Microsoft
is discontinuing support for Windows XP as of April 8, 2014.
This means, most importantly, that there will no longer be updates
if security risks are discovered in the future.
Anybody
still using Windows XP computers should be making plans to replace
them. In the meantime, make sure you have good anti-virus software
installed and that it is kept up to date.
As
a replacement, you can get computers with either Windows 7 or
Windows 8. Windows 7 in a better choice for office environments,
but for either, we recommend the "Professional" version
rather than "Home" for business use.
You
may have previously spoken with us about using 32-bit vs. 64-bit
operating systems with Standard Conveyancer. This will soon
no longer be an issue, as we have new screens coming available
that will end the need to use 32-bit.
If
you are currently using Standard Conveyancer in Windows Virtual
PC/XP Mode on a 64-bit system, the new screens will allow you
to discontinue this. If you would like to continue to use the
older screens in XP Mode, we can help you secure it by disabling
Internet access from the XP environment.
Depending
on your situation, there may be multiple options for you moving
forward. Please call us at 781-324-0550 to discuss your needs,
preferably before you purchase any new computers.
Up
next: the 2015 Closing Disclosure
Standard
Solutions has been following developments at the CFPB from the
beginning, and we have already started planning for the August
2015 transition to the new Closing Disclosure form. This document
will be five pages long, and will act as a combination HUD-1
and Truth-in-Lending form.
Three
pages of the new form present mostly the same information as
is on the current HUD-1, in a revised format. The additional
pages include the information from the TIL (which our software
currently produces) plus general loan information.
There's
no question that the industry has a lot of work to do to prepare
for this transition. Most of the burden will be on the lending
side, ensuring compliance with new mortgage and loan regulations.
While this will be a big job for us as well, it's also an exciting
opportunity for us to move into the future with an new software
format. We're looking forward to addressing today's demands
for greater flexibility in workflow and more options for mobility
and cross-platform usage.
Our
focus will remain on allowing maximum flexibility in using the
software. We know from the change in 2010 that some lenders
will issue their own rules on using the form. Any ambiguity
in the CFPB rules will lead to varying interpretations. Our
approach will put nothing in the way of letting you do what
you need with the form.
There
will be more from us on this topic in the future. If you have
questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
