Microsoft’s venerable Windows 7 operating system sees its support end on 14th January 2020 meaning software updates that help protect your PC will no longer be available. If you’ve been holding off upgrading, then it’s time to realise that Windows 7 will soon not be fit for purpose and could render your PC vulnerable whether your a gamer, content creator or casual user. However, it’s still possible to upgrade for free to Windows 10 and easily too.
Windows 7 upgrade deadline
AntonyLeather
Why you need to upgrade to Windows 10 now
Many people have avoided the move in spite of Microsoft’s free upgrade offer, which officially ended in 2016 (thankfully it does still work for most of us). Stability issues, not wanting to move from what was an excellent, stable and snappy OS or businesses facing expensive and time consuming upgrades of hundreds or thousands of PCs are just some of the reasons Windows 7 still sees plenty of regular monthly users.
I can fully sympathize as I’ve certainly had my fair share of issues with Windows 10 – it’s certainly not perfect, although the latest November 2019 update does focus on performance and stability and I’ve had no issues for the last few months. However, with security updates no longer being dished out post 14th January, it’s officially time to bite the bullet and upgrade – Windows 7 will quickly fall away into the security-less abyss where XP and Vista already reside and will not be fit for purpose, however much you want to stick with the old OS.
How to upgrade your Windows 7 PC or laptop
Upgrading is simple and with any luck, you can get a legitimate copy of Windows 10 installed for free too. First, head over to Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool download page, download and install the tool. This can also be used to create a USB flash drive installer for installing a fresh copy of the latest up-to-date version of Windows 10 for any PC – very handy, but for now you want to upgrade only.
Microsoft’s media creation tool
Antony Leather
Next, as you can see above, you can select the upgrade option and go ahead and upgrade your Windows 7 installation to Windows 10. Once installed, your OS should be activated and there’s nothing more you need to do. While Microsoft’s free upgrade offer ended several years ago, there’s plenty of evidence it still works. There are some reasons why the upgrade might fail, though, which are drivers or software getting in the way. Fixes for these are detailed in this article, and including updating antivirus software or drivers.
There are some alternative routes you can take of course. First is to buy Windows 10 from a retailer. Amazon currently lists the OEM version of Windows 10 Home for $85. The alternatives are the cheap Windows 10 key providers out there. The likes of Kinguin offer the OS for less than $20. In the UK, Groupon currently has a deal for £24.95. While the cheaper versions are often frowned upon, there’s are plenty of positive reviews (always check these if you opt for this method, whichever site you use) and I’ve personally used a Groupon-sourced Windows 10 licence for over a year with no problems.
These are often OEM keys, which are usually tied to specific hardware components in your machine once installed. If you perform an upgrade to your PC, such as the motherboard, it’s possible you’ll need to buy a new license. However, at these prices that’s not the end of the world. Come 14th January, you won’t have much choice but to upgrade if you want to have a secure operating system so everyone that’s held off till now needs to make the move.
MONTREAL – Lightspeed Commerce Inc. says it is conducting a review of its business and operations including talks relating to a range of potential strategic alternatives.
The Montreal-based payments technology company made the comments after reports concerning a potential transaction involving the company.
Lightspeed says it periodically undertakes a review of its business and operations with a view of realizing its full potential.
A strategic review is often seen by investors as a prelude to a sale by a company.
Lightspeed says its board of directors is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.
Company founder Dax Dasilva returned to the role of chief executive officer earlier this year and has been working to return the company to profitability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2024.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
