10 Reasons to upgrade from Windows 7
Windows 7 was released on 22nd October 2009 and has since then become the standard operating system for building energy management systems. Back in January 2020, Microsoft finally withdrew support for the operating system. Whilst Windows 8.1 still has support until 10th January 2023, and Windows Server 2012 R2 until 23rd October 2023, we strongly advise upgrading to Windows 10 which was released in 2015 and has extended support until 2025. Here are 10 reasons why you should upgrade.
1. Security patches and updates
The on-going availability of security patches and upgrades is by far the most important reason to upgrade to Windows 10. Without it, you will be leaving your system vulnerable to malware.
If your system is a single workstation or a standalone BeMS network not connected to the Internet, you may not see upgrading as urgent, although a risk may still remain.
Windows 10 updates itself by default (although this can be turned off or otherwise managed by your IT team) to ensure the security of your system.
2. Built-in security features
Windows 10 also has several built-in security tools, such as Windows Defender Antivirus which protects against malware and spyware across email, apps, the cloud, and the web.
3. Ransomware prevention
Computers running older versions of Windows are more vulnerable to ransomware. Windows 10 has a feature to thwart ransomware from locking up the computer and rendering it unusable, which could be disastrous for a BeMS.
4. secure password-free sign in
Windows Hello for Business allows you to unlock your workstation and other devices using your face or fingerprint.
Windows Hello addresses the following problems with passwords:
- Strong passwords can be difficult to remember, and users often reuse passwords on multiple sites.
- Server breaches can expose symmetric network credentials (passwords).
- Passwords are subject to replay attacks.
- Users can inadvertently expose their passwords due to phishing attacks.
- Staff turnover requires time and effort to delete user accounts and passwords.
5. Boot Speed
Although Windows 7 booted significantly faster than its predecessors, Windows 10 boots 29% faster than Windows 7.
6. Application load times
On Windows 7, the typical application load time was 7 seconds. With Windows 10 this is reduced to under 2 seconds, although the actual time is dependent on your hardware.
7. Windows 10 and Office 365 as a Service
Windows 10 uses a new delivery model. Windows updates occur more frequently but are on a smaller scale than older operating systems. This smaller-scale reduces the possibility of the update impacting performance and reduces the time-out whilst the update is occurring.
8. Tighter integration with Microsoft’s Cloud Portfolio
Products such as One Drive which allow data to be accessed on a range of devices, provide greater flexibility for the user and eliminate the need for on-premise hardware, with it’s associated cost.
9. The Start Menu
Unlike Windows 8 which used the whole screen as a start area, Windows 10 uses a tile-based Start menu which is customisable to your needs.
10. Action Centre
Action Centre shows messages from email, the system itself (e.g an update has been installed), and from apps. Windows 7 had a rudimentary notifications feature, but those system tray notifications went away after a short period and didn’t offer much in the way of interaction. Notices can be turned off using Focus Assist if required.
To upgrade your BeMS to Windows 10, call us on 0345 072 9529, or email us at info@sseenergyoptimisation.co.uk
