The day has arrived and Windows 7 is now a thing of the past. On July 22, 2009 we welcomed the definitive successor to Windows XP, after the failed and forgettable Vista. Almost ten years of support have made W7 a legend in the Microsoft family.
A Legend Is Born
After Microsoft had announced Vista in 2006, we believed that at last we would have a worthy successor to the successful Windows XP, which had given us so much joy. But no, it did not happen and users began to doubt that the Redmond giant could find a balance between stability and graphical advances. Until one day a new Windows arrived, returning to its numerical designation (after version 3.1 of 1992) and becoming the ideal replacement for XP. Improvements in hardware compatibility, broader network handling, new functions, and great stability. That was Windows 7, a marathon leap in quality. And today we have to say goodbye... and its retirement will not pass without sorrow or glory in the history of computing, of course not.
The End of an Era
"Although you could keep using your PC with Windows 7, without continuous software and security updates, this will pose a greater risk of viruses and malware," Microsoft informs us from its official website, and this exposes many users who still remain on this operating system. According to NetApplications, there is still a large number of people who use Windows 7 on both desktop and laptop, with 32.74%, behind the current Windows 10, which has 47.65%. Meanwhile, StatCounter shows 65.4% for W10 and 26.79% for the deceased W7, only on desktop.
What Are Your Options?
The lack of support can bring vulnerabilities in the security of our equipment and Microsoft will not take charge of it. That is why we offer you some solutions, in case you want to continue in the 7 family (and not become part of the 10):
- The first is extended support until 2023 for those with Professional or Enterprise licenses, with payment, of course.
- The second solution comes from the people at "0Patch", which with its "micro-patches" platform will seek to continue supporting Windows 7. For individual users, the free version will suffice, but for companies and institutions, a more centralized service will be required.
- The third option will be "Windows Embedded Standard 7" which will have support until October 2020, and "Windows Embedded POSReady 7", which will continue until October 2021. Although we really do not think this option helps the home user much.
Alternatives and Farewell
As for other possibilities in operating systems, there is something for every taste. If your future is not with Windows (10), you can always migrate to Linux, the most recommended option if you want a free operating system with as many variants as colors. Anyway, Windows 7 will go down in history as one of Microsoft's best operating systems, and well deserved. Goodbye, reliable friend!
