What does this mean? On a supported operating system (Windows 8 and higher), if Microsoft learns that there are ways for hackers to get in or other things that aren’t working right (bugs), they fix them. If you have a problem with Windows, you can call Microsoft and they will help you fix it.

On an unsupported operating system (e.g., Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, etc.), these are not fixed. This means that as you get farther and farther past the end of support date, the more likely your computer is to get infected by viruses, not work with various programs and other devices, and have other problems.

What should I do??? Tech Lab recommends upgrading to the most recent operating system. This means that you will not have to upgrade again for a while, and it also means that you are getting the fastest and most secure version.

If you don’t upgrade, you may be able to purchase extended support – for a while. It depends on the type of operating system you have. There are a wide variety of software for servers that can and cannot receive extended support. If you are a company that has Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Enterprise, you can pay Microsoft for a longer support period while you switch over. However, Microsoft wants you to upgrade. This extended support will get more and more expensive the longer you don’t switch over. If you are interested in extended support, please contact Microsoft.

How do I upgrade?  The best and cheapest answer is, have Tech Lab or another tech take a look at your computer. 

Some computers can be upgraded, and that is cheaper than buying a new computer.  However, only a tech like Tech Lab will know if yours can be upgraded and how to do it.  If you upgrade a computer that can’t handle the upgrade, the computer will crash and die.  If you don’t know what you are doing when you upgrade, you may lose all your data. 

You can also buy another computer with the new system already on it. However, not all new computers are created equally. Some are slow to begin with and will fall apart and die very quickly. Tech Lab can help you find the best computer to meet your needs that will last a long while and get your new computer set up.

I like Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008.  What happens if I don’t upgrade?  We expect hackers to target Windows 7 computers as soon as support ends.  The farther you get past the end of support date, the more likely your computer will be to get infected by viruses. 

Other companies will also quit supporting Windows 7.  If you buy a new printer or get new software after the end of support date, you can expect those not to work on your computer either. 

I tried Windows 10 and did not like it. Tech Lab can help you set up Windows 10 so that it looks and acts like Windows 7 if you want. Call us at 414-208-4682 to schedule your session with us!