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Microsoft

How To Prepare For Windows 7 End Of Life – Free Windows 10 Update From Microsoft

Windows 7 End of Life – Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 in January 2015, with extended support running until January 14, 2020. You can still get a free copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft here if you’re currently running a licensed and activated copy of Windows 7, Windows 8 Home or Pro.

Windows 7 End of Life

Procedure

1. Go to the Download Windows 10 website. 

2. Under Create Windows 10 installation media, click the Download tool now button and Run. 

3. Choose Upgrade this PC now, assuming this is the only PC you’re upgrading. (If you’re upgrading a different machine, choose to Create installation media for another PC, and save the installation files.)

4. Follow the prompts. 

5. When the upgrade is complete, go to Settings Update & Security > Activation, and you should see a digital license for Windows 10. 

If you are not comfortable with this procedure I will be happy to install it for you and give your computer a complete tune-up for $99.99. Free pick up and delivery.

Windows XP – End of Life

Windows XP - Blue Screen of Death

What are we going to do about Windows XP?

Microsoft is ending Windows XPs service life on April 8, 2014 and it really is time to say goodbye. Microsoft will no longer be offering operating system fixes and no defenses against viruses and other online dangers.

There have been three versions of Windows since Windows XP and a lot has changed in the world of computer hardware so Windows 7 and 8 upgrades are really not an option for most people. If your computer is older that two or threes years you are not going to be happy with a Windows upgrade.

Windows lifecycle fact sheet http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle

Four Options

1. Replace Your Computer – This is the option that Microsoft (and the industry as a whole) recommends. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/xp/upgrade-options.aspx.
2. Upgrade Windows – (Not really an option for older computers)
a. Windows 7 Upgrade – Windows 7 Upgrade Edition is a hard to find commodity these days. I could not find a reliable source for this article. Plus it will probably not run well on your old hardware.
b. Windows 8 Upgrade – There are a lot of complaints about the Windows 8 user interface and I do not recommend running it on old hardware. http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/productID.264951000
3. Linux – Ubuntu
4. Do Nothing – Hackers and scammers are going to be targeting computers still using Windows XP and you are going to be vulnerable.

What do you use Your Computer For?

If you are the type of person who is basically just on the web, looking at videos, reading email and occasionally sending a picture than a tablet computer such as an iPad may be right for you.

For business users it is still possible to order computers from Dell and many other manufacturers that still have Windows 7 which is a lot more like the Windows XP you know and love. You will usually find more of these computers in the business section of the manufacturers website.

Connections Recommended Minimum Systems Requirements

• Intel i5 or grater processor
• At least 4 GB of RAM MINIMUM! 8 GB is what I recommend to my clients as a starting point.
• 500 GB or larger hard drive

Why Must I Change?

You can blame it on the Internet. For all of the amazing things the Internet offers comes with the downside. One of them as well or ability a speed is going to exposure to you keep using it. It’s time to let go!