On 14th January 2020 both Windows 7 and Windows Terminal Server 2008R2 go end of life. Mainstream support for Windows 7 ended on 13th January 2015 but was extended to 14th January 2020.
What does this mean for Windows 7 & Terminal Server 2008R2?
End of life is the term that Microsoft uses to identify the period when the company will no longer support an operating system or application. In this case, it means that, as of 14th Jan 2020, Microsoft will move on from Windows 7 & Terminal Server 2008R2, and no longer patch security holes in the operating system.
What happens when support ends?
If you continue to use Windows 7 & Terminal Server 2008R2 after support has ended, your PC/server will still work, but will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. You will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft. Over time other software like antivirus programmes, web browsers etc will remove support and no longer work.
Will Teleos still work?
Teleos will still function, but over time this will become increasingly difficult to maintain due to no support from Microsoft. Eventually we will move away from older operating systems and stop support for them.
When should you upgrade?
If you can upgrade early, we’d strongly suggest doing this sooner rather than later. There are multiple options on offer for replacements. These being fully fledged PC’s or cheaper “dumb” terminals if no local work is required by that computer or cloud servers.
Replacement options?
There are multiple replacement options available, these are listed below.
Server – This can be replaced by either a traditional local server, or a cloud option. Both offerings will use new operating systems that Microsoft support for the next 7 years.
Local Workstation – This can be replaced by either a local PC or a dumb terminal. PC’s are more expensive than dumb terminals but will allow you to work locally when not on your Teleos server. Dumb terminals are cheaper and do not have an operating system so are supported as long as the manufacturers update them. Please be aware because they are a “dumb” terminal, they will only connect to your Teleos server and will have no access to any programmes outside of the main server.
If you’d like more details please email technicalsales@teleosvet.co.uk or call support 0121 286 9990