Using windows 7 for its final days

It is true that most users, especially domestic users, will not have problems when using Windows 10. The requirements are the same as those of its predecessor, and it also has advanced security measures that will allow us be protected at all times. All the programs, and games, that work in a Windows 7 will do it without problems in Windows 8 or in Windows 10. However, what reasons can make us stay in this operating system without support?

Using very specific software that only works on Windows 7

Although the truth is that almost 100% of the programs and games that work in 7 will also work in Windows 10, there may be very specific cases in which some program does not work. Sometimes this compatibility problem can be solved by including the necessary Windows 7 libraries inside the program folder. But, there are times when not.

This is very common, especially when using business software. The programs designed for businesses are designed to work on specific versions of Windows. Therefore, if we change the operating system they will not work properly. And also, many times it is even very difficult to update them so that they can work, for example, in Windows 10.

We value our privacy: No! to Windows 10

One of the biggest problems with Windows 10 is your privacy. Specifically the absence of this. The Microsoft operating system is characterized above all by sharing a large amount of user data with Microsoft, which is known as telemetry. Although it is true that this telemetry has been reduced considerably since the launch of Windows 10 in 2015, and that users now have a lot of control over our data, the privacy that 10 offers is light years away from what we can achieve with Windows 7.

Users who value their privacy often avoid this operating system at all costs. And this is one of the reasons why Windows 7 continues to have a large market share despite being an unsupported system.

We don’t want, or can’t afford, upgrade issues

Not having updates is a problem, since security problems that may appear on the PC are not solved. However, considering what Windows updates look like, this can also be an advantage. Not having updates ensures that our Windows is not going to break, or start to malfunction, due to a bad patch. Therefore, we will have our operating system always ready.

If we want a security plus, there are tools, such as ” 0patch “, that allow us to patch Windows vulnerabilities directly from RAM, being able to use Windows 7 safely, and without vulnerabilities, despite not having support.

We are old-fashioned users: we like the classic

Another of the most common reasons why 7 is still a widely used system is because there are many users who are afraid of change. Although both systems are broadly the same, there are many elements that change. The Aero theme is not what it used to be, and although Modern UI with Fluent Design is taking shape, it is still far from offering the 7 experience. Also, the start menu is different, and the Control Panel is about to disappear, giving way to the Settings menu.

All of these changes, while well-intentioned and intended to improve Windows, are not liked by many users. And, therefore, they refuse to update.

Pay for Windows 7 Extended Support

If we want to be able to continue using Windows 7 safely, there is a legal option to do so: pay for extended support. Although this operating system has reached the end of its life cycle, Microsoft still offers updates, for a fee, for companies that need to continue using this system for any of the above reasons. Therefore, if you do not mind spending a large sum of money, you can receive these official updates.

These updates will last for 3 years, and each year that passes will be more expensive than the previous one. Starting in 2023, Windows 7 will also reach the end of paid support and therefore will no longer have official support altogether. Of course, tools like the aforementioned “0patch” will continue to offer basic protection against possible vulnerabilities.

All technology is iterative. Whether we are talking about software or hardware, there will come a time when your current tools will no longer fit your needs. Deciding when to upgrade is always a bit of a guessing game. You could choose to be an early adapter, but that means you may be dealing with 1.0 bugs and other growing pains. Waiting too long to switch, however, can create much more serious problems.

Why You Should Be Preparing to Switch

An expiration date for making a change is exactly what Windows 7 users are facing right now. On January 14th, 2020, Windows will end support for Windows 7. Updates will stop, and the operating system will enter lame-duck status. Technically, you’ll still be able to use Windows 7 after that date, but if you’re one of the 40-plus percent of businesses who still use the platform, you need to think about switching as soon as possible. Here are a few key reasons why:

Ease of Integration

Your operating system may be the foundational platform from which every other desktop tool springs, but it’s far from the only software resource you rely on. In today’s world, every business needs a whole suite of services in order to run at their best. Sticking to an out-of-date operating system will cause your other programs to falter. Developers simply aren’t updating their software with an eye toward Windows 7. Over time, many of the applications essential to your operations will become unusable in Windows 7.

The same is true of hardware. New devices and components are released all the time, and they are all designed to work with the operating systems of today and tomorrow. Unfortunately, Windows 7 is quickly becoming yesterday’s operating system. Using Windows 7 with such hardware limits its capabilities. Eventually, it will become difficult to find hardware that’s compatible with Windows 7 at all.

Security Concerns

While hindering your performance is far from desirable, that pales in comparison to the safety risks you’ll be living with if you don’t upgrade in time. Once Microsoft ends support, security patches will cease. These patches are essential for combating the latest tactics used by hackers to break into your network. Without them, you are extremely vulnerable.

Even worse, hackers know to target businesses and individuals who fail to upgrade to current operating systems. They correctly reason that if somebody is foolish enough to use an outdated platform, they probably aren’t wise enough to have adequate defenses. Basically, an unsupported operating system is the equivalent of a “kick me” sign on your back, only this one reads: “hack me.”

Act Now or Cry Later

We are just about 6 months away from the death knell of Windows 7, so you may think you have time before a change is necessary. The truth is: You should act now so that once the final date arrives, you’ll have all of the machines ready to go. That’s especially true if you’re considering changing your service provider altogether, rather than simply migrating forward to Windows 10. If you need to transition your operating system, we are here to help guide you along the way. No matter what course of action you take, you have to act. Otherwise, you’ll be in deep trouble come January 2020.

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