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Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025

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It’s hard to believe that Windows 10 will be 10 years old next July. Microsoft has announced that 22H2 will be the final version of Windows 10. Microsoft will continue to provide critical security updates monthly to devices that have the latest (22H2) version until the scheduled end-of-life date of October 14th, 2025. Once this date is reached critical updates will cease leaving devices connected to the internet vulnerable to potential threats.

What can you do when Windows 10 support ends?

Once support for Windows 10 ends, users can choose to upgrade to a supported OS such as Windows 11, and switch platforms to Mac OS, Linux, or Chrome OS. Alternatively, users can opt into enrolling their up-to-date Windows 10 devices into the extended service update program which includes security and critical updates only. In the past, the extended service update program also known as ESU was a paid program that was geared towards organizations. With the Windows 10 ESU program individuals can take advantage of the extended support updates by paying an annual fee. There is no word from Microsoft on what they will charge but historically they have offered ESU plans at a tiered rate starting at $50 for the first year and reaching $200 for the third and final support year. With these plans reaching such high prices by the second and third years for most users it probably makes more sense to invest in upgrading or replacing devices to support Windows 11 before the software’s end of life is reached in October 2025.

Is your PC compatible with Windows 11?

Not all devices that are compatible with Windows 10 will support Windows 11’s hardware and security requirements. If your device is compatible with Windows 11, you will be asked to upgrade your computer to the new OS during Windows updates. If you are not being prompted to upgrade or if you would like to find out if your device is supported and what is needed to meet system requirements for Windows 11 you can download Microsoft’s PC Health Check application by visiting https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp from a web browser on a Windows device. Most computers over 3-4 years old will likely not support the operating system without hardware upgrades as well as software updates.

How long will Windows 11 be supported?

Windows 11 was released in October of 2021 and is currently on its third version 23H2. The typical life-cycle of most software is at least 10 years of mainstream support for the latest version of the OS. Looking back at prior Windows operating systems, Windows XP had 3 service packs and was in support for a total of 12 years, Windows 7 was supported for 10 years and now Windows 10 will follow suit. While there is no definitive date of when Windows 11 support will end, if users continue to keep their devices up to date they can expect that support will continue through 2031.

If you aren’t sure if your computer is compatible with Windows 11 we can perform diagnostics on your device to check your hardware and provide you with a recommendation. Some Windows 10 computers can be upgraded to support Windows 11 but not all devices are worth upgrading.  At Jester’s Computers, we build custom desktop PCs that are designed to meet your personal needs with quality, performance, and compatibility in mind. 

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Web Browser Support Ending

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To maximize security and performance it is recommended to always use an operating system that is supported – meaning that your device will continue to get important updates. Last month’s article focused on the end of support for Windows 8.1, this month a new challenge arises for users who have yet to migrate to Windows 10 or 11. In the next few weeks, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will no longer be able to use Google Chrome or Edge.

Lack of support for Chrome and Edge on these platforms will mean that users can no longer browse the web safely. To be clear, it was already not very safe for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users to be online. Now these web browsers will no longer send updates to unsupported operating systems which leaves them vulnerable to new threats. Not only that, but many secure websites require up-to-date web browsers to function and provide a secure connection.

Many websites require a secure connection. Shopping websites and banks are prime examples These websites have layers of security that your up-to-date web browser can communicate with to keep your password and personal data safe. When a computer’s operating system and web browser are no longer up to date the security certificates required for these websites to operate can no longer function as expected.

For now, there are some options for users on older operating systems to continue to access the internet. Firefox has yet to announce dropping support for Windows 7 and 8.1 devices despite having already extended support for Windows 7 once before. While Mozilla has not yet announced their end-of-life support for Firefox it is rumored that they will drop Windows 7 32-bit support before they end support for 64-bit versions of Windows 7. The truth is that Firefox and any other remaining browsers that are supporting Windows 7 could cease to work at any time.

Some Windows 7 and Windows 8 users may be able to upgrade their devices to Windows 10 if they meet the minimum system requirements. Windows 10 will continue to be supported until at least the fall of 2025 which can buy users some time before shopping for new computers. Windows 11 has more strict hardware requirements than Windows 10 does, many devices compatible with Windows 10 won’t be compatible with Windows 11 and will need to be replaced in 2025 unless Microsoft extends support further which they have done in the past with Windows 7.

In the end if nothing else this should be the final push for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users to make a decision on how to proceed in order to safe use the internet. If you find yourself weighing out your options of upgrading your PC versus purchasing a new one it may be beneficial to contact a trusted friend or computer support specialist to help you make the right decision. As challenging as users may find it to be to change with technology it is often for the better. With supported operating systems comes the ability to use supported hardware and software which can minimize system conflicts and increase device support.

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Say goodbye to Windows 8

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Windows 8 made its debut in October 2012, making the software over a decade old. Users can reasonably expect most software to be supported by manufacturers for no more than 10 years. The Windows 8 operating system (OS) is no exception. Support for the first version of the OS ended in January 2016. Windows 8.1 has continued to be supported by Microsoft, however, that support will end as of January 2023.

What does this mean? While software support will end for the OS soon, users who are running Windows 8 should consider whether they should upgrade to a new operating system or replace their device. Your device will not just stop working. You will be able to continue using the operating system, however, security vulnerabilities, known bugs, and performance issues will no longer be patched and resolved by Microsoft. This also means that if you use other software or hardware with a Windows 8 computer currently, you will have increasingly limited support options and some companies may decline to offer any support at all.

Is it safe to continue using Windows 8? Once Microsoft stops delivering updates to Windows 8 users that are connected to the internet will potentially be vulnerable. Even if you have a good antivirus, there is the potential risk that your system could be infiltrated. If you use your computer offline and do not connect to the internet at all then you can continue to use Windows 8 for offline software. If you connect your device to the internet at any point after the end-of-life support for Windows 8 you could be putting your personal data and your device at risk.

How will continuing to use Windows 8 affect me? Users who continue using Windows 8 when there is no longer any support may find that the hardware/software companies that would normally resolve the issue will not. If you must replace hardware you use with your device, for example, a printer, drivers that are required to communicate with your computer are unlikely to be available for unsupported operating systems. Older hardware compatible with your devices will become more difficult to acquire and parts availability will dwindle. If you continue to use your device without being connected to the internet you can expect to get as much life out of your device as you can until you run into unresolvable issues.

Can your computer be upgraded? If your computer supports Windows 8, chances are your computer can also support Windows 10. In some cases, a Windows 8 machine can be upgraded to Windows 10 without the user needing to re-install any software or losing any data. If the upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 10 fails, you can consider a fresh installation of Windows 10 on your device. Since Windows 10 was a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users, you will not need to purchase a product key for Windows 10 if your device was activated prior to the installation of your updated OS. You may want to make some additional system upgrades such as an upgraded hard drive or increased ram to get better performance if you feel that the machine is slow after upgrading to the new OS. In some cases, it may be best to consider replacing your machine. If you have a slower processor or your machine is more than 10 years old, you may be better off investing in a replacement device.

Should I buy a new computer? If you are considering replacing your machine, you will want to ensure that your new device is Windows 11 compatible. There are still some new Windows 10 devices that are available for sale that may not meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11. If your system is not Windows 11 compatible you will find yourself in the same situation towards the end of 2025 when Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 10. If you aren’t sure about your own personal needs and you are planning to purchase a new computer that has or supports Windows 11, consider consulting with a friend or computer support expert who can provide personalized advice.

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Computer Buying Tips

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It is not unusual for everyday users to find themselves overwhelmed with varying computer system options. Shopping to buy a new computer can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. Often there is little information provided to help users determine which devices will best meet their needs. Below are some key points that users can consider when deciding which computers will provide the best value.

Windows 11 Compatibility is an important consideration when purchasing any Windows PC. While most new computers sold today should be Windows 11 compatible, some devices still being sold may have been produced prior to the announcement of security requirements that leaves many Windows 10 devices unable to run the new Operating System securely. To learn more about the hardware requirements for Windows 11 you can visit www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications

The best-value computers are almost never the least expensive ones available. If the price is very good, there is a chance that the quality of the hardware inside of the device is also not to the standard of more expensive devices. If you are on a budget, be mindful of your expectations in terms of device performance and overall device life expectancy. For example, at times the cheaper computers found at some big box stores are manufactured with lower-quality hardware which is how they are sometimes able to offer seemingly the same products for such a discounted price. This may be a good deal if you are on a strict budget however, buyers should consider that they might not get as much life out of some of these devices in comparison to devices that are of higher quality. This is not always true which is why having some knowledge of what you want and what you need are important if you want to make the most of your purchase. The reverse can also be true, most users who aren’t doing intense gaming or have special technology needs should be able to find either a laptop or desktop computer that is of reasonable quality and performance for between $500-$1000. There are always exceptions, but users can typically expect the average laptop or all-in-one computer to last between 3-5 years before needing major repairs or needing to be replaced. Good quality desktop computers that are maintained and retain good airflow often last 5-7 years or more before needing to be replaced.

Warranties for higher-end devices and laptops (when available for a reasonable price) are a good idea if you want to protect your investment. If considering a warranty, take time to research the company offering the service. There are several different types of warranties that are available, some will repair your device, and others will replace your device for the original purchase price. New pre-build devices will come with a one-year warranty through the manufacturer unless otherwise stated. Traditionally the manufacturer’s warranty will be in effect during the first year even if you have an extended warranty but that can vary as can coverage for accidental damage. To ensure that you warranty is honored keep your original receipt and identifying information for your device such as the serial number. Most warranties require you to mail your device in for repair service but some third-party companies may have local repair centers for drop-off service. Some even offer on-site repair as a premium option.

Knowing the Minimum System Requirements for any software you wish you run on your computer is necessary to ensure the performance of your device is adequate. Although the Minimum system requirements for Windows 10 and 11 may be lower, ideally users should look for devices with a Quad-Core Processor (CPU), 8 GB of memory (RAM) and a hard drive with enough storage space for your personal needs. A solid-state hard drive is recommended for the best performance. Users should make sure devices have features such as wifi, Bluetooth, touch-screen, webcam, cd/dvd drive, card reader, graphics cards (for gaming and advanced graphics applications) and other special hardware that may not be included with all devices.

Software such as Microsoft Office is almost never included with a new computer purchase. If Office or additional software is offered with a new computer, the information will be clearly stated and should not be otherwise assumed. Windows 10 and Windows 11 have built-in virus protection but users, myself included, often opt for third-party virus protection software that typically provides a more comprehensive security solution than offered within the Operating System. Often pre-built new computers will come with unwanted bloatware or trial software. This software can slow your system down and should be uninstalled to minimize issues and maximize performance. Those who build their own computer or purchase a custom-built computer from a local or online reseller will find that just the advertised operating system is typically installed which means no pre-installed junk.

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Windows 11 is here

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By Aysë Stenabaugh

On October 5th Microsoft released their surprise Operating System Windows 11. Like many users, you may find yourself wondering if Windows 11 is right for you, how you will install it, and whether your device is even compatible. Upgrading your device is usually a fairly straightforward process however Windows 11 brings in a new set of system requirements that cause many Windows 10 machines that are currently being used to fall short, mainly due to increased security.

Will you be able to upgrade to Windows 11? The easiest way to answer that question is to download the compatibility checker which can be found by visiting hwww.microsoft.com/windows/get-windows-11 from there you can download the PC Health Check app. Once installed clicking on the check now button will let you know if your system meets the system requirements. You will see a checklist of all the minimum system requirements which include; support for secure boot, TPM 2.0 enabled, a supported processor or CPU with 2 or more cores over 1GHz, 4GB of RAM and a 64GB or larger hard drive.

 

Can your computer be upgraded to meet the Windows 11 system requirements? Most if not all laptops or all-in-one computers that do not meet the minimum system requirements can’t be upgraded to become compatible with Windows 11. Some devices may have the capability to utilize the security features required for Windows 11 but may not be enabled to do so. Desktop computers that don’t meet the minimum requirements for the CPU could be upgraded by replacing several components typically this includes the motherboard, CPU and memory.

Do you need to upgrade to Windows 11? The short answer is no, not right now, the long answer is yes, eventually. Currently, Windows 10 is still supported and will be until at least October 14, 2025. This means users will continue to get free updates and mainstream support from Microsoft. Microsoft will continue to fix bugs and patch security flaws until October 2025. When that time comes, if Microsoft doesn’t extended support and if you haven’t already switched to Windows 11 your device may not be safe to use online especially if you store important personal information or do online banking or shopping.

Should you upgrade to Windows 11? Most users will want to avoid upgrading right away especially those who rely on their computer for business or school. Switching to a new operating system can be unpredictable and fully backing up your computer before proceeding is highly recommended. Software and hardware that works in Windows 10 should work with Windows 11 but rarely is the transition ever without issues. For example, many users found when they upgraded from a previous operating system to Windows 11 that their existing printers were not compatible or did not yet have drivers released to help them function properly.

What are some of the new additions to Windows 11? The new OS brings a slew of new features that are designed to make computing a seamless experience when using multiple devices or working remotely. Android app integration brings a multitude of new apps and features to the table. Users will find switching between apps and screens much easier with new windows snapping and application grouping. There are several new design elements integrated into Windows 11 including a now centered taskbar with a fully redesigned “start menu” that bears an awful lot of resemblance with Mac OS and Widgets that can be accessed directly from the taskbar. Users with touch screens or tablet devices will see a major improvement with ease of access with touch interaction.  

What features from Windows 10 have been removed from Windows 11? Many removed features were found to be less than thrilling and in turn, the following used features have been eliminated from the new OS. The timeline which allowed users to view a 30 day history of across all of your devices where logged into your Microsoft Account is no longer found in Windows 11. Live tiles and tablet mode have both been nixed as well in favor of the new more touch-friendly design. At least at the initial launch, Windows 11 users will find that the taskbar is staying put, users can no longer move the taskbar to the left, right or top of the screen. Cortana and several pre-installed apps including skype are missing from Windows 11 and the now antiquated Internet Explorer browser has been removed completely in favor of Microsoft’s Edge browser.

Ultimately only you can decide if Windows 11 is right for you when it becomes available. At Jester’s Computers, we understand that computers can be frustrating. If you find that your device is not compatible with Windows 11 and are interested in upgrading or are in need of general computer support or repair, you can visit our website at www.jesterscomputers.com. Our shop is located at 5135 Fairfield Road in Fairfield PA we open Monday through Friday 9 am until 5 pm with extended hours until 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To contact us please call or text 717-642-6611 or email us at customerservice@jesterscomputers.com

All PC Hardware Are Not Equal

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By Aysë Stenabaugh 

If you have ever gone shopping for a new computer only to find yourself overwhelmed, you are certainly not alone. Purchasing a computer-based on price alone is typically not a good idea. A computer is meant to make things easier, not more frustrating. Often inexpensive or discounted computers lack in performance or include outdated hardware. While you might not need the fastest computer or the latest technology it’s better to invest in a machine that will last into the future. With the announcement of Windows 11 and the stricter CPU requirements, we are finding that even many of the new computers being sold in stores now, won’t be able to run the new operating system. 

CPUs or the Central Processing Units are the brainpower behind a computer. Choosing a computer system with enough power to perform the tasks you wish to complete is very important since on most laptops the CPU is soldered to the motherboard and on desktops, you won’t be likely to want to upgrade that component due to expense and possible hardware configuration conflicts. Processors are rated in GHz or Gigahertz often ranging between 1 GHz and 4Ghz the higher the number the faster the processing speed. Today CPUs are made with multiple cores which divide up processing power. As mentioned in last month’s article Windows 11 will require Quad Core processors which means users with devices with unsupported processors will not be able to upgrade from Windows 10 when the free upgrade becomes available. 

Hard Drives are where data including your Operating System, Programs, and personal files are stored. One would expect that manufacturers would be using the faster hard drive speeds available especially since consumer part prices are often better for newer technology but often, they are not. We have been finding even brand name computers like HP are selling new computers with old technology hard drives that can contain moving parts that can experience mechanical failure. Most often on the PCs bought in a store, the label will only display the storage capacity; new computers typically come pre-installed with drives able to store between 128 GB or Gigabytes to 1TB or Terabyte of data. More storage space does not equate to more speed. 

RAM there are two different physical sizes of RAM or memory which won’t matter much when purchasing a new computer. One or more memory modules may be installed to reach the total amount of memory installed. Most chips will contain between 1GB and 16GB of memory. There are different generations of memory that also determine the range of speeds that they support. DDR3 memory is still very common with the newest RAM technology being DDR4 memory. 

Graphics can either be integrated (built into the CPU) or if better quality graphics are desired, through an installed supported GPU (graphics card). While a GPU can be added later for desktop machines, there are several things you will want to consider in advance including power, motherboard support and physical space for a card must be considered in advance. If you intended on gaming or doing any photo/video rendering or editing you will want to consider any minimum graphics requirements along with how much you wish to invest. 

Motherboards are where the components listed above as well as the Power Supply are connected.  Motherboards can come in different physical sizes and can support varying features. For example. while all laptops support Wi-Fi, not all desktops do. Some devices have only a few USBs and may not support newer faster technology such as USB 3.2. Windows 11 will also require something called Trusted Platform Module which may not be supported on older motherboards. 

The overview above just scratches the surface on understanding some of the differences that one can find among seemingly similar hardware. It’s important to note that older hardware regardless of compatibility with Windows 11 will have less support and thus will potentially experience unresolved hardware and software issues. If you rely heavily on your computer having newer hardware can provide an overall better experience. 

If you find yourself looking to purchase a new computer, consider contacting us at Jester’s Computers. We can help you with purchasing a new laptop to meet your needs or even better, build you a custom desktop PC with quality parts and the latest technology supported by Windows 11. For over 20 years our family-owned and operated business has provided affordable quality computer repair and support services. 

   

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Windows 11 is Coming

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By Aysë Stenabaugh 

It’s been almost 6 years since Microsoft released Windows 10. In what now appears to have been an effort to please users who were disgruntled with the OS’s release, Microsoft stated that Windows 10 would be the last OS they would release with two big updates: one in the spring and one in the fall. Microsoft claims that there is a need for Windows 11 since the pandemic has changed the way many of us have come to Work and socialize, read on to learn more about what you can expect from Windows 11. 

There will be a slew of new features released in Windows 11 which appears to focus primarily on productivity. The User Interface has been redesigned and at a glance looks a whole lot like recent releases of Mac OS. Microsoft even went so far as to remove the traditional start menu all together instead opting for a centered task bar with a start button which once pressed reveals a grid of apps and recent files. You will continue to be able to pin apps to the start menu much like in Windows 10 however new features will allow users to group apps together. This combined with new ways to arrange or “snap” multiple open applications on your screen offer up new exciting ways to be more efficient. If you miss the Widgets that were a popular feature in Windows Vista, you may be happy to learn that Microsoft is not only integrating Widgets in Windows 11, they are also allowing third-party developers to create Widget content which means there will be a lot more options for end users. In an effort to compete more with other platforms Microsoft has even announced that Android apps found in the Amazon Appstore will also be supported on the new OS 

Users with an activated copy of Windows 10 will be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11, just like users of Windows 7 and 8 were able to upgrade to With Windows 10 previously without having to pay for a new Windows license. Users can continue to remain on Windows 10 so long as support for Windows 10 continues which is expected until at least 2025. There is one big issue we have already found with the free upgrade being offered; processor support is severely limited in comparison with Windows 10. When comparing CPU support with that of the to be released Windows 11 we were disappointed to find a total of just 29 pages of supported processors as opposed to 68 pages for the latest version of Windows 10 (21H1). This could be in part due to the fact that Windows 11 will not support any single-core CPU’s which Windows 10 did. Even still, many CPU’s that meet the dual-core requirement for Windows 11 are excluded from the supported hardware list. 

If do wish to upgrade and you find your PC meets the minimum system requirements (all of which can be found on Microsoft’s website) you can either join the Windows Insider Program to gain early access to Windows 11 or you can wait until you receive the notice to upgrade your device which will be rolled out automatically over a period of time to qualifying devices. New PC’s are expected to release with Windows 11 pre-installed later this year. This means if you would like to continue using Windows 10 and are looking to purchase a new computer, you should consider looking soon. Eventually we expect that it will become difficult to purchase a new PC with Windows 10 pre-installed. Of course, with ANY new software there will be limited support and kinks to work out. If you are a business user or if you rely heavily on your device, we recommend hanging on to your existing device rather than upgrading or replacing your computer right away. It will take some time for manufacturers to release drivers for hardware that are compatible with Windows 11, this is especially common with printers and scanners. 

If you would like to find out if your computer will be compatible with Windows 11, find yourself looking for a new computer or require computer support or service consider reaching out to us by visiting our contact us page.

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Say Goodbye to Windows 7 

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By Aysë Stenabaugh 

On January 14th, 2020 Microsoft ended extended support for the popular Windows 7 operating system. Those who’ve already upgraded their Windows 7 machines won’t be affected by the end of support, those who haven’t should highly consider either upgrading or replacing their device. While you cling to your good reasons not to switch, we are going to give you reasons why it’s time take the dive. 

Security, security, security, it can’t be said enough. Just because you CAN continue to use your device, doesn’t mean that you’re able to do so safely. Of course, this doesn’t mean that when January 15th rolled around, that every Windows 7 machine still on the internet was accessible by hackers BUT, it does mean its potentially much easier to gain access to your device. You see, when a company releases a product they typically intend on supporting that product, whether it be the physical hardware or the software on that device for a limited amount of time, and for good reasons. With new products coming out every day, resolving issues between old hardware and software and new hardware and software get increasingly difficult as time moves on. To ensure that the best quality of support is provided, there has to be a cut off date.  

Updates that were once received by Windows 7 devices which provided bug-fixes and critical security patches are no longer going to occur. This also means that there will be no performance improvements or features added to the OS. If they haven’t already, software companies will discontinue support for Windows 7 as well. Ending support for older products and software helps to ensure that new innovations will get the majority focus.  

Support for products that you use with Windows 7 will cease to exist and you may have limited resources available if you run into issues. This change won’t happen overnight but it will happen and users who rely on software for business will either be unable to get support for issues or if offered, pay a hefty premium for limited support. In the long run, bringing your hardware and software up to date will oftentimes be more cost–effective than prolonging the inevitable.  

Learning about new hardware or software is frequently what prevents people from switching to Windows 10. Keeping your hardware and software up to date can seem costly but you have to consider a few important things. First, when old hardware or software is broken or not functioning right, productivity is decreased. Second, updates software can include features that can alleviate issues currently faced that can’t be resolved with unsupported software. Lastly, the learning curve may not be as bad as you think, when you upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 the majority of the programs that you currently use will continue to work and function the same way. The most obvious changes to Windows 10 are cosmetic and don’t affect normal use. 

Now that we covered the shortcomings of continuing to use Windows 7, it’s important to consider if you should upgrade your current computer or replace it altogether. We get this question a lot, to facilitate understanding let’s consider this analogy; when your car gets a flat tire, do you replace the car or fix/replace your flat tire? Most of the time a flat tire isn’t a reason to junk a vehicle unless of course there is an underlying issue. Similarly, if there’s not a significant reason to ditch your device and it meets the requirements for Windows 10, weighing out your options is a good idea. One major consideration should be your existing software. If you upgrade your device compatible software will continue to work if you purchase a new device your software will need to be re-installed which may require the original disc or license. 

 

Technology can be scary but it doesn’t have to be! At Jester’s Computer Services we pride ourselves on gauging our customer’s experience and needs to provide the best recommendations. In addition to offering upgrades from Windows 7 to Windows 10, all customers unfamiliar with Windows 10 receive a mini one-on-one tutorial to help answer questions you may have when using Windows 10 for the first time. Visit www.jesterscomputers.com to access our free tutorials, tips and tricks! We can be reached at (717) 642-6611, on our Facebook page or visit us at the shop located at 5135 Fairfield Road Fairfield, PA 17320. 

 

 

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5 Good reasons to upgrade your old software!

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By: Aysë Stenabaugh

We rarely come across people who are excited about change when it comes to computer software. So, it’s no easy task telling customers that they have no choice but to upgrade their software. Sometimes the reason is purely because of security, such as the case with Windows 7 as end-of-life support approaches in January. While we may not enjoy it, there are several good reasons that you should get your software up to date. Here are just a few of those reasons followed by a few tips to make the process smoother. 

  1. Support for your software won’t last forever. While you may not ever have a need to call your software provider for support, that’s not the only thing that will eventually end. Eventually, development for the software will end. Your software provider will cease to release updates which can lead to lead to all kinds of problems found within this list as well as system instability and crashing. 
  2. Security may be one of the more obvious concerns and it should be taken seriously. Next year Windows 7 will be ten years old and after January 14th, extended support for the popular operating system will end. Without new security updates, users who choose to continue to use the OS are taking a huge risk because any new viruses or malware that are released will become a threat. Windows 7 is just one of many examples of the potential security risks of running outdated software. 
  3. The Functionality of older software is likely to be reduced as changes to your operating system and other software are made. If your expectations are for things to forever work good as new you will find yourself disappointed. As a rule of thumb, if the company that makes your software no longer exists or is approaching its ten–year anniversary, it’s time to think about new options. 
  4. Integration between software often requires support, if you have two independent programs that work together you may find yourself having difficulty completing tasks that once worked with ease. Hardware requirements need to be considered also, new hardware won’t always work with old software, and vice versa. 
  5. Features that you use may eventually no longer work as expected. More importantly, the new software will likely have many new features that make tasks you already do much easier. One of the reasons so many software companies updates their software so often is to add requested features and to fix issues to increase efficiency.  

If you are using and need to continue to use any of the following programs, consider updating to a newer version if possible; Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010 or earlier (this includes Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.), Microsoft Works, Windows Live Mail, QuickBooks 2017 as well as many custom-made programs that required older software to run or that were developed prior to Windows 8.  

There are several things you can do to make updating or upgrading your software easier for you. First, you may think that putting off the inevitable for as long as possible will make things easier for you but it won‘t.  Waiting longer than you have to, to bring your software up to speed can actually make things much more difficult. Sometimes upgrading your old software to a new copy of that software to another is not possible because too many changes in the software have taken place between versions. In those situations, you may not be able to open or use the data from your old programs. 

Take your time to research what software you think you need and determine what software options are right for you. What worked for you before may no longer be the best fit for your needs. If you’re not sure what route to go consider asking a professional. Always backup any important data (in two places or it doesn’t count!) and save any important information when purchasing new software such as installation disks and serial numbers so that if you ever need to, you can re-install your software without having to re-purchase it. 

If you find yourself needing help with your computer’s software or hardware, consider contacting Jester’s Computer Services located in Fairfield at (717) 642-6611. Our family will make sure that you receive the best advice and we will always focus on your needs while delivering friendly service! We offer one-on-one technology classes as well as in-home services. Visit our website at www.jesterscomputers.com or follow us on Facebook to receive important technology news, tips, and special offers. 

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