Win7 reaches milestone; prepare for its demise

[JMH]

It might be difficult to believe, but on Jan. 13 we begin the final countdown for Windows 7.
On that date, one of Microsoft’s best and most successful versions of Windows hits its official “end of mainstream support.” Here’s what that means for all Win7 users.

Windows 7 enters its extended-support phase

Most major Microsoft products have a formal life cycle that includes two key end-of-life dates. For Windows, those dates are listed on Microsoft’s “Windows lifecycle fact sheet” webpage. The first date — End of mainstream support — effectively means that Microsoft will no longer offer free updates to the operating system.

Once mainstream support ends for a specific version of Windows, it then enters its Extended support phase, during which Microsoft offers only essential fixes and security updates. (Companies can also pay for specific nonsecurity updates.) When an OS reaches its End of extended support milestone, all official support ends. Windows XP, as many Windows Secrets readers know, passed its “End of extended support” date on April 8, 2014. It has not had official updates of any kind since. (For more specifics on MS product life cycles, see the online “Microsoft support lifecycle policy FAQ.”)

Win7 reaches milestone; prepare for its demise

 

[The Howling Wolves]

Not only will it be the demise of 7 OS but the demise of Microsoft.
With all the crap they have come out with like 8 and 8.1 and Windows 10 due out in October(maybe) time to look elsewhere.
Guess I am getting old, grumpy and just fed up with MS.
That's my story and I am sticking to it.
Dennis

 

[JMH]

Windows 7 mainstream support ends

As Windows 10 approaches, Microsoft will no longer offer free help and support for the ageing but still popular Windows 7.

Unlucky for some: it's 13 January 2015, and that means the end of free support for Windows 7.

Happily that doesn't mean your computer is going to automatically break or stop working, but it does mean Microsoft will no longer offer free help and support if you have problems with your Windows 7 software from this point on. No new features will be added either.

Microsoft is keen to move users onto Windows 8 instead -- to find out more, check out our how-tos, troubleshooting, news and reviews of Windows 8. Alternatively, you can wait for Windows 10 later this year.

Windows 7 mainstream support ends - CNET