployed devices and it bricks some of them? http://m.theregister.co.uk/2016/05/06/microsoft_update_asus_...

What about when you can't disable Cortana (without breaking the start menu) and you're in a HIPAA / PCI environment? http://winaero.com/blog/how-to-uninstall-and-remove-cortana-...

As we've seen with things like SCADA, switching from Windows is not a silver bullet, but in terms of minimizing the complexity and attack surface, Windows seems to be starting at the opposite end of the spectrum.

[tremon]

Oh, I didn't even mean my comment to be about Windows vs dedicated OS, at least not directly. When administered correctly and properly fenced off, using a modern Windows system is not a cardinal sin. Although I will admit that Windows 10, with its non-optional feature cadence, brings additional uncertainty.

However, I do question "it looks like Windows" as a valid rationale for what appears to be a single-purpose machine. I don't think it's likely that staff are using the operating room equipment as a desktop machine, so presumably they only care about the in-app user interface. And an application interface can be made to "look like Windows" regardless of what OS it's running on.

[morgante]

Exactly.

If users are never meant to interact with the OS itself (airport terminals, ATMs, displays, etc.) then it makes absolutely no sense to use Windows.

[developer2]

>> if "familiar interface" is your only requirement, I'd suggest to install a door handle or light switch

This isn't far from the truth. You'd be better of providing a console with clearly labelled buttons and switches. No operating system exposed to the user. It's not very practical to implement, let alone make changes to, but it would be more dummy proof than any desktop application.

This is also why you see a lot of kiosk-like, full-screen applications, with no ability to actually work with the desktop interface itself. A single kiosk application that cannot be alt-tabbed out of, providing screens that are easy to navigate.

[et2o]

Surprised I had to scroll this far to find someone blaming a physicians.