Ok, so that might be a bit dramatic – but support for Windows 7 from Microsoft will end on January 14, 2020. Windows 7 has been around for 10 years and Microsoft has decided to finally pull the plug on supporting it. What does that mean to you if you still have a computer running the Windows 7 operating system? Well, the good news is that your computer will not suddenly stop working on January 15th. It will continue to work but Microsoft will no longer support it with updates and most importantly security updates. It will no longer issue security updates and patches for any problems or bugs discovered. This will leave your computer vulnerable to all manner of nefarious characters and malicious viruses and attacks.
If you are still running Windows 7 what can you do to protect yourself? Your only real options are to buy a new computer running Windows 10 or purchase a license for Windows 10 and upgrade your operating system. This will allow you to continue to receive updates and security updates. Whether you decide to purchase a new computer or a license for Windows 10, I recommend you spend the extra few dollars and get Windows 10 Pro. It will get you some extras that are designed for office environments, not the least of which is a built in encryption add-in called Bitlocker which will provide you with encryption for your hard drive or any external drives.
For more information directly from Microsoft click here.
Disclaimer: The above information is intended to be general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Each situation is different, and you should contact an attorney to discuss your specific situation. Mr. Sasser is an attorney licensed to practice in Alabama only and this information is not intended in any way as a solicitation of business or the offering of legal advice or services in any other state.