Did You Know That Support Is Ending January 2020?
Microsoft announced they are stopping mainstream support for Windows 7. Windows 7 is a popular operating system, so this creates concern for many. All support for Windows 7 will end on January 14, 2020.
If your DD organization does nothing, over time, the security and reliability of Windows 7 will make your computers vulnerable.
What Do We Mean By Vulnerable?
Your computers could be infected by malware, your antivirus won’t be updated, and your computer may not be able to communicate over the internet securely. This, of course, could affect your HIPAA compliance.
Windows 7 Won’t Be Reliable?
True – your applications may not be updated, your other software could be incompatible, utilities won’t be supported, and new devices may not connect to your system.
Can I continue to use Windows 7 and be HIPAA compliant?
No, HIPAA requires that systems accessing protected health information be patched with security updates, which will not exist for Windows 7 after January 14, 2020.
What Should You Do?
It’s not too early to update to Windows 10. Just be sure that your hardware will support it. Organizations, like developmental disabilities boards, need to start considering this for their upcoming budgets as soon as possible. For businesses, now is an excellent time to purchase hardware because you can take advantage of the 179 Tax Deduction before 12/31/18. There’s not much time! Section 179 always expires each year at midnight, December 31st. To take advantage of it this year, you must buy (or lease/finance) your equipment and put it into use by midnight 12/31/2018.
Should You Purchase A New Computer?
If you’re using Windows 7, getting a new device with the Windows 10 operating system is recommended. Today’s computers are faster, more powerful and durable, have longer battery life, and provide increased security.
New computers are typically less expensive than they were eight years ago. And the total cost of ownership studies concludes that it’s wise to replace your computers at least every four years.
New computer hardware is designed to run Windows 10, so they will run faster and be able to take advantages of additional security features like the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for hard disk encryption.
What Are The Benefits Of Updating From Windows 7 To Windows 10?
Upgrading from Windows 7 to 10:
- Makes computers run smoother and faster;
- Provides a more economical use of memory and disk space;
- Improves security;
- Boots up your computer from sleep mode faster than before;
- Windows 10 Professional supports BitLocker hard disk encryption, while Windows 7 Professional did not.
- And provides many more benefits.
How Long Will It Take To Upgrade To Windows 10?
This depends on the age of your computer and how it’s configured. It should only take an hour to do after you’ve downloaded the operating system. New devices upgrade much faster. This is another reason to consider new computers if yours are four years old or older.
Do You Have Enough Space In Your Computer To Upgrade To Windows 10?
You will need more storage space if your hard drive is 32 GB or less. You can try removing applications you no longer require to free up space. You can also try using Disk Cleanup to free up more space.
Microsoft might ask you to attach an external drive to free up space for the upgrade. If you do this, be sure that you keep it in a safe place in case you need it when using recovery options.
Do You Have Questions About Upgrading To Windows 10?
Contact the team at GO CONCEPTS We can answer your questions about Windows 10 and other Microsoft products.
In the meantime, visit our Blog to stay up-to-date on important news in IT for your DD Organization. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find:
Addressing The State of Ohio Critical Security Controls Compliance (HIPAA)
Whether you call it a review, audit, or evaluation, DD organizations must conduct a serious assessment of the state of their networks and data security…
What Developmental Disabilities Boards Need to Know Before Outsourcing Your IT Infrastructure
Maintaining the IT infrastructure at your developmental disability organization can be a challenge. IT management at DD boards is torn in different directions; beset on all sides with requests for confusing compliance reporting as well as strict security procedures…
What’s The Best IT Security Solution For DD Organizations In Ohio?
In today’s ever-evolving IT-threat environment, up-to-date and comprehensive security solutions are no longer an option – they’re mandatory…
