If you are a Windows 7 user you may have been getting bombarded with a big, blue, intimidating warning announcing that your version of Windows is out of support (pictured below). Do not panic, this does not mean you need to rush out and buy a new computer.

This warning is not a hoax or a virus. All Windows operating systems eventually run out of support as it would be a huge task and a huge cost to a company to support all of its legacy systems.

But don't panic, your computer will not suddenly stop working one day, it will continue to work as normal but there are some things you should be aware of if you continue to use it past it's end-of-life (EOL) date.

These things are outlined in the warning itself.

• No security updates.
  • Any Windows user would be familiar with the constant updates that seem to occur when turning on or off your computers. The majority of these updates are 'security' updates. These updates are released when users, testers, hackers, Microsoft tech's etc find security holes in the operating system that may allow viruses or hackers to get into your computer or acquire personal data. Simply put, if you are running Windows 7 you will no longer receive security updates from Microsoft. So, if a bug or a big security hole is found in Windows 7, Microsoft will not fix it. It may be a good idea for people who use their PC for things that require the use of sensitive data, such as internet banking, consider upgrading to Windows 10 sooner rather than later.
• No software updates.
  • Microsoft will no longer release new features for Windows 7. Microsoft will shift it's focus entirely to releasing software updates and improvements to its latest operating system, Windows 10.
• No tech support.
  • If you are having difficulties with Windows 7 you will no longer get any sympathy or help for that matter, from Microsoft, including on their support forums or their phone support. However, WizzIT will still help you out with Windows 7 if you need it.

This does not mean you need to buy a new computer...

As it was alluded to earlier, your computer will still work fine, it will not suddenly stop working one day. If you don't use your computer for anything sensitive. Maybe you watch a bit of YouTube, read your emails occasionally or play a little Minesweeper. In these cases, there probably isn't much point in spending money updating your operating system or computer right away, if at all.

As long as your PC is not ridiculously old and still does what you want it to do then nine times out of ten it is easy to purchase a license for Windows 10, these retail from $225 for the 'Home' edition of Windows 10. The license is basically a big long serial number that is entered when installing Windows 10 that will allow you to use it legally. Get in contact if you need help with this. I am able to acquire licenses and as the situation will vary from user to user, can provide guidance on what will be involved to get you up and running again.

In some cases, it might even be possible to use a legitimate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license key (the big long number mentioned before) to activate a copy of Windows 10, meaning it will cost you $0 to acquire a legitimate copy of Windows 10! These numbers are usually located on stickers on the side of your laptop or PC.

It’s official, folks: Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for existing Windows users—as long as you claim it quickly.

Source: Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users | PCWorld