Windows 7 End of Life - 14h January 2020

Name: Soltech IT Ltd
Address: Westway Farm, Bishop Sutton, Bristol, BS39 5XP, GB
Telephone: 01275 277 299

News and Media Department • 17 November 2019

What does it mean for businesses, schools and other organisations?

Windows 7 is currently in an ‘extended support’ phase, until the 14th January 2020 when Windows 7 End of Life begins.

As with any operating system there comes a point in time when it is simply impractical or even impossible to maintain old technology / code.

It also doesn’t make sense, both from a financial position and in terms of time and effort, to keep dated software patched and updated, especially when newer versions of the software are available.

Microsoft actually ended mainstream support for Windows 7 on the 13th January 2015. From this date Microsoft stopped adding new features, whilst warranty claims were no longer valid.

During the current extended support phase Windows 7 operating system has continued to be patched and updated to ensure security issues and bugs are fixed.

What happens next?

On the 14th January 2020 when Windows 7 reaches its End of Life phase, Microsoft will no longer release updates, security patches and bug fixes.

Whilst these vital releases will stop, it doesn't mean that Windows 7 will stop working on January 14th 2020. Windows 7 will be usable for as long as you want. However this doesn’t mean Windows 7 should continue to be used.

The biggest problem and vulnerability with continuing to use Windows 7 is that security issues will not be patched once it enters End of Life, and this leaves organisations extremely vulnerable to any emerging threats, new viruses or security problems.

Should a reasonable number of organisations continue to use Windows 7 following the End of Life date, then that could create a big incentive for hackers, cyber-identity thieves and malicious users to target viruses, malware, worms, trojan horses, spyware, ransom software and much more at Windows 7.

So, organisations should start preparing and planning to upgrade to Windows 10 as soon as possible to protect themselves and to ensure their business or organisation remains compliant with company policies, regulations and legal requirements, such as GDPR.

What should you do?

If you are still using Windows 7 within your organisation there are a few things Soltech IT consultants would recommend you do in preparation for Windows 7 End of Life. The first and most important is to plan and organise how your business will upgrade existing computers and laptops to Windows 10.

Secondly, a business or organisation needs to understand the compatibility implications of upgrading:

Will existing computers and laptops work with Windows 10?
Will these computers and laptops be able to cope with a modern operating system, or will these machines be slow and unusable?
Will Windows 10 drivers be available for existing computers and laptops?
Will Windows 10 have a knock-on effect to attached devices? Printers, Scanners, Bar-code Readers, Interactive Touchscreens, Wi-Fi and much more?
Will software applications be compatible with Windows 10?

These are just a few of the questions that organisations need to raise, and there are many more areas to consider.

We would always recommend consulting with an IT specialist like Soltech IT before implementing an organisation wide upgrade, as the implications of an unsuccessful upgrade could be costly, time consuming and damaging.

Soltech IT can provide a FREE Windows 10 upgrade Audit Report and Proposed Windows 10 Implementation Plan to businesses, schools and other organisations. To take advantage of this FREE service complete our Free Consultancy Enquiry Form.

Upgrading to Windows 10

As both Windows 7 and Windows 10 operating systems are made by Microsoft; end users will experience little disruption and will be familiar with their new Windows 10 surroundings, so they shouldn’t find it too hard to adjust.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Please Share

Soltech IT Blog

Soltech IT - In The News

by News and Media Department. • 6 February 2025

Soltech IT's Bursar and Grant Funding Service by FundEd

February 2025 - Grant Funding For Schools

by News and Media Department • 6 February 2025

What is it? The Ogden Trust supports a range of partners, programmes and initiatives through ongoing funding or one-off grants. Grant funding is allocated to projects designed to enhance and encourage the learning and teaching of physics, especially for those from under-represented groups. How do I get involved? Simply contact the team at The Ogden Trust Click to learn more about our Bursar and Grant Funding service? Click to contact us now.

Reduced Cost Educational Filtered Broadband For Schools

by News and MEdia Department • 23 January 2025

Why Choose Soltech IT's Education Filtered Broadband for Your School or College? In today’s digital learning environment, internet access plays a crucial role in shaping pupils' educational experiences. However, with the vastness of the web, it’s essential to ensure that students are safe and focused while online. This is where Soltech IT's Education Filtered Broadband comes in. Here's why it’s the ideal solution for your school or college. 1. Protects Students from Inappropriate Content The internet is filled with a vast array of information, some of which isn’t suitable for young learners. Soltech IT’s Education Filtered Broadband uses advanced filtering technology to block access to inappropriate content, including adult websites, violent material, or anything that doesn't align with school values. This ensures that pupils have a safe and secure online environment, focusing on learning rather than being exposed to harmful or distracting content. 2. Supports Compliance with Online Safety Regulations Schools and educational institutions are required to meet specific online safety standards. Soltech IT’s Education Filtered Broadband helps you comply with regulations, providing peace of mind that your school or college meets necessary legal requirements for online safety. With the increasing focus on safeguarding, using a filtered broadband solution is a smart way to stay compliant. 3. Enhances Focus and Productivity The internet can be a powerful tool for learning, but it can also be a distraction. Soltech IT's broadband service filters out non-educational websites and apps that might divert students' attention from their work. By restricting access to social media, games, and other distractions, it helps students stay focused and engaged with their educational materials, improving productivity in classrooms. 4. Customisable Filtering to Suit Your Needs Every school and college is unique in terms of its needs and requirements. Soltech IT offers customisable filtering options, allowing educational institutions to adjust the level of filtering based on age groups or specific curriculum needs. Whether you’re managing younger pupils or higher education students, Soltech's broadband can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your school. 5. Reliable and High-Speed Internet Access Educational institutions require internet access that is both reliable and fast. Soltech IT’s filtered broadband ensures that students and staff have access to a stable, high-speed internet connection, allowing for seamless streaming of educational content, accessing research materials, and using learning management systems. You won’t have to worry about connectivity issues during important lessons or exams. 6. Easy to Manage and Monitor Managing internet access across multiple devices can be complex, but Soltech IT makes it easy. Their broadband solution includes a simple-to-use management portal that allows administrators to monitor usage, adjust filtering settings, and review activity logs. This gives schools the ability to stay on top of internet use, ensuring that students are using the internet appropriately and responsibly. 7. Reduces IT Overhead By implementing Soltech IT’s filtered broadband, your school can reduce the cost, time and effort required to maintain and manage network security. Soltech IT handles the complexities of filtering and security, giving your IT team more time to focus on other important tasks, while still providing a safe and efficient internet environment. Conclusion With the growing dependence on the internet in education, ensuring safe and productive online experiences for students is more important than ever. Soltech IT’s Education Filtered Broadband offers the perfect solution, providing safe, reliable, and focused internet access for schools and colleges. Protect your students, enhance their learning experience, and ensure compliance with online safety regulations—all with a broadband service designed specifically for educational environments. Ready to reduce your current costs, whilst improving your school’s online safety and productivity? Contact Soltech IT today to learn more about their education filtered broadband services! Learn more> Call 0117 2140 299 Now! Email sales@soltechit.co.uk Now!

Why your business will benefit from using Soltech IT

by News and Media Department • 23 January 2025

Why Your Business Needs Soltech IT for Reliable IT Support In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses rely on technology more than ever to stay competitive, efficient, and secure. Whether you're a small startup or a growing enterprise, having a reliable IT support partner can make all the difference. Here’s why Soltech IT stands out as a trusted choice for your business IT needs. 1. Expert Knowledge and Experience Soltech IT brings years of experience in delivering tailored IT support solutions for businesses of all sizes. With a team of skilled professionals, they understand the unique challenges that businesses face, whether it's managing complex IT infrastructure or keeping up with the latest security threats. Our expertise ensures that your technology runs smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business. 2. Proactive IT Management Instead of waiting for issues to arise, Soltech IT takes a proactive approach. We managed services include constant monitoring of your systems, identifying potential issues before they become major problems. This helps to minimise downtime and ensures your business operations continue without disruptions. Plus, regular maintenance means your IT systems stay up-to-date and efficient. 3. Scalable Solutions As your business grows, so do your IT needs. Soltech IT offers scalable solutions that can adapt to your changing requirements. Whether you need additional hardware, software, or support services, they’re ready to adjust your IT infrastructure to meet the demands of your expanding business, ensuring seamless growth without tech hiccups. 4. Enhanced Cybersecurity In an era of increasing cyber threats, cybersecurity is a top priority for any business. Soltech IT provides robust cybersecurity solutions to protect your sensitive data from hackers, malware, and other potential threats. From firewalls and encryption to employee training on best security practices, they ensure that your business stays protected from the inside out. 5. Cost-Effective IT Support Hiring an in-house IT team can be costly, especially for smaller businesses. With Soltech IT’s managed services, you get access to a dedicated team of experts without the overhead costs. Our flexible pricing models allow businesses of all sizes to benefit from enterprise-level IT support at an affordable rate. 6. Exceptional Customer Service Soltech IT understands that great support goes beyond just fixing problems. We are committed to delivering excellent customer service and are always available to answer questions or resolve any issues. Whether you need immediate assistance or long-term IT planning, our team is always there to help with a personalised, friendly service. Conclusion In today’s tech-driven world, partnering with the right IT support provider is essential for business success. With Soltech IT’s expert knowledge, proactive approach, scalable solutions, and commitment to security, you can trust us to keep your IT infrastructure running smoothly, allowing you to focus on what really matters—growing your business. Ready to experience cost effective hassle-free IT support? Get in touch with Soltech IT today and take the first step toward a more secure, efficient, and future-ready business! Call 0117 2140 299 Now! Email sales@soltechit.co.uk Now!