Despite
Windows 10 having been around for a couple of years now and Windows 8 and
Windows 8.1 for many more, I still know a few people sticking with their
Windows 7 computer. Unfortunately, the time is now here for a new operating
system and likely, a new computer too.
The Windows
7 End of Life date has been announced as January 14, 2020 which is when support
will officially end. That means no more security updates, no more Windows
updates, no more app support and no third party app compatibility guarantees.
While the OS will run fine without these updates, the computer will gradually
become susceptible to emerging threats.
Preparing for the end
Microsoft
is already preparing you for the end of Windows 7. As soon as you install Windows
Update KB4493132, you will begin seeing prompts to update to Windows 10 before
January 2020. This is an optional update which you can elect to not install if
you want but will arrive on its own if you have automatic updates configured.
So how can
you prepare?
Your main
option is to upgrade to Windows 10. You missed the free upgrade offer but you
can acquire cut price licenses if you know where to look. Otherwise, Dave’s
Computers can help prepare you with a system refresh and full upgrade to the
new operating system.
You will
need a computer with these minimum specifications to run Windows 10.
If your
current computer meets these specs, you can upgrade to Windows 10. We would
suggest those as an absolute minimum as many games and programs designed for
Windows 10 will require more hardware capability than that.
If you
don’t want to buy a new computer or pay for the upgrade to Windows 10, there’s
always Linux. Free, super-stable and friendlier to use than ever, Linux is now
a viable home operating system for normal people.
Whichever
way you go, we can help you transfer your files over to your new operating
system and help you set everything up just how you like it. It’s all part of
the Dave’s Computers service!