Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

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Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

January 14, 2020, 02:33:13 pm

For those of us that resist change and are still running Windows 7 on our PC's, just a word to the wise that it may be time to upgrade. As of today, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7 which means no more security updates. More info here:

Windows 10: Upgrade time is here now that Windows 7 support is over -- what...

Since my old PC was five years old, I decided to upgrade it along with the operating system.

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #1 – January 14, 2020, 10:18:27 pm

Quote from: HiLola - January 14, 2020, 02:33:13 pm

For those of us that resist change and are still running Windows 7 on our PC's, just a word to the wise that it may be time to upgrade. As of today, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7 which means no more security updates. More info here:

Windows 10: Upgrade time is here now that Windows 7 support is over -- what...

Since my old PC was five years old, I decided to upgrade it along with the operating system.

My windows XP machine still works fine, as long as I don't connect it to the Internet. It works fine on a protected Intranet.
YMMV

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #2 – January 14, 2020, 11:08:48 pm

Similar to Joel, I have a Dell that I bought specifically because it had Windows 7 that runs a complex navigation suite that I like. The navigation software company had so many problems with Windows 8 that it was 7 or nothing. The laptop only gets used as a navigation back up, doesn't connect to the internet, and has served us well for the last 4 years. It contains a remarkably reliable Nobletech GPS/Chartplotter suite with tides and currents imbedded so that wherever we moor or anchor, we know what the local tides are. When we are in regions with considerable currents (Straits of Juan de Fuca and the San Juan Islands, this is indispensable. When approaching an inlet or harbor mouth that I'm not familiar with, it has photographs for guidance.

When it craps out, I'll re-learn how to use a sextant.

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #3 – January 15, 2020, 08:37:14 am

"As of today, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7..."

On boot-up this morning, despite the dire warnings of yesterday, what is it that greets my weary eyes? Why it's still another 'update'!

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #4 – January 15, 2020, 09:51:46 am

Quote from: Lazy Bones link=msg=211901 date=1579095434[quote author=Lazy Bones - January 15, 2020, 08:37:14 am

On boot-up this morning, despite the dire warnings of yesterday, what is it that greets my weary eyes? Why it's still another 'update'!

Interesting, I’ll have to check mine. Windows 7 should continue to work, perhaps for years, but you will be more susceptible to data breaches.

When we purchased our last laptop, Windows 8 was just coming out but we had heard about the issues with it so chose to stay with Windows 7. My brother-in-law, who has worked for HP for the last 30 years, says Windows 10 is pretty good so we feel comfortable upgrading. We like HP computers since we get the “Friends and Family” discount. 🙂

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #5 – January 15, 2020, 10:26:38 am

Some years ago my frustration with windows reached a point where I was willing to bite the bullet and go with a Mac and the Apple system. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. I realize some people are able to live with windows or may have to and may even be happy with that system, but my computer skills are less the stellar. I wish I could buy the cheaper alternative, and some will accuse me of crossing over to the dark side, but Windows is in my past now. Frank

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #6 – January 15, 2020, 01:58:48 pm

Quote from: kool83704 - January 15, 2020, 10:26:38 am

Some years ago my frustration with windows reached a point where I was willing to bite the bullet and go with a Mac and the Apple system. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

My understanding is that Apple OS updates make hardware obsolete sooner than Windows updates, so it is an expensive switch in the long run. With Windows, I can run almost any software written for past versions, as well as many DOS programs. Also, the suites of OpenSource software I mostly use are free and compiled for most versions of Windows. Many of them are not available for Apple OS, but those that are - probably a good option there too to avoid obsolescence.

Steve

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #7 – January 15, 2020, 03:37:53 pm

Quote from: Steve - January 15, 2020, 01:58:48 pm

With Windows, I can run almost any software written for past versions, as well as many DOS programs. Also, the suites of OpenSource software I mostly use are free and compiled for most versions of Windows. Many of them are not available for Apple OS, but those that are - probably a good option there too to avoid obsolescence.

Exactly, Steve. While we do use Apple products (iPad, iPhone), I still like Windows for some things such as Apache Open Office. We are getting more portable though. We’ve gone from a desktop tower, to a laptop, to a convertible laptop that can be used as a tablet.

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #8 – January 16, 2020, 09:22:54 am

I have a Windows 10 computer that I have to use at work. Otherwise, all my other personal computers are Macs. If you, like many, have some sort of iPhone it is nice to have the integration with a Mac.

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #9 – January 16, 2020, 09:48:07 am

Quote from: Steve - January 15, 2020, 01:58:48 pm

My understanding is that Apple OS updates make hardware obsolete sooner than Windows updates...

I have two Macs - one from 2012 and one from 2013. Both are compatible with the latest macOS 10.15 (Catalina) from 2019. Even when my Macs will eventually be not any more compatible with future macOS releases (most likely not before 2022) I will still get for some time security updates from Apple.

Altogether that means that my Macs are for 10 years or more capable of running the latest macOS and will get security updates even longer.

Given that some people would not want to drive a $100,000+ motorhome for more than 10 years I think that 10+ years of support for a computer for less than $1,000 (or more, of course) is not too bad.

And like with Windows XP and Windows 7 computers it is of course possible to use Macs for years longer after their end of support. I know people with 15+ years old Macs, and they work - kind of slow - just fine.

Klaus

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #10 – January 16, 2020, 02:54:17 pm

Quote from: kool83704 - January 15, 2020, 10:26:38 am

Some years ago my frustration with windows reached a point where I was willing to bite the bullet and go with a Mac and the Apple system.

I agree. And my computer skills are pretty darned good (worked in the system software industry for decades and still dabble). I started out disliking apple because they hid things from the user - even after windows came out you could still get into DOS and play with stuff. However over time I have done less system software stuff at home and been more just a regular user (I push some things more than others do, other things I push less).

I have (and still have) colleagues that worked on Windows and while the pro versions of the operating system are better I became so disillusioned I switched to Apple about 5 years ago and couldn't be happier. Support is wonderful (vs windows support which barely exists and nothing above the very basic level such as how do I format a paragraph in my document).
Apple support has been like computer support was back in the 80s. They give you lay people answers and will gladly talk highly technical issues also. I will gladly pay the extra price for the support I use a couple times a year.

I don't need any software that can't run on my Mac. I use apple office software but I do use MS Excel sometimes as I push spreadsheets sometimes and the features I use don't work with numbers/sheets.
But everything else I use either came with the Mac, is opensource (and runs fine on my mac), or is internet software which is where everything has been moving for some time now.
I love the integrated features Apple has that make things so easy to do - when working with colleagues on windows they have to struggle (and often have to get 3rd party software) to do the same thing.

A curious side note... Microsoft does not use their own tools in house. E.g. They don't use their developer software tools at all or project planning tools or many of the other tools they sell the public as the tools just don't preform well enough.

Jane

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #11 – January 29, 2020, 03:47:44 pm

Just an interesting note. The HP computer we ordered was assembled in China and cleared for international shipment to the US a week ago. It was then shipped to FedEx Shennan-Shi, Japan on Jan. 23rd and was supposed to be delivered to us on Monday. Turns out, it is still in Japan. When I called FedEx today to inquire of the status, I was told it’s been delayed due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Haven’t even received our new computer and apparently we already have a virus!

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #12 – January 29, 2020, 03:58:41 pm

"...due to the Coronavirus outbreak."

I have no doubt you've made that statement in jest! Coronavirus is respiratory and 'kills humans', not computers.

If I were waiting for that shipment I would be very reluctant to receive it until I was assured that it was benign.

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #13 – January 29, 2020, 09:56:34 pm

"Coronavirus is ..."

And now, according to the evening news, we must also contend with the Corona 'Beer' Virus. Talk about paranoia.

https://www.foxnews.com/tech/coronavirus-sparks-google-search-spike-in-corona-beer-virus-and-beer-virus

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #14 – February 01, 2020, 11:21:40 am

Have no dog in this fight.... (Smile)

I own and use all sorts of OS's from very basic to very complex. I have found most all users never come close to using the hardware or software they own.
When my family asked me what should they buy I listen to what they do then suggest hardware and software to match their use.

I have found that Chrome Books are the cheapest,easiest and best match for the largest group of folks.

Glen

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #15 – February 01, 2020, 12:27:59 pm

I installed Linux Ubuntu on my desk top a few months ago. I like it. I have Windows 8 on this old used laptop (used for studying on sofa with dogs and smart tv), we have used Windows 7 and Windows 10, can't recall what the newer laptop has.

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #16 – February 01, 2020, 02:41:01 pm

Another update on our traveling computer. After arriving at Oakland a couple days ago it flew to Memphis, Tennessee and then right back to Los Angeles where it is now. Expected delivery is on Monday. Will be wiping it down with alcohol wipes, just in case!

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #17 – February 01, 2020, 03:26:20 pm

Greg, I think Memphis is a hub cause I had something go from Las Vegas to Memphis then to Phoenix - seemed the long way. And when Memphis gets snowed in, makes delays.
Jane

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #18 – February 01, 2020, 05:52:49 pm

Quote from: Jane and Scott - February 01, 2020, 03:26:20 pm

Greg, I think Memphis is a hub cause I had something go from Las Vegas to Memphis then to Phoenix - seemed the long way. And when Memphis gets snowed in, makes delays.
Jane

Aw, that explains it. It wasn't there very long. I had to shake my head though when it went from Oakland to Memphis, then back to California.

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #19 – February 01, 2020, 06:01:01 pm

Quote from: HiLola - February 01, 2020, 02:41:01 pm

Will be wiping it down with alcohol wipes, just in case!

Immersing it in a 70% alcohol solution for 24 hours should kill any viri, among other things.....

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #20 – February 02, 2020, 09:38:47 am

FYI
Isopropyl alcohol is a cleaning agent. To kill associated bugs you need to soak said article for 24 hours in alcohol.

Glen

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #21 – February 02, 2020, 11:01:33 am

Guess I could sandblast it instead.

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #22 – February 03, 2020, 08:28:11 pm

Well, the new computer finally arrived today from China, hopefully virus free. I like the convertible laptop concept. It's like an oversized iPad (15"). It's gonna take awhile to get used to Windows 10 with touch capability though; much different than our old PC. At least it has technical support and updates!

Re: Windows 7 Support Goes Bye-Bye

Reply #23 – February 03, 2020, 08:52:04 pm

Quote from: HiLola - February 03, 2020, 08:28:11 pm

I like the convertible laptop concept... It's gonna take awhile to get used to Windows 10 with touch capability though

Hi Greg,

I have an HP Envy X360 Convertible laptop and I rarely use it in tablet-mode. If the touch screen drives you crazy (like it does me), you can disable it.

1. RMB on the Start button
2. Select “Device Manager”
3. Click the little arrow next to “Human Interface Devices”
4. RMB on “HID-compliant touch screen”
5. Select “Disable device”

I hope you enjoy your new Windows 10 laptop.

- John

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