Windows 7 is dying! Let’s get you protected ASAP!
Microsoft’s Windows 7 is approaching end of life (EOL), which is creating serious vulnerabilities for millions of people! According to a study with MIT, 978,000 million people in 20 countries had $172,000,000,000 stolen from hackers in 2017 – that’s a lot of loot! Seras is prepared to help with identifying vulnerabilities, preparing a plan for implementation, and getting your computers and systems upgraded and protected. Find out what this means for you or your business!
The Risks
As of January 15th, 2020, Windows 7 users will be operating “at their own risk”. Microsoft provides ongoing support for its operating systems – all those pesky updates that you see running when you restart your computer. These updates keep your computer and your data protected from malicious parties that attempt to access your data without your consent. Updates also include “patches” or small band-aids that help fix minor bugs in the system that can create frustration for users.
Industry sources estimate that between 40 and 50 percent of users are still using Windows 7. Hackers are incentivized by these millions of vulnerable users and begin to develop malicious strategies to attack the newly vulnerable Windows 7 systems because Microsoft is no longer providing critical security updates. Basically, if you continue to use Windows 7 after January 14th, 2020, your system and data are highly vulnerable to outside malicious attacks.
Preparation
Identifying your machine’s hardware abilities to ensure that it will have enough muscle to handle the new operating system is the first step. Microsoft lists the Windows 10 minimum hardware requirements as:
Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS 20 GB for 64-bit OS
Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
Display: 800 x 600 resolution
These may be the minimum requirements for the operating system itself, but in order to perform today’s typical computer functions, Seras recommends the following minimum requirements:
Processor: 2.2 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
RAM: 8 gigabytes
Hard disk space: 256 GB
Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
Display: 1920 x 1080 resolution
Consumers
For one-machine users (most consumers/residential users), planning for the upgrade is relatively simple. After ensuring that the machine can handle the upgrade, Seras recommends backing up all of your critical data (even though Microsoft will ask you if you want to keep your files). Even though Seras technicians typically work exclusively with commercial clients, we are happy to answer questions from consumers about these upgrades or other computer services.
Commercial Clients
Things can get a bit more complicated for a business when it comes to operating system upgrades: significant hardware upgrade or replacement costs, proprietary software limitations, decreased employee morale, and more. Seras is no stranger to any of these concepts as our customers will attest!
Each customer has their own set of specific needs, however Seras typically recommends the following plan to ensure every base is covered:
Identify computers that will need to be upgraded to Windows 10
Identify which of those computers do not meet hardware requirements
Identify computers using software programs that do not support Windows 10
Develop security protocols for computers that must remain on Windows 7
Develop a budget and timeline
Create necessary training programs to assist relevant employees with the change
Hardware Upgrades and Replacement
Machines that do not meet minimum hardware requirements don’t always have to be replaced. You read that right – Seras is not in the overkill game and always looks for the best possible value for our customers! As long as processing power is sufficient, Seras can upgrade memory, hard drives, graphics cards, and more to get your computers up to speed. Enterprise-level replacement computers are always an option and Seras maintains a great relationship with Dell for all types of computers and computer-related equipment.
Software Issues
Certain proprietary software programs do not work properly with newer operating systems – usually because they are older and not properly supported by their creators. Not to worry – Seras can keep you running and SECURE! There are a variety of options based on local configurations from virtual machines to additional private networks and more.
Budget and Timeline
Depending on the size of the organization, time frames for major upgrades can last as long as a year – especially if there are significant hardware upgrades or replacements that need to take place. Seras is adept at cataloging, mapping, and projecting detailed analyses to help keep you on track. We are hired to provide a plan that you can understand and manage along the way – it’s what we do best!
Training
Windows 10 is not that much different than Windows 7, but that doesn’t stop employees from complaining or getting frustrated. Often with an operating system upgrade, a select few employees need assistance with certain functions. In this case, typically the start menu, application icon visuals, or computer setting configurations. Seras has successfully provided both group and one-on-one training for our clients.
Implementation
For smaller groups or single users, the basic process involves downloading a media creation tool and then upgrading. Remember to back up your data before upgrading!
As seen above, Seras performs extensive analysis, preparation, planning, AND communication before implementing a Windows 10 upgrade for one of our clients. Our technicians spend many weekends in the greater Columbia area working through these upgrades along with many other projects so that there is little to no interruption to workflow.
Great News - Free Assessments!
During the month of November, Seras is excited to announce free system evaluations to help businesses get a jump start on preparing for necessary upgrades. The brief site visit will include identification of any machines on your network that need to be upgraded along with any hardware or software/security requirements that will be needed. Contact us today using one of the following methods – we can’t wait to hear from you!
