Columnists

Geek Speak… Vista Support Ending Soon

Issue 48.15

Microsoft announced about a year ago that support for the Vista Operating System would end early in 2016. We understand that is going to occur in February, so if you have a computer running Windows Vista, you will probably want to make some changes before then.

The first thing you can choose is to take the computer off the internet and use it just as you have for the last 7 years or so (minus the internet). The reason you will avoid the internet is that “end of support” means that there will be no more security updates and most software manufacturers will also stop updating or fixing problems in their programs related to the Vista OS; Included in this are all the anti-virus and anti-malware programs. At first there probably won’t be a serious problem, but within a couple of months new viruses and malware will begin to infect any Vista computers that connect to the internet. Because it is estimated that there are between 50 and 200 new viruses created every day, it is likely that your computer would be compromised fairly soon if not updated regularly.

The second option is likely the best. That is to buy a new computer or a used one with at least Windows 7 on it. Windows 7 is scheduled to be supported until 2020 so there is a lot of time left. New Windows 10 computers are on the market for anywhere from $300 on up, though the low end are fairly slow and limited and some do not have a DVD/CD drive in them. Most good computers with 10 are in the $500-$700 range or more if you want the really fast and powerful versions. Decent used computers with Windows 7 can be found for $200 to $350 and are good choice for those who don’t have a lot of money.

It is Christmas time though and a new computer is a good request to make of Santa if you know how to reach him. The other nice thing about getting a used Windows 7 computer is that you can upgrade it to Windows 10 free until at least July, but you will want to check to make sure the speed and memory of your computer are good enough to make Windows 10 run decently. We recommend 4 Gigabytes of RAM or more and at least a dual core processor running at 2 Gigahertz or faster. Slower and less powerful computers will run Windows 10, but you may not be happy with how fast it responds.

One last hint about Christmas sales: If you shop online or at technology stores such as BestBuy or Staples, you may want to see what they are offering on Monday the 30th. This is usually called Cyber Monday and special deals are often available through technology outlets and even some specials at Walmart, Target, Kohls and Kmart.

A little research may help you find just what you need in the technology world for a good price, and remember – make sure you always have a backup of anything important.

Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 33 years, 26 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently works as a computer consultant. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or shaun@musicomp.net.

 

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