Windows 10 vs Windows 7 – What you need to know.

All good things must come to an end, and unfortunately, that means saying goodbye to Windows 7 after 11 years of good service. The good news is that Windows 10 is pretty user-friendly and just a reliable.

 

Why?

In January 2020 Microsoft will cease extended support for Windows 7, this means that the regular flow of updates, fixes and patches will stop. When software updates stop that leaves your systems open to potential attacks from cybercriminals e.g. hackers.

We advise that Administration and Staff systems and servers are upgraded first, student machines are less susceptible due to the nature of your networks and the way they are used.

 

What is a patch and why will the software become insecure?

The software is made by humans who will inadvertently create faults or loopholes either as part of the original design or when new features are added. Cybercriminals work hard to try and find these flaws and exploit them to either cause disruption or to make money.

A patch is a fix applied to the software to try to fix those loopholes.

 

What does that mean for me?

Existing equipment running Windows 7 (or Windows server 2008) should be updated to keep you and your children and your data safe and secure.

We’ll be putting this into network improvements plans for the coming financial year and working our socks or to roll out the updates where they’re needed to almost 50 schools.

Some schools have already had these updates (or part thereof), as part of upgrades that have taken place in the last couple of years, some will need more work.

 

How do we get started?

Your technician will be coming to speak to you over the next couple of weeks about what work needs to take place in your school. We’ll use the feedback from these discussions to plan the work required in your school or academy.

 

Where can I find more information?

Product lifecycle details can be found on the Microsoft website by clicking here.