Notice: Support Is Ending For Windows 7

Are you still using the Windows 7 operating system?  If so, your computer could get infected with malware. What should you do? What OS should you be using? Do you need to buy a new computer?  We’ll answer these questions and others here.

How Will The End of Life For Windows 7 Affect Our Ottawa Construction Company?

Despite being a very popular operating system, Microsoft announced they are stopping mainstream support for Windows 7. All support for Windows 7 will end on January 14^th, 2020, and this creates concerns for many.

What Could Happen To Our Company When Support For Windows 7 Ends?

This means that you won’t get bug fixes or security updates from Microsoft. Over time, the security and reliability of Windows 7 will make your computers vulnerable to security threats. Cybercriminals are on the lookout for ways to infiltrate your systems and steal important information.

• Computers could be infected by malware,
• Virus definitions won’t be updated,
• Online banking transaction protection may expire,
• Confidential data could be breached,
• Compliance with industry regulations could be in jeopardy, and
• Financial data could be exposed to theft.

An end to bug fixes and those all-important security updates may be the single biggest concern. IT managers will tell you that not having these fixes makes your data vulnerable to access by unauthorized parties.

There are options for continued support post-January 2020 if needed (i.e., business application compatibility), but it will cost you to get continued support.

What Can Happen If We Keep Using Windows 7?

Windows 7 won’t be reliable. This means:

• Your applications may not be updated,
• Your other software could be incompatible,
• Utilities won’t be supported, and
• New devices may not connect to your system.

Plus, computer manufacturers will no longer support Windows 7.  This means devices like printers, desktops, laptops, and more won’t be guaranteed to work as they should. Your security programs and third-party browsers won’t support Windows 7. And, when you or your employees browse the Web, you could be exposed to cyber threats. All of this will take place over time.

Do We Have Enough Space On Our Computers To Upgrade To Windows 10?

You will need more storage space if your hard drive is 32 GB or less. You can try removing applications you no longer need to free up space. You can also try using Disk Cleanup to free up more space.

Microsoft might ask you to attach an external drive to free up space for the upgrade. If you do this, be sure that you keep it in a safe place in case you need it when using recovery options down the road.

Do We Need To Purchase New Computers? 

If you’re using Windows 7, getting a new device with the Windows 10 operating system is recommended. Today’s computers are faster, more powerful, and more durable. Newer laptops also have a longer battery life and provide increased security.

Modern computers are typically less expensive than they were 8 years ago, and total cost of ownership studies show that it’s wise to replace your computers at least every four years.

How Long Will It Take To Upgrade To Windows 10?

This depends on the age of your computer and how it’s configured. It should only take an hour once you’ve downloaded the operating system. New devices upgrade much faster; this is another reason to consider buying new computer if yours are four years old or older.

What Are The Benefits Of Moving From Windows 7 To Windows 10?

Upgrading from Windows 7 to 10:

• Makes computers run smoother and faster.
• Provides a more economical use of memory and disk space.
• Improves security.
• Boots up your computer from sleep mode faster than before.

You can also benefit from access to features that Windows 7 doesn’t provide:

• Use Cortana – a personal assistant that runs on artificial intelligence (AI).
• Search the Web right from your desktop.
• Get reminders based on time, places, or people.
• Quickly add a virtual desktop.
• With Windows Apps, new applications are available on all your devices.
• A brand-new browser, Edge, is better suited to the modern web.
• Track packages, sports teams, interests, and flights.
• Create and manage lists.
• Find facts, files, places, and info fast.
• Open any app on your system.

Are There Other Things Windows 10 Provides That 7 Doesn’t?

With Windows 10’s new application programming interface called Windows RunTime, your Windows Store Apps are remotely installed and updated. They can also be cleanly uninstalled.

There are RunTime apps for Mail, Photos, Maps, Calendar, Groove Music, and more. And you can easily download any of the 700,000 applications from the Windows Store. Enjoy apps like:

• Free Microsoft Apps
• AutoDesk
• Adobe Photoshop Express
• Pixlr
• DropBox
• Code Writer
• Fresh Paint
• Line
• OneNote
• TeamViewer
• Trello
• Viber
• Wunderlist

Will Microsoft Send Us Information About Windows 7 End of Life?

Microsoft is already displaying pop-ups on all Windows 7 computers alerting users that their support will be ending. In March 2019, they announced that they’d be pushing a pop-up notice that’s designed to warn users about the January 2020 end of life date for the product. While you’ll have the ability to select the checkbox “do not notify me again,” it’s important that you speak to your IT provider and ask about the potential impact to your company if you don’t upgrade.

Microsoft has provided additional information on their page at www.microsoft.com/windows7. It discusses how to transfer data to a newer device and how to backup data, offers tips on Windows 10, and more. Your IT provider can help you with all of this as well. 

Where Can We Get More Help? 

In most cases, it can be highly beneficial to give the entire project over to an Ottawa IT services provider. IT professionals can handle the entire transfer of data and install and set up your new servers correctly. This can minimize problems and downtime. And, if your in-house IT department hasn’t done this before, they could run into all sorts of issues that would be avoided by working with a skilled, experienced team.

Your IT company can also help you make informed decisions about when to upgrade or make changes to your other software or hardware.

Do You Have More Questions About Upgrading To Windows 10?

Every Windows operating system has a lifecycle. It’s important that you stay up-to-date about essential End of Life dates. This will also help you make informed decisions about when to upgrade or make other changes to your software or hardware.

 

Did you find this information helpful?  Check out these blogs to learn more:

Will Your Business Be Impacted by the End of Microsoft Exchange 2010?

The Benefit of Managed IT Services For Large-Scale Construction Firms

Are You Monitoring Your Mobile Devices In The Field For Security?