At Practice PLUS, we deal with numerous medical practitioners on an IT level. We do hear that Windows 7 is being utilized. If you are one of the Windows 7 die-hards, you are at risk.
We chatted with Shane of ByteRite, on Windows 7 and why all 7 users should upgrade.
In this blog we answer the following:
- Why you should upgrade from Windows 7 to 10?
- What is the fuss about viruses?
- What is Malware?
Why you should upgrade from Windows 7 to 10?
“Firstly, you should know Microsoft no longer supports Windows 7” informs Shane.
Microsoft ended its 10-year support for Windows 7, in January 2020. As a result, all your software and security updates plus technical support are no longer offered to you. Your Windows 7 system will still operate, however will be at risk for any viruses and malware.
What is the fuss about Viruses?
As there are many types of viruses we will provide the most common for you to recognise.
Polymorphic Virus: This virus produces aggressive codes that duplicate continuously, outwitting and evading your computer’s defences and eventually cripple your system by transposing its character.
Kaspersky tells us, “In 2015, it took the combined efforts of the FBI and Europol to bring down a botnet—a network of computers—running advanced polymorphic malware called Beebone. The malware used by a criminal gang to control at least 12,000 computers around the globe and could change itself up to 19 times a day to avoid detection.” Read more on Polymorphic viruses
The fake email that arrives in your inbox accompanied by a Word or Excel attachment. Commonly known as the Macro Virus. This virus has been around forever. Still, an effective virus, as many people click on the file thereby, unlocking the virus.
Generally, you will find:
Your computer operates much slower than before
Requests passwords on documents (previously not required)
Save’s documents as template files
Shows unusual error messages
What is Malware?
Malware, as Microsoft states: “Is a catch-all term to refer to any software designed to cause damage to a single computer, server or computer network.”
Stealing credit card details and other financial details, Identity theft, infect computers to mine cryptocurrencies are just a few common objectives of malware.
Three words you may have heard of that sit under the Malware category: Trogan; virus and worm.
The difference between the 3.
- A worm is a standalone piece of malicious software that reproduces itself and spreads from computer to computer.
- A virus is a piece of computer code that inserts itself within the code of another standalone program, then forces that program to take malicious action and spread itself.
- A trojan is a program that cannot reproduce itself but masquerades as something the user wants and tricks them into activating it so it can do its damage and spread. (information from csonline.com)
Now that you have read what destruction can occur on your unsupported Windows 7 system, we highly recommend you upgrade to Windows 10. Importantly, you will receive Microsofts support for Windows 10 until October 2025.
We understand IT is not your game; hence we at Practice PLUS have partnered with efficient top-of-their-game service providers who ensure your medical journey is virus-free. Get in touch with Practice PLUS.
