As a continuation to an earlier Facebook post, and in an effort to help
those make sense and make the best decision possible for their needs, a tip
guide is forthcoming on the SimpleAssist blog (simpleassistme.blogspot.com). It will offer a roadmap to disseminate all information,
rumors, breakdown of several different recommendations
in anticipation of what to expect before and after the Windows XP April 8
deadline. The most important concern is
security and the biggest question will likely be, “do I need a new computer or
can I upgrade my own” as outlined below.
NOTE: While I have never asked anybody to do this, honestly if you know someone who uses a Windows XP computer please forward this post to them advising them to like this Facebook page or follow the SimpleAssist blog or Social Portal so they can access the guide, receive real-time updates in order help offset the rumors and the misleading information that is floating around out there. Furthermore, there are some simple things that need to be done BEFORE April 8th, in order to make sure you are safe; especially if you will be unable to upgrade/purchase Windows within the next 8 days.
What is Windows is
Windows “End of Life”?
For those who are not aware, Windows "end of life" simply means that
Microsoft® is longer supporting or releasing important security patches or
updates the Windows XP operating system after April 8th 2014.
Why is this Important?
There are serious security concerns (see prior Facebook
post) that could an impact the integrity of your data, and the ability to
migrate data, files, and programs over to Windows 8.1; regardless of whether
you are upgrading an existing computer, or purchasing a new computer pre-loaded
with latest version. Ensuring your
computer is virus free, safely backed up etc. will be the necessary no matter what, as upgrading the existing computer requires a
CLEAN INSTALL (removes settings, files, etc.), and buying a new computer is a “clean”
(relatively speaking), thus requiring the same.
The guide will provide a myriad
of options that are little to no cost, and as well as additional resources for
information.
What will the Guide
Cover?
1. Pre-deadline measures / No Panic Decisions /
Using XP Post Deadline
April 8th is not far away, but NO NEED TO PANIC
- there are some specific steps to
prepare your machine in anticipation of the deadline to make sure your computer
is safe, prepared for transition, and better
protected AFTER the deadline. The guide
will offer these tips and should be done whichever route you decide to go. For
most, these steps can be DIY, and simply require downloading some NO COST programs
from Microsoft and other providers (virus checks, etc.) and need to be done prior
to April 8th, 2014.
Again, the tasks mentioned above are imperative in order
to make sure your data is safe and in order to give you peace of mind and extra
time to decide what option for upgrading your Windows machine / purchasing new
Windows Computer will work for you!
Obviously, these are stop-gap measures are NOT ideal
or recommend as a long-term term solution, but it takes the pressure off quite
a bit, and can hopefully offset the
pressure of the deadline for those who sell computers and software will be
using to create Urgency in order sell products and services you may not
need.
2. Purchasing a new Windows 8.1 computer VS. keeping your existing device and buying
an upgrade to windows 8
incidentally,
this is where there will be a lot of " misconception" that I hope to
clear up. Windows 8 was designed to run
on mobile devices and has excellent compatibility features to run older Windows
XP programs that you no longer have the installation media or don't wish that
to upgrade. Depending on your specific situation note that many computers,
especially ones within the last 5 years, should have no problem meeting the
minimum requirements of Windows 8.1, as detailed below:
Processor:
1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2 (more info)
RAM: 1
gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
Hard disk
space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
Graphics card:
Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver
3. Peace of Mind - Advice, insight, and tips
to simplify the process and potential pitfalls
Regardless of which direction you
decide to go, the pitfalls and preparation are the same. In the section I will detail some myths and
things that people say did tell you what is better than the other, will it
really comes down to which option is best for you based on how you use your
computer.
There are tons of scams, malware
and a big rise in things like RANSOM WARE out there right now targeted at this Windows
“end of life deadline: with gaping holes in the Windows architecture if you
haven't been updating automatically, and with no more security patches after
the 8th combined with the inability for programs such as Antivirus
programs to prevent such a an attack from happening - as I am finding out on
Computers I am currently repairing – it could be bad for certain users.
Why SimpleAssist? SimpleAssistme.com is committed to empowering
individuals and business - both clients and readers - with education,
understanding, and solutions that apply to their needs and skill level, specifically
focused on finding the best software, hardware, and services at the lowest
possible cost, as well as other resources for technology insight and options
that consider the benefit of both the short and long term.
While we do offer contracted services for consulting, project management, business development, repair, and strategic planning for individuals and businesses, our vision and philosophies are centered on building a long-term, relationship based value system to enlighten consumers and businesses alike in finding the best options in a technology landscape that is saturated options and moving “at the speed of light”. We believe this approach to be unique, and look forward to earning an opportunity to show you how we can be Your Technology Partner!
While we do offer contracted services for consulting, project management, business development, repair, and strategic planning for individuals and businesses, our vision and philosophies are centered on building a long-term, relationship based value system to enlighten consumers and businesses alike in finding the best options in a technology landscape that is saturated options and moving “at the speed of light”. We believe this approach to be unique, and look forward to earning an opportunity to show you how we can be Your Technology Partner!
SimpleAssist Assistance
If you are interested in consultation, assistance, or repair/deployment
services for your home, business (small – enterprise) or organization,
SimpleAssist can provide you with a free consultation and/or proposal. For more information, call 518.290.7079, email
helpme@simpleassistme.com, or
visit www.simpleassistme.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment