End of life? What?
End of life? What?
Microsoft has announced that, as of January 14, 2020, they will no longer be issuing updates for any versions of Windows 7 or Internet Explorer. This is referred to as the software's End of Life (EOL). This does not mean that Windows 7 or Internet Explorer will cease to work but it could lead to serious software issues.
Microsoft has announced that, as of January 14, 2020, they will no longer be issuing updates for any versions of Windows 7 or Internet Explorer. This is referred to as the software's End of Life (EOL). This does not mean that Windows 7 or Internet Explorer will cease to work but it could lead to serious software issues.
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
It means after January 14, 2020, there will be no new security updates, non-security hot fixes, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates from Microsoft for Windows 7 or Internet Explorer.
System Vulnerability: Unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks. Many of the updates that Microsoft releases for their software are to fix vulnerabilities that have been discovered. With these vulnerabilities no longer being fixed, your computer will become much more susceptible to security risks and virus infections regardless of any antivirus software you have installed. Think of the vulnerabilities as a key to unlock a back door into your system. These back doors can be in the operating system itself or in software programs like Internet Explorer.
Web Page Errors: You may have already come across web pages that say your browser is out of date and to upgrade to a newer version. Unfortunately, the latest Internet Explorer browser that can be installed in Windows 7 is Internet Explorer 11. After January, many web developers will cease to include programming for Internet Explorer leading to scripting errors, decreased functionality, and web pages that will not load at all. It is possible that other browsers such as Firefox and Chrome will continue to be supported on Windows 7 for a time but that time will be limited.
It means after January 14, 2020, there will be no new security updates, non-security hot fixes, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical content updates from Microsoft for Windows 7 or Internet Explorer.
System Vulnerability: Unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks. Many of the updates that Microsoft releases for their software are to fix vulnerabilities that have been discovered. With these vulnerabilities no longer being fixed, your computer will become much more susceptible to security risks and virus infections regardless of any antivirus software you have installed. Think of the vulnerabilities as a key to unlock a back door into your system. These back doors can be in the operating system itself or in software programs like Internet Explorer.
Web Page Errors: You may have already come across web pages that say your browser is out of date and to upgrade to a newer version. Unfortunately, the latest Internet Explorer browser that can be installed in Windows 7 is Internet Explorer 11. After January, many web developers will cease to include programming for Internet Explorer leading to scripting errors, decreased functionality, and web pages that will not load at all. It is possible that other browsers such as Firefox and Chrome will continue to be supported on Windows 7 for a time but that time will be limited.
What are my options?
What are my options?
The first option is to do nothing. Just keep using Windows 7 and Internet Explorer as you have been. As stated before, the software will continue to work. The disadvantage to this option is that there will be a much greater risk of losing important documents, financial information, or worse yet, personal, customer or employee data such as social security or credit card numbers and passwords.
The second option is to install a new operating system on your current computer(s). If your equipment meets the requirements of the new software, this option would be the most economical solution. Even if the requirements are not met, in some cases simple low-cost hardware upgrades such as memory will bring them up to par.
The third option is to replace your current computer(s) with new. If your equipment was purchased when Windows 7 was first released in 2004 or is more than five years old, this would be the recommended solution. This would provide you with all new equipment and lessen the chances of hardware failure in the near future. Additionally, this option would increase speed and productivity.
The first option is to do nothing. Just keep using Windows 7 and Internet Explorer as you have been. As stated before, the software will continue to work. The disadvantage to this option is that there will be a much greater risk of losing important documents, financial information, or worse yet, personal, customer or employee data such as social security or credit card numbers and passwords.
The second option is to install a new operating system on your current computer(s). If your equipment meets the requirements of the new software, this option would be the most economical solution. Even if the requirements are not met, in some cases simple low-cost hardware upgrades such as memory will bring them up to par.
The third option is to replace your current computer(s) with new. If your equipment was purchased when Windows 7 was first released in 2004 or is more than five years old, this would be the recommended solution. This would provide you with all new equipment and lessen the chances of hardware failure in the near future. Additionally, this option would increase speed and productivity.
So, what is this going to cost?
So, what is this going to cost?
Obviously each situation will be unique, but some of the costs, such as software and data transfer can be generalized. Following are some of those basic costs.
Windows 10: Windows 10 is the most current operating system and, according to Microsoft, Windows 10 will be the final version released. Windows 10 would need to be purchased for each computer it is used on. As you have probably heard, Windows 10 has a completely different look than Windows 7. If you chose to go with Windows 10 and want it to look the same as what you have been using, we would suggest a $10 third party program that would make Windows 10 look and feel just like Windows 7. Cost: Windows 10 Home - $125, Windows 10 Home with add on $135.
Internet Explorer: The newest version of Microsoft’s Internet browser, named Edge, is included with Windows 10 and incurs no additional cost. Cost: Newest Internet Browser ‘Edge’ - $0
System Upgrades: As with all repairs and upgrades we do at our shop there is a flat labor rate per machine. The price of upgrade parts can vary drastically and would require a look at your existing equipment for prices. Cost: Flat rate labor - $69.50, Upgrades - variable.
Data Transfer: If purchasing a new system, it will be necessary to transfer data from your existing equipment to the new equipment and reinstall any of your programs. This is also done at a flat rate per machine. Cost: Data Transfer - $69.50.
On Site Setup: In some cases there will be certain items that can not be accomplished in our shop. These might include; networking, printer setup, wireless configuration, etc. In these cases, we would need to come to your location to perform the additional work. Cost: $65.00 per hour.
Obviously each situation will be unique, but some of the costs, such as software and data transfer can be generalized. Following are some of those basic costs.
Windows 10: Windows 10 is the most current operating system and, according to Microsoft, Windows 10 will be the final version released. Windows 10 would need to be purchased for each computer it is used on. As you have probably heard, Windows 10 has a completely different look than Windows 7. If you chose to go with Windows 10 and want it to look the same as what you have been using, we would suggest a $10 third party program that would make Windows 10 look and feel just like Windows 7. Cost: Windows 10 Home - $125, Windows 10 Home with add on $135.
Internet Explorer: The newest version of Microsoft’s Internet browser, named Edge, is included with Windows 10 and incurs no additional cost. Cost: Newest Internet Browser ‘Edge’ - $0
System Upgrades: As with all repairs and upgrades we do at our shop there is a flat labor rate per machine. The price of upgrade parts can vary drastically and would require a look at your existing equipment for prices. Cost: Flat rate labor - $69.50, Upgrades - variable.
Data Transfer: If purchasing a new system, it will be necessary to transfer data from your existing equipment to the new equipment and reinstall any of your programs. This is also done at a flat rate per machine. Cost: Data Transfer - $69.50.
On Site Setup: In some cases there will be certain items that can not be accomplished in our shop. These might include; networking, printer setup, wireless configuration, etc. In these cases, we would need to come to your location to perform the additional work. Cost: $65.00 per hour.
I can wait, right?
I can wait, right?
It seems that January 2020 is a long time away and there is plenty of time to get things switched over. However, since the process can be fairly involved, it would be wise to start making plans now for the switch before the deadline approaches.
As mentioned, since each situation is unique, we recommend having us do an evaluation and estimate for your business. In addition to checking your existing computers and software for compatibility, we will check to make sure all devices, such as printers, are compatible as well. Contact us to schedule a time for your personal consultation.
It seems that January 2020 is a long time away and there is plenty of time to get things switched over. However, since the process can be fairly involved, it would be wise to start making plans now for the switch before the deadline approaches.
As mentioned, since each situation is unique, we recommend having us do an evaluation and estimate for your business. In addition to checking your existing computers and software for compatibility, we will check to make sure all devices, such as printers, are compatible as well. Contact us to schedule a time for your personal consultation.
I want to know more.
I want to know more.
To learn more about this issue, contact us and we will answer any questions you may have. You can also visit Microsoft’s own information page at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness/end-of-windows-7-support.
To learn more about this issue, contact us and we will answer any questions you may have. You can also visit Microsoft’s own information page at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness/end-of-windows-7-support.