Support
Webmail

SYS3 SPECIAL: Have a Windows 7 machine? Here’s what to do.

Yes, we keep banging on about it but we realised that while the news is full of the potential horrors lurking around the corner for people who continue to run Windows 7, there’s no real information on how to go about upgrading and what it costs.

Why you should stop using it

Windows 7 will not stop working, but it will no longer receive any updates. It’s hard to see the dangers of this unless you understand the world of malware. Here’s a quick run down:

On the second Tuesday of each month, Microsoft releases security patches for it’s operating systems. The underground world of malware writers and hackers analyse these updates to find flaws and holes that they could exploit.

Windows 7 no longer gets updates. Not a single one. How many Tuesdays do you want to leave it? It is estimated that there are still hundreds of millions of Windows 7 users. This makes it a very real, very easy target. Don’t risk it. Especially if you’re a business.

What you should do

Upgrade to Windows 10! Yes, we know it’s very different to Windows 7 and goes some way to explain why so many people are lingering on a risky system. Trust us, you get used to it very quickly. It’s actually a lot better… Yes. We said it.

An upgrade is quick and easy to do and SYS3 can provide the upgrade licence for you. If you want a quick quote to upgrade, CONTACT US.

If you can’t upgrade yet there are a number of defensive measures you can take to try and reduce your vulnerability:

  • Keep all other software and applications up-to-date and patched

  • Use a secure browser and only visit recognised sites (Chrome will be supported on Windows 7 machines for 18 months)

  • Run good, tested antivirus software and consider added security. More info.

  • Backup data on an external hard drive and/or to a cloud backup service. More info.

  • Be VERY cautious with email and any attachments/links you receive.

Please recognise that these measures are defensive and while they somewhat mitigate the risk, the longer you run an out of date operating system, the less they will protect you.

VERY IMPORTANT: There are a lot of people claiming that you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. You used to be able to. It was an incentive by Microsoft to get people to adopt their new system. That offer expired on 29th July 2016. While Microsoft may have dropped a preverbial and left the option on some systems, upgrading without a valid licence is illegal.

Contact us today to discuss an upgrade

Let’s have a chat

Whether you want a complete shake-up of your current IT services or an answer to simple question, SYS3 are always happy to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation chat about your requirements.

  • Simplify your IT
  • Reduce your spending
  • Increase reliability
  • Enjoy no-contract, unrivalled support across Essex and Suffolk

We know moving IT services can be a daunting task but we promise it’s much easier than you think. When you’re ready to talk, we’re here, happy to help

0345 313 1919
askus@sys3.com

Get in touch

    Our Other Services

    Offsite Backup

    Backing up is VITAL!

    Backing up should be everyones top priority. All too often we see businesses decide to start backing up the wrong side of a costly hard drive disaster or data breach.

    With viruses and malware now capable of causing so much, often irreversible, damage, a substantial backup is imperative. If you’re infected with ransomware, a recent backup often the only way to get you back up and running.

    Why offsite backup and not a removable hard drive?

    Preferably both! But never just a hard drive. Why? Hard drives can fail. It’s as simple as that. Ransomware infections can also creep onto hard drives if they’re left plugged into an infected machine. 

    ​SYS3 use the most reliable and intelligent backup solutions on the market to ensure that our customers’ data is kept secure.

    Computer & Network Hardware

    Why buy your hardware from SYS3?

    Years ago, SYS3 started out by building and supplying custom computer hardware. We know our stuff.

    We keep up with the latest in technology so we are able to provide our customers with the best possible equipment without breaking the bank. Whether you need a new server, laptop, printer or network switch, we’ll always provide you with a variety of options and recommendations to suit your business needs.

    Security and Antivirus Protection

    The more advanced technology becomes, the more advanced the bad guys become. Gone are the days when attackers were easy to spot in a badly worded email.

    ​Did you know you can get an infection just by hovering your mouse over a dodgy website banner? Worse? Traditional antivirus products cannot protect you against everything.

    ​Human error is still largely responsible for infections and viruses but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the best protection possible to safeguard your employees and ultimately, your business.

    ​Partnered with Heimdal, SYS3 provide market-leading protection that is proactive, not reactive like traditional antivirus.

    Email Security Support

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Spam email makes up 70% of ALL email traffic across the world and social engineering means scammers can directly target key employees. Is your job title on social media?

    Over 60% of breaches are caused by human error. Are you confident that your staff are fully trained to spot email-borne threats and avoid falling victim?

    How SYS3 can help

    Just one click has the potential to grind your entire business to a halt and generate a costly bill to put right. What makes things worse is that email viruses are now incredibly clever, highly convincing, and can be very difficult to spot.

    ​Our priority is to make sure our customers are supported and protected as much as possible. 99% of our customers have adopted our mail filtering service and it comes highly recommended. It’s the first line of defence and a vital tool.

    Testimonials

    Proud To Be Working With