Have you ever seen a window without some kind of support? Not likely. That's what you are going to see the first of the year as Microsoft will cease its support of Windows 7.
If you think about it, windows are inside walls and are supported by the wall they are in. The wall supporting the window is responsible for keeping the outside outside and the inside inside. The window is merely a way to allow for interaction between the inside and outside, permitting things like sunlight, the beautiful view and maybe even fresh air to enter a protected space — all while keeping the majority of what's outside outside.
Now when it comes to your computer, its operating system is like a window. It’s a way for you to interact with the cyberworld — data, your business’s network infrastructure and the great wide world of the “interwebs” outside — while remaining protected. You can receive illumination from Wikipedia, view videos of cats being startled by cucumbers (Seriously!) and take in fresh data from Google Analytics, all from the safety of your computer.
But if you are working on a machine using Windows 7, that’s all going to change … and soon.
Windows 7 support ends in January
On January 14, 2020, Microsoft will end its support of Windows 7. From that date on, Microsoft will no longer support machines running Windows 7 and will no longer release security updates for the platform, leaving your machine open to hackers, malware and other types of cyber attacks.
What that means for you is the wall supporting your window and the whole building protecting you is going to disappear. Up until that point, Microsoft had been replacing cracked window panes, worn weather-stripping and the broken window latches, if you will, but on that date, all you’ll have is a broken window. No walls will keep the critters out. No roof to stop the rainoverhead.
You’ll have an operating system but you and your computer will be vulnerable to the cybermen (for you Dr. Who fans out there) marching about outside.
Microsoft: Windows 7 outdated, too expensive to maintain
So why is Microsoft no longer supporting Windows 7? According to the software company, the platform “is outdated and will drive up operating costs from remediating malware attacks that wouldn’t penetrate Windows 10 systems.” Furthermore, a Microsoft representative said the operating system “does not meet the requirements of modern technology, nor the high security requirements of IT departments.”
In other words, the window has become essentially irreparable. That’s why Microsoft built Windows 10 — a newer, more energy-efficient, argon-filled, double-paned, cybermen resistant window — and is telling everyone to get behind it.
Upgrade to Windows 10, pretty please!
We are asking our clients and everyone else using Windows 7 to do the same, because while Windows 10 may still have lots of problems — and it does — at least it’s being supported, is receiving updates and patches and it offers some protection from the cybermen outside.
If you are our client or are looking for a new managed network services solution for your business and need help with the update, we’ll gladly help you to keep your network infrastructure safe. Just let us know.
But in any case, we highly recommend you make the change now, that way when the new year rolls around like it will — and sooner than you think — your business won’t be left open to cyberattacks.
About R.K. Black, Inc.
R.K. Black, Inc. is an Oklahoma City-based, family-owned leading provider of office technology solutions to small and medium-sized businesses in Oklahoma and Kansas. We specialize in everything business technology from copier, fax, printer and scanner technology to document management, onsite paper shredding services, VoIP phone systems and managed IT support to video surveillance solutions.
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