Believe it or not, Geek For Hire is recommending that you keep Windows 7. Even though there’s some scary language coming out of Microsoft like “UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 10 NOW!” and “WINDOWS 7 ISN’T SECURE!”, we believe that you should be okay. But, here is the exact wording from the Microsoft website.
“The specific end of support day for Windows 7 will be January 14, 2020. After that, technical assistance and software updates from Windows Update that help protect your PC will no longer be available for the product. Microsoft strongly recommends that you move to Windows 10 sometime before January 2020 to avoid a situation where you need service or support that is no longer available.”
Call us crazy, but at Geek For Hire, we don’t think this is really the end of the world. And, at least for right now, we’re not recommending that you go out and purchase a new Windows 10 machine or migrate to the newest version of Windows.
Here are our reasons to keep Windows 7:
- Change is bad. (You were wondering what neophobe meant, weren’t you!)
- Your older machine probably can’t handle the memory requirements
- You don’t like to learn something new
- A new machine with Windows 10 is expensive, especially if it comes with all the storage and speed you need.
- Your old software may not work with Windows 10 – you’d have to buy a whole new software package.
- But, the Most Important thing to know if you keep Windows 7:
Windows updates consist primarily of security and protection updates. As long as you use a very good AntiVirus software package AND keep it up to date, you should be fine. We like ESET’s NOD32.
If you’re looking for more detailed information, we published this blog several months ago about what your options are with Windows 7.
Keep an eye on this page. As the year progresses we may recommend an upgrade to Windows 10.
Conclusion:
If you decide to keep Windows 7, you must keep your Anti-Virus software up to date!
Please note: We will often recommend products, parts, and resources that we like. Sometimes we’ll receive an affiliate commission for at no additional cost to you.
Information about Geek For Hire, Inc.
Chris Eddy of Geek For Hire, Inc. has been providing computer service to families and small businesses with Mac’s and PCs for the past eighteen years. Angie’s List and the BBB rate Geek For Hire very highly. You can find more on our website, or give us a call 303-618-0154. Geek For Hire, Inc. provides onsite service (Tier 3 support) to the Denver / Boulder / Front Range area as well as remote service throughout North America.
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