Goodbye to all that… well, Windows 7 anyway

This seems appropriate for the New Year – a time for saying goodbye to the old and ringing in the new…  

It’s time to say goodbye to Windows 7

Windows 7 was a great operating system – no two ways about it.  After the disappointment of Vista and the almost non-existence of Windows ME, it really was a breath of fresh air.  

Now 10 years after it was first launched, Microsoft is ending support on the 14th of January – just a week tomorrow.  It’s had a good innings, but the time has come to bid a fond farewell to Windows 7.  

So what does that actually mean if you’re still using it?  

Your computer will carry on working, but crucially, it won’t get any more security updates.  Which means that if (when) they find a security issue, it won’t get fixed – and that could cause you some serious problems.

But don’t worry – we’re here to help.  To find out about your options, how to upgrade to Windows 10, and how to actually use Windows 10 once you’ve got it – click here for more information.

Ten Years in Tech – a lot has changed

While we’re being all nostalgic about Windows 7 – I thought I’d look back at some of the other big tech changes of the last 10 years.  It’s weird thinking back – but there’s been some pretty big stuff…

• Tablet computers: It’s hard to get my head round – they’re such a normal, everyday thing now – but tablet computers first came on the scene just ten years ago with the first iPad in 2010.  I remember talking to Tim about them when they were still just a rumour – and we couldn’t really see the point! How would you control the thing without a mouse? Gestures? Surely they wouldn’t catch on… yes, well – I’ll just be over here…

• Smartphones, smartphones everywhere: There were plenty of smartphones around before 2010, but they were mostly used by trendy techie types and businessmen.  Over the last decade, they’ve got more and more popular, with cheaper Android phones making them an option for pretty much everyone.  It’s getting hard to find a phone that isn’t smart these days (they still don’t come with a manual though!)

• Voice assistants: Smart assistants like Siri, Cortana and Alexa are another one.  10 years ago, talking to a computer to do more than basic dictation was still sci-fi.  The first to make it to reality was Apple’s Siri, which made its appearance in 2011.  Now (if you’re so inclined) you can ask your phone, tablet, laptop, smart speaker or even your TV to do all manner of things for you – without having to lift a finger.  They’re not smart enough to make me a cup of tea though (yet!)

• Drones and delivery robots: I have to admit, I’ve always thought these were a bit of a gimmick – but they do seem to be taking off in cities around the world.  I’m not sure a robot’s going to be delivering pizza up to Millom any time soon, though!

• Driverless cars: Back in 2010, Google announced that it was working seriously on a self-driving car.  There have been some problems along the way – and they were almost certainly out on the roads too soon – but I can really see them taking off over the next 10 years… who knows though – I don’t have the best track record with predictions…

That’s all from me for this week.  Apart from a quick reminder to check out this page if you want any help with Windows 10 or the end of Windows 7.

Bye for now