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