Windows 7 Has Ended

What this means for you and your business

According to Microsoft statistics, more than 35% of all Windows users were still using Windows 7 last year.

This is largely thanks to Windows 7 proving to be the most reliable system after the disastrous Windows Vista and before the confusing Windows 8.

Windows 7 was the most recently released system that still ran in a similar way to the familiar systems of the past. This made it require the least amount of learning after installation. Unfortunately though, all good systems have to come to an end eventually, and that includes Windows 7.

Does that mean my Windows 7 won’t work anymore?

No, your computer will continue to work fine. What it means is that Microsoft will no longer provide your system with security updates. This is a big deal when it comes to protecting your private information.

For the personal user, any sensitive information your computer has stored will now become vulnerable for hackers to steal. For business users, your clients information could be stolen.

While it may have felt that your virus software alone has been protecting you all these years, that hasn’t been the case. Windows has been working to stay ahead of constant flaws being found in the coding of your operating system. They’ve been searching for problems and fixing them to keep your personal information safe.

This service ended on January 14th 2020. It’s now time to upgrade.

Do I have to?

If you’re a personal user, you absolutely don’t have to.

If you really don’t want to upgrade, simply jump onto your computer and delete all the information you don’t want stolen. This includes your browser cookies and any browser services you’ve been using to store addresses, passwords and credit card details.

For business users, you really should update quickly.

The reason you should update is because you have a duty of care to your clients. If their information is leaked because you didn’t update your operating system, they’re within their rights to litigate.

You can’t claim ignorance because Windows has been very forward with their plans and what they mean for you. You also agreed with their right to terminate service when you installed the system. (Remember that tiny writing you didn’t read and clicked ‘agree’ to?)

It really is within your best interests to upgrade. I personally don’t think several of the really big companies will get around to it, so I expect to see lots of hacking stories and data leaking this year. This will be followed in millions of dollars changing hands in the inevitable law suits that follow.

What do I do now?

Set aside a few hours and go to the Microsoft website and upgrade to Windows 10. (This is not an affiliate link, Microsoft has no involvement in this story). Once you’ve paid for and downloaded the software, it will guide you on how to install and set it up correctly.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, take your computer to one of the many PC repair places in your area. An IT specialist at one of these stores will be happy to help you set it up… for a price of course.

If your business has several computers, you’ll need to upgrade all of them. Failing to do this is how big businesses will be caught out. They have thousands of computers, and won’t want to bother with absolutely all of them. The one that isn’t upgraded will act like a door for the hacker to get inside through.

Don’t give hackers a door, upgrade all your computers. If you have lots of them, you can pay a nearby IT company to come to your business and install them all for you.

It’s a bummer, but keeping our operating system updated isn’t a luxury in todays world, it’s a necessity.

What you’re paying for when you upgrade your system is several years of very smart people updating your software and keeping it safe from viruses, malware, and hackers.

Just like the computer you conduct business on, the software itself needs to be replaced every few years. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not one of the companies being splashed all over the news for leaking sensitive information.

Buying an operating system is a lot cheaper than a cyber attack, believe me.