Windows 10: Microsoft to discontinue Windows 7 and 8.1 next November

My local hospital (at least some departments) uses windows 7 enterprise for their systems.

I am little confused. Computer Shops will not be allowed to sell there computer with windows 7 or 8.1 pre-installed after a certain date? What about refurbished computers with 7 or 8.1? I have seen wal-mart carrying refurbished xp/vista computers pre-installed way after they told places to stop selling them. I even know this one computer shop that had windows 98se for sell. He fixed up an old system.

 

Im not 100% sure but I don't think the same rules apply, some old machines would be lucky to run XP let alone 10.

 

That's because the software they use is either:

1. Not updated to run on later versions of Windows
2. Cost prohibitive for updates

 

Or it "just works".

Thousands of businesses - want whatever version of software they have in place - to just work. A dentist probably does not want to deal with anything related to downtime - or hassle factor - especially when running a busy place like a dental office.

And as long as they aren;t surfing the net all day long - XP is just fine for use on their local LAN.

Plus - the biggest reason is cash. Who wants to throw down a pile of cash if what they have is good enough.

No one "needs" Windows 10 right now - especially business. Not sure if they will ever need it. That said - if I was a dentist - I probably would not have XP on my machines - but Windows 7 would be wise choice in stability (and maturity) at this point.

 

No, It's not that shops will not be allowed to sell them, it's that Microsoft will no longer issue new OEM licenses to OEM's. Any existing licenses will of course continue to still work.

 

Even though I am tech savvy, the medical group tends to lag behind. We still have Windows 7. There's no plan to upgrade to Windows 10 at this point.

At least it's not Windows XP.

 

If orange is the new black, then Windows 10, just may be the new Windows 7.

 

I can give you a reason to businesses need Windows 10. You know those security breaches that occur in retail? Many companies still rely on Windows Xp for digital online transactions done with debit and credit cards with in-store registers. ATMs are on a focus list by large banks to upgrade from Xp to 7 or 10 because of those security reasons. Xp wasn't designed for security at all, that's where Vista came in and did well, but sacrificed stability, performance, and compatibility. The IRS still uses Xp and pays Microsoft to keep up security patches for it.

Crucial digital data deserves the BEST secure platform possible. Windows Xp doesn't fit the bill.

 

I thought retailers used a VPN for in-store credit/debit card transactions.

 

A lot of police forces in the UK still running XP

 

I'm not sure why anyone is surprised by people still using old OS. Keep in mind that in a business environment you use computers as tools with the main rule being "if it ain't broken, don't fix it". While discussing reasons to keep an older OS, why don't you discuss reasons for upgrading your system to the newest OS available. Why do that? Just the fact that the newer OS exists is not a reason to update - it might be good enough for tech enthusiasts, but certainly not for businesses. So far the advantages of Windows 10 are - in my personal view - none at all. Is there any useful program that runs on 10 and does not run on 7? I haven't heard of one. Sure, it probably makes sense to buy a new machine with the latest software for driver compatibility. But to change the OS on existing machines? I see no reason to do so.

 

A lot of POS, (Point of Sale, Not the other meaning), used as the back end in the hospitality industry are still running XP or even older systems (Win2000, Win 9.x)

 

My Doctor uses windows xp on the computer they use to update your medical history and stuff.