I recently
attended a computer club class about the impending end of support (e.g.,
security updates and patches) for Windows 10 by Microsoft on October 14. Below
are key takeaways for anyone (myself included) who still uses a computer with a
Windows 10 operating system:
Increased
Vulnerability- After support for Windows 10 ends, there
will be no further security updates. Anyone still using Windows 10 will be more
vulnerable to hacks. Unfortunately, there are many bad actors out there.
Windows 11 is more secure than Windows 10 and less subject to hacks. It is
expected to be supported well into the future but Windows 12 is also on the
horizon.
Ability
to Update to Windows 11- An older computer with Windows 10
must be capable of running Windows 11. Many are not. To find out if your
computer can run Windows 11, download and run the PC Health Check App.
I used the app with my nine-year old computer and it failed. It was missing
hardware called Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and had an older processor. I
have two Windows 11 computers and just need to invest some time transferring
bookmarks and files.
Windows
10 Cautions- If you continue to use a Windows 10
computer after October 14, do NOT do any financial transactions on it. Hackers
out there will know that your computer is vulnerable and can steal data to
access bank, brokerage, and other accounts. Also, spend the money for a
high-end anti-virus program such as Malwarebytes, McAfee, Norton, or Bitdefender™.
Windows
11 Benefits- As a result of its enhanced security
benefits, as noted above, Windows 11 computers can provide peace of mind. Windows
11 should also improve the performance of your computer and the AI platform
CoPilot is included.
Buying
a New Computer- The program speaker recently purchased a
desktop and a laptop and each cost around $650 before adding sales tax,
anti-virus protection, and extended warranty protection. There are freelance
tech consultants and store personnel (e.g., Best Buy’s Geek Squad) that can
assist with file and program transfer services, including hooking up a new
computer to a wireless network and wireless printers.
New
Computer Configurations- Recommended minimum configurations
for a new computer are as follows: an Intel Core i5 (or equivalent AMD Ryzen)
processor, 16 GB of memory (RAM), a 512 GB solid state drive (SSD), and, of
course, a Windows 11 operating system.
Disposing
of an Old Computer- Attendees seemed to think that the old
(Windows 10) computer should simply be destroyed. The speaker recommended
smashing the hard drive or drilling holes in it and acknowledged that some
folks simply throw old computers out with their trash. The much more environmentally
friendly disposal method is taking it to a recycling center. I am not planning
to do any of these. Instead, I will simply keep my Windows 10 computer. It will not be
connected to the internet going forward but will serve as a back-up repository
of files and photos, if needed.
This post provides
general personal finance or consumer decision-making information and does not
address all the variables that apply to an individual’s unique situation. It does
not endorse specific products or services and should not be construed as legal
or financial advice. If professional assistance is required, the services of a
competent professional should be sought.
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