Windows 7 User? Don’t Wait for the Inevitable–Upgrade (for Free!)

Windows 7 is dead, long live Windows! If you are using Windows 7, don’t abide–vulnerabilities are inevitable. Upgrade for free. Here’s why and how.

Just a quick note that Windows 7 has reached the end of life (as of 14 Jan. 2020) and is no longer supported by Microsoft. So if you are still using Windows 7 you are working on borrowed time, as Microsoft is no longer required to issue upgrades for security threats for Windows 7. As a result,  moving forward systems using Windows 7 will be vulnerable to emerging threats (malware, ransomware, etc.).

So upgrade those systems! It may seem like a lot of time and effort to upgrade, but maintaining the tools of your trade is an integral part to practicing the trade efficiently and well. And the upgrade will require less time and money than recovering from a cyber attack (and repairing your reputation with your clients).

As an aside: ZDNet reports you can still upgrade from 7 to 10 for free [info here]. I have no first-hand experience with the upgrade, and so I can neither recommend nor wave you off. I have, however, heard from a colleague who did the free upgrade that it worked just fine.

Happy computing!

To learn more about cybersecurity for individuals and small businesses, check out the Freelancer’s Guide to Cybersecurity and its list of resources.

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