Windows 7: Microsoft Support Ended

According to the statement of Microsoft Corporation, from January 14, 2020, technical support for the Windows 7 operating system is discontinued. We are talking about all modifications of the “axis” for 32 and 64 bit platforms. Favorite for 60-70% of users around the world, “Windows” goes on a well-deserved rest.

The OS, released back in 2009, quickly eliminated its main competitor, Windows XP. High performance, security, ease of use and excellent performance in games elevated the "seven" to the pinnacle of fame. Even after the release of Windows 10, most users wanted to stay on the old operating system. But times are changing. And for many users, not for the better.

 

Windows 7: the difficulties of switching to a new OS

 

We already wrote an article in which we summarized the essence of the problem of quickly switching to Windows 10. At that time, the problem was not so urgent, and many pseudo-specialists in unison insisted that we provide false information. But after a while, on the IT forums, users of the "ancient iron" had questions. And interestingly, all the answers completely coincide with our article.

Still, there was a “contract” between the manufacturers of computer parts and Microsoft. Starting in 2018, all Windows 10 updates check hardware (in particular, the motherboard chip). If the parts are morally obsolete, the system cannot be updated. As well as "roll" a new OS from the official site. Naturally, the people actively switched to the seven. But in 2020, this trick will not give pleasure to the owners of old iron.

The discontinuation of security updates for Windows 7 is a serious problem for all users. It lies in the vulnerability of the system. No one will issue patches. This means that the computer will be an excellent target for crackers. We already went through this, and in Windows 98, which after support could be remotely put as a script. And with Windows XP, which is easy to crack through any browser.

 

The only right decision

 

Considering that old sockets (AM2, AM3, 478, 775 and all previous versions) are on the forbidden list of iron, all users will have to update the hardware. Naturally, if desired. Seven will work. It is clear that the prices of new components do not suit everyone. The motherboard, processor and RAM are at least 500 US dollars. But there is an option - buy used parts in the secondary market. Of the available and productive, now the best solution is Socket 1155 with a Core i7 stone (or FM2 with A8 chips). You can invest in $ 200 and get a very productive platform that will easily reveal modern gaming graphics cards.

But it is better to look at modern systems. Why? Because a year or two will pass, and Microsoft will again refuse to support obsolete components. Having experienced a profit increase since mid-2019, iron producers will not stop and will again “negotiate” with the OS manufacturer.

 

Upgrade Recommendations

 

When looking for a powerful workstation or gaming computer, you don't have to buy expensive components. You can use the old, but effective scheme used by IT specialists from all over the world:

• A modern motherboard with support for high-end processors is purchased.
• Buy a new processor low or medium power.
• The memory of the desired volume is taken.

 

The main thing in choosing is to focus on needs. Current processors, even of low power, will be able to unleash the potential of modern graphics cards. Inveterate gamers have money - they do not count. After a year or two, in the secondary market, the user acquires a more powerful processor for half or a third of its value in the store. The RAM memory is added in the same way.

In terms of sockets, already in the secondary market there are many interesting offers: AMD AM4 and Intel 1151. Both chips are dated 2016. Moreover, proposals for AMD are breaking records. After the release of the TR4 socket, the iron of the control unit simply pleases with prices. The same fate awaits Intel. Chips 1151 and 1151v2 - will soon lose their former glory. So far, the manufacturer has offered only server socket 3647. But a month or two after the new year, and a new product in the Desktop segment will certainly appear on the market. And this means a collapse in prices for the chips of the previous generation is inevitable.

 

Windows 7 Tips

 

The system has outlived its own and needs to be buried, no matter how vulgar it sounds. Accordingly, who has old iron, urgently need to switch to a new socket. Let it be a BU technique, but fresh (no older than 5 years from the date of presentation of the chip). Or put up with Microsoft’s policies, leaving Windows 7 without technical support. In this case, it’s better to buy DVD-RW and often save valuable information on optical media.

Otherwise, the day will come when a blue Windows window appears on the screen indicating that the download failed. And all information will be lost (or encrypted) irrevocably.