Despite the fact that more than 400 million users have made the jump and decided on a software upgrade to Microsoft’s Windows 10, there’s a good chance your small business – like more than a billion users worldwide – is still relying on an outdated operating system (OS). Not only does having your team work within an outdated OS decrease productivity and employee performance because they don’t have the tools that they require to get the job done efficiently, but relying on an OS that is no longer consistently updated leaves your business and its users vulnerable to potentially catastrophic security breaches.
1. The Most Secure Operating System for Your Business
One of the most effective ways to ensure that your data is safe is to keep your operating system up-to-date. This means installing important security updates as they are rolled out. This becomes much more difficult with older operating systems, as updates become more sparing as they are phased out. Windows 10 employs enterprise-level security that keeps you and your employees safe from security threats, using applications like Windows Hello, Device Guard, and Passport to protect your all your Windows devices from threats like ransomware and malware, ensure that applications are safe, and to effectively authenticate websites and networks.
2. Support for Windows 7 is Coming to an End
As mentioned above, keeping your operating system up-to-date is extremely important when it comes to deterring cybersecurity threats. This is made impossible when the operating system you use becomes phased out in favour of a newer, more modern OS – this is the case for Windows 7, as support for the platform will end in 2020. While this might sound far away, it’s important to remember that rolling out a brand new OS across your entire organization can be a very time consuming process. It’s best to get on top of organizing the roll out while you still have the flex time to work with. When Microsoft ends support for Windows 7 (and other versions), other software providers will quickly follow.
3. A Software Upgrade for a Faster OS and Increased Productivity
The productivity and efficiency of your entire team is important to the success of your business. Every tool they use needs to be convenient, fast, and easy to navigate in order to help them perform consistently. Windows 10 has been designed with users in mind, having been tested by millions of Windows Insiders who helped Microsoft to tailor the Windows 10 experience for other users. Windows 10 will improve on your organization’s legacy operating system, giving your entire team the opportunity to take advantage of an OS that is significantly faster and easier to use than previous versions, not slowing them down or getting in their way, instead allowing them to easily access apps and perform complex functions more effectively.
4. Same Familiar Windows Design, new Responsive Features
Upgrading to a new operating system doesn’t necessarily mean that your entire team will have to become familiar with a new platform. Windows 10 has made it easy for users of past Windows operating systems to pick it up in no time. It maintains the same familiar Windows design but with an original twist on classic features like the start menu, tiles and feeds. Windows 10 allows users to personalize their experience in whatever way is most comfortable and convenient for them. The new Windows is also more responsive than ever before, allowing users to seamlessly personalize and make the most of their display through virtual desktops and multiple monitors.
To find out more about what an upgrade to Windows 10 can do for your small business, or how Foresight for IT can help you make the much-needed upgrade, contact us today.