Using Windows 7? Questions and Answers

Windows 7 is a popular operating system, so this creates concern for many. All support for Windows 7 will end on January 14, 2020.

Did You Know That Support Is Ending For Windows 7 On January 2020?

Microsoft announced they are stopping mainstream support for Windows 7. Windows 7 is a popular operating system, so this creates concern for many. All support for Windows 7 will end on January 14, 2020.

You won’t get bug fixes or security patches unless you pay for up to three years of patches or switch to Microsoft-hosted virtual machines. (In this case, you’ll receive three years of additional patching at no cost.)

If you do nothing, over time, the security and reliability of Windows 7 will make your computers vulnerable.

How Will Your Computers Be Vulnerable?

Your computers could be infected by malware, your antivirus won’t be updated, your online banking transactions protection system may expire, and your financial data could be exposed to theft. This, of course, could affect your compliance with HIPAA or other regulations.

Windows 7 Won’t Be Reliable?

True; 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 IT system.

What Should You Do?

It’s not too early to update to Windows 10. Just be sure that your hardware will support it. It’s an excellent time to purchase new hardware because you can take advantage of the 179 Tax Deduction before 12/31/19. (There’s not much time!)

Section 179 always expires each year at midnight, December 31st. To take advantage of it this year, you must buy (or lease/finance) your equipment and put it into use by midnight 12/31/2019.

Should You Purchase A New Computer?

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 durable, have a longer battery life, and provide increased security.

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

You can also use $1 buyout leases to keep the expense capital and still receive your tax benefits.

This gives you ownership of the equipment for tax purposes so you can claim bonus depreciation and interest expenses.

What Are The Benefits Of Updating 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;
And provides many more benefits.

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

Cortana: This is a personal assistant that runs on artificial intelligence (AI). You can do many things with Cortana:

Get reminders based on time, places, or people.
Track packages, teams, interests, and flights.
Send emails and texts.
Manage your calendar and keep you up to date.
Create and manage lists.
Find facts, files, places, and info.
Open any app on your system.

Windows Store Apps: 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, and more. And you can easily download any of the 700,000 applications in the Windows Store. Enjoy apps like:

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 to do after you’ve downloaded the operating system. New devices upgrade much faster. This is another reason to consider new computers if yours are 4 years old or older.

Do You Have Enough Space In Your Computer 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.

Do You Have Questions About Upgrading To Windows 10?

Contact the team at ICS. We can answer your questions about Windows 10 and other Microsoft products.

Please note: Due to demand at the end of the year along with the holiday season, it could take 60 to 90 days to get a large computer order installed.

In the meantime, visit our Blog to stay up-to-date on important news in IT for your organization. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find:

Windows 7 Support Is Ending

What Technology Should Small Law Firms Choose

Critical Update From Microsoft: Remote Desktop Services