For Windows XP and Vista users, there is bad news AND there is good news.
Let’s get done with the bad news first. The bad news is that support is ending for some versions of Windows which includes Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) for which support ends on July 12, 2011. And if you didn’t know, support for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) has already ended on July 13, 2010 which means if you are using any of these versions, you won’t get security updates for Windows after support ends.
However, users of the 64-bit version of Windows XP running it with SP2 need not worry as this version of Windows will continue to have Microsoft support and receive updates until April 8, 2014.
Now, we understand this is devastating news to some of you who elected to hold onto Windows XP but now is the perfect time to sit down and talk with your St. Catharine’s computer repair team about Windows 7.
In our opinion it is the better option for today’s business. Windows 7 simplifies your everyday tasks, makes your PC safer, and makes new things possible. For those “do it yourself” folks, make sure you download Upgrade Advisor to see if your PC can run Windows 7 before you run out and buy it. Compare versions to find out why Windows 7 is the better option and then and only then should you buy it.
Even better, call us and we can help your business find the right version of Windows 7.
Not ready to shift to Windows 7 now? Don’t worry, there are two things you can do: get Windows XP SP3 (a free update) or get Windows Vista SP2 (which is a free update too).
Windows XP SP3 includes all previously-released updates and a small number of new updates. There is no SP3 for the 64-bit version of Windows XP though, but you can use it with SP2 and you will continue to get support till April 8, 2014. Likewise, Windows Vista SP2 includes support for new types of hardware and includes all the updates that have been released since Windows Vista SP1.
As your St. Catharine’s Microsoft Partner, we can help you get the most out of your business IT. Talk with us today.
To learn more about Microsoft retirement of Windows visit http://windows.microsoft.com/eos.