Using out of date and end of life operating systems can bring many risks to your personal and business devices. This is something which IT companies are regularly called for assistance with. There are no longer supported updates, bug fixes or security patches for end of life operating systems. This means you are putting your business at risk of Malware. Which as a result, could lead to identity theft, ransomware, email and computer activity monitoring, or even botnet fraud. Another issue is that there are little to no vendors for businesses who are providing service and repairs on computers with end of life operating systems. Similarly with the decrease of software and programs that are compatible with older systems.

Having up to date operating systems is especially important when it comes to businesses. If your business becomes vulnerable due to out dated systems, you are at risk of unauthorised entry to your systems and a compromise of business data. This can then cause non-compliance when it comes to data protection and GDPR laws.

If your business is running out of date operating systems on old machines, you really need to consider upgrading. Depending on the age of the machine, it may be eligible to upgrade to something like Windows 10. However, if the machine is older and not capable of running this, it would be best to look at investing in a new machine. Alternatively, if you cannot part with this machine, you can look into something called ‘Dual booting’. This is where Linux is used for online activities but Windows is used for offline activities. However, this can take a long time researching, implementing and isn’t something we would necessarily recommend.

To find out if your machine is compatible with the latest versions of Windows, run a Windows upgrade assistant. This will check for any updates that your computer will be able to support. If you end up getting a new PC, you can transfer the existing data on to your new PC. You can do this using Microsoft’s Migration tool.

Most businesses rely on some sort of software for the running of the business. There are a few best practices that all businesses should implement to ensure employees don’t put the business at risk of data and copyright breaches. If software isn’t used, downloaded and updated properly, you put your business at risk of the following:

Copyright Issues

Without realising, your staff could be running the software on more machines than you have licenses, therefore breaching the terms and conditions. If the software didn’t come from the original company, you could be running pirated copies of the software. Lastly, the software may be the incorrect version, for example a personal version rather than business license.

Downloading Software

Downloading software from unfamiliar sites could also bring malware to your devices and your network.

Illegitimate Copies

If the software isn’t a legitimate copy, you run the risk of slowing your operating system as it could be incompatible.

Software Issues

Untested or unfit software could end up damaging your business’ reputation due to incorrect results from the software To ensure your business and employees are using, downloading and updating software safely, set strict rules in regards to download and management, ensuring the correct versions and licenses. It is a good idea to invest in a software that is going to be scalable with your business as it grows. Regularly update and test the software your business uses to ensure it’s functionality is fit and no Malware is infecting your business. To continue the safe use of software, enable update notifications so you can continue to use the latest software. Usually notifications give you options of updating the software now or later. It is always best to update the software as soon as possible rather than putting it off to a later stage. Some updates require you to restart your computer. You should also do this as soon as possible.