Snap-on Verus

[Skyline]

I recently got a Snap-on Verus in a swap for a toolbox, which I promptly resold on eBay. (Based on the fact that I don't own a shop, and that the type of vehicles I own are much better scanned with an Autologic, it was a no-brainer to sell it.)

But after playing with it a bit, it made me wonder about a couple of things:

How can Snap-on continue to sell a system based on Windows XP, when Microsoft is no longer supporting it? Does the current update also update the operating system to Win 7 or Win 8? All of Snap-on's other scan tools use Windows CE. (The unit I had was running a 2011 update which ran on XP, and Snap-on's Catalog 1100 still shows the Verus to run on Win XP.)

Can one add a wireless interface to an older unit that did not come with one, and at what cost? (So only the module plugs to the car, and the Verus can sit on your workbench with no cable attached).

 

[kythri]

Microsoft isn't supporting XP to the general public.

Microsoft does, however, offer custom support agreements to entities that are willing to pony up the dough.

These support agreements include hotfixes and what not as needed.

Additionally, the OS version that Snap-on is selling may be some special embedded version that they have a license to continue to develop/sell.

 

[Skyline]

Microsoft isn't supporting XP to the general public.

Microsoft does, however, offer custom support agreements to entities that are willing to pony up the dough.

These support agreements include hotfixes and what not as needed.

Additionally, the OS version that Snap-on is selling may be some special embedded version that they have a license to continue to develop/sell.

I guess if you had a computer that worked in a totally isolated environment, that would not be too concerning.

But keep in mind that the Verus can function like a tablet PC. You can run Office, connect to the internet to surf the web, etc. My guess is that would expose the Verus to the same type of vulnerabilities as someone still running XP on any home or business PC. Once automated system updates stop through Windows Update, the only possible update would be when the user buys the annual software update from Snap-on, and who knows if that would include operating system updates. Does not seem too secure to me.

I just don't understand why Snap-on would not update these machines to run on Win 7, ( I could easily see why someone would avoid Win 8). Unless the architecture of the machine could not support it. These are not exactly rocket fast high-powered PCs.

 

[1foxracing]

Did you know that most all ATM machines still run on windows XP?
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-...w-about-atms-and-the-windows-xp-ocalypse.html

 

[2oolhound]

They should get with the program and switch to mac osx. It could be so much easier.

 

[Skyline]

Did you know that most all ATM machines still run on windows XP?
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-...w-about-atms-and-the-windows-xp-ocalypse.html

Scary....

 

[UserNameAttempt3]

They should get with the program and switch to mac osx. It could be so much easier.

Linux FTW.

 

[Skin]

I guess if you had a computer that worked in a totally isolated environment, that would not be too concerning.

But keep in mind that the Verus can function like a tablet PC. You can run Office, connect to the internet to surf the web, etc. My guess is that would expose the Verus to the same type of vulnerabilities as someone still running XP on any home or business PC. Once automated system updates stop through Windows Update, the only possible update would be when the user buys the annual software update from Snap-on, and who knows if that would include operating system updates. Does not seem too secure to me.

I just don't understand why Snap-on would not update these machines to run on Win 7, ( I could easily see why someone would avoid Win 8). Unless the architecture of the machine could not support it. These are not exactly rocket fast high-powered PCs.

What vulnerabilities? The internet is there to find solutions to vehicle problems, download relevant files, and connect to all-data/Mitchell. Little else.

The Snap-On truck can do a system restore at any time if someone actually manages to brick it with malware or a virus.

 

[Skyline]

What vulnerabilities? The internet is there to find solutions to vehicle problems, download relevant files, and connect to all-data/Mitchell. Little else.

The Snap-On truck can do a system restore at any time if someone actually manages to brick it with malware or a virus.

That presumes one is not going to use it as a computer....only as a scan tool. You will never put personal information on it, never use it for emails, order tools or parts on the Internet with it. Never put credit card info into it. Because if you do, and as you say it gets exposed to a virus or malware, you could be exposed to identity theft. Granted the primary use of a Verus is as a scan tool / scope, but its tablet computing capability adds another dimension.

 

[Junkman]

Did you know that most all ATM machines still run on windows XP?
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-...w-about-atms-and-the-windows-xp-ocalypse.html

And all the ATM machines are in the process of being updated.
If you like your teller, tell them now, because in a couple of years, you teller will be out of a job, and all banking will be done by a machine at a kiosk in the bank lobby. The new machines can count and sort money just like a teller, but much faster. They will also put each denomination of bills in proper order, and stack then in individual slots for dispensing to the customers. Once these new systems take over, you will be talking to a television screen, and the person you are talking to might be in the back room, or in some other state. Banking as we know it today, will be just a memory in just a few years.

 

[Skyline]

Can someone tell me the actual difference between the Verus and the Verus Pro? Is it just the wireless module?

 

[MLB0611]

Can someone tell me the actual difference between the Verus and the Verus Pro? Is it just the wireless module?

Same software, different box, plus the Pro has a detachable and hot dockable scope module so you can extend the range of your scope leads, and once you are done you can just plug it back up without a restart. The standard Verus was available with a wireless module as well in the 2nd gen model. The pro has a full docking station, so you can hook up mouse or other data devices, the original Verus only had a charging station.

As for the operating system it uses Imbedded XP Microsoft is still supporting that.

As for the comment of using Mac software yeah right first the Verus Pro already costs 10k add Mac to the mix and it will cost 20k. FYI no manufacturer in the auto world supports Mac.

 

[PelicanPines]

Windows XP worked, still works... if any of the other OS were better... they would be using them... but windows XP was that solid. Yea MS has stopped doing updates. That doesn't make XP suddenly not work.

That said. They should upgrade everything to windows 7.