Monday, 10 February 2020

Windows 7 End of Life: What happens after January 14th?

January 14, 2020, marked the end of official support for Windows 7. True to its word, Microsoft has stopped providing security updates for this old operating system. It had stopped introducing feature updates a few years previously.
Can’t give up your Windows 7 computer? According to reports, even as late as December 2019 nearly a quarter of Windows OS users were still using Windows 7! Now that Microsoft has laid Windows 7 support to rest, what happens next? Our expert IT support services team will tell you what you are going to face now.

Did you know Windows 7 was installed on nearly half of all computers in the world in 2016!

Windows 7 will not work after 2020, right?

No! January 14, 2020, marks the end of Microsoft’s support for the OS – it does not mean computers will stop working. Your computer will continue to function as it did before; but it will not receive any security updates, making it more and more vulnerable to cyber attacks every passing day.
One change you will have probably noticed is the frequent reminder notices from Microsoft urging you to update your system to a newer OS, like Windows 10.

Need to update your systems? Call the best IT support team in Oakville.

 What if a security flaw is found in Windows 7 tomorrow?

Let’s put it this way, we wouldn’t store, type or create any sensitive personal or professional information on a Windows 7 machine ourselves! When a security flaw is found in Windows 7, Microsoft will not issue a patch or fix to close that vulnerability. It means your computer is becoming an easier target for hackers every day.

My Windows 7 computer can still do everything a new computer can, right?

Windows 7 already relies on old technologies that are either too old or are being phased out on the internet. The latest hardware and software don’t guarantee compatibility (or even usability) on old Windows machines. Financial institutions too are increasingly preventing log-in from computers that still run old OSes.
Even cloud services, from basics like email and storage to more advanced services like web hosting and remote computing, are restricting support for old browsers. Windows 7 does not support hardware acceleration to the same extent as modern systems and is not supported by browsers that can handle modern APIs. What’s more, providers of IT consulting services may refuse to connect your computer to company networks because of the chances that it will introduce malware.

What are the risks of using Windows 7 after January 14, 2020?

Whether you are using Windows 7 for your business or personal use, you are risking severe cyber intrusion, data loss, and identity theft. Here’s what is happening every passing day.
  • Being connected to the internet becomes more dangerous as malware, spyware, and ransomware can sneak through unpatched loopholes.
  • New hardware and software are not supported on your system and will reduce your productivity.
  • You are missing out on modern collaboration, cloud, and connectivity features.
Speak to IT support in Oakville that helps implement systems upgrades that will meet your requirements and budget.
Get in touch with IT support in Oakville
At NUMENTIS, our IT consulting services help you stay current with the latest technology trends affordably. It’s why we work closely with clients to understand their needs and suggest solutions that will keep them secure. Our IT support services team can help you migrate from your legacy Windows 7 machines to newer OSes while ensuring minimum loss of productivity. Call us to learn more.

Friday, 7 February 2020

Why an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is very important for your business

A power outage due to stormy weather, flooding, the electricity grid going down or even a minor short circuit in the office is but inevitable. When this happens, you can either watch in relief as your employees are able to safely operate your IT or panic about the data loss your business will have suffered.
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is an absolute must-have for all businesses that rely on IT. If you operate a server – regardless of it being a small backup NAS or custom server racks – a UPS is an absolute necessity!
Uninterruptible Power Supply

What is an Uninterruptible Power Supply?

A UPS at its core is comprised of a rectifier > battery pack > inverter. The rectifier receives alternating current (AC) from the wall outlet and converts it into direct current (DC) to charge the batteries. When the UPS detects power loss from the wall, the inverter converts DC power from the battery pack to AC electricity to power your IT systems.
UPSs are available in a lot of different configurations. Ask your IT solutions provider in Toronto about the kind of UPS you should get for your facility. Typically, a business will use a large battery pack for critical server and operations IT. It may use a smaller UPS system for individual computers.

What are the benefits of having a UPS for your business?

UPS systems help prevent data loss, data corruption, and permit key operational systems to keep functioning unaffected by a power outage or blackout. Here are some of the main benefits of using a UPS system at your office. Since they are available in many different configurations, speak to a managed IT services provider in Toronto about the system is right for your business.
  1. Continued operation and controlled shutdowns
    Though a blackout is short, said to be an average of 147 minutes in Canada, the risk of data loss is equally great when the power cuts out for even a split second. At a minimum, a UPS gives your employees the time to save their data and turn off their systems safely. In the case of servers, continuity is essential as data stored across multiple drives can become corrupted. Also, for businesses some key systems must remain operational, for instance hosting services.
  2. Refined power
    A UPS conditions the electrical supply from the wall before it is fed to sensitive electronics. Changes in voltage, however minor, and erratic current have a detrimental impact on circuit boards, which are designed to operate within tight electrical tolerances. As such, a UPS can help increase the life of your systems and reduce the risk of unexpected hardware failure.
  3. Power supply monitored by IT solutions company in Toronto
    Modern UPS systems are not standalone devices plugged into the wall and forgotten they are closely integrated into IT setups. Your managed IT services provider in Toronto will keep a close eye on the electrical supply and ensure seamless operation for your business.

Does your business need a UPS?

Every business can benefit from UPS systems. Speak to an experienced IT consulting company in Toronto about an affordable UPS setup that fulfills your needs and is cost-effective. Establishments such as hospitals, financial companies, universities and businesses dependent on data critical tasks have an obvious UPS requirement. Media and marketing companies must ensure uptime and can add a layer of protection to their operations with a UPS too.
Speak to IT consulting in Toronto
Speak to an experienced IT consulting company in Toronto like NUMENTIS about your UPS. We integrate and maintain UPS systems for all requirements and systems.