Madrid
Microsoft announced this week that it will not continue to officially support Windows 10 and that it will not develop new updates for this version of its operating system. Today, three out of four computers worldwide use some version of Windows and many of them are outdated. Although Windows 11 is already present on more than 50% of Microsoft computers, there are still 40.84% that continue to use Windows 10. A real problem for those who use it daily, since the lack of updates will compromise the security of these machines, with all that this entails.
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A topic that we have talked about in the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Today for Today, where Jaime García Cantero has explained to us the consequences of the great Windows technological blackout: “Let’s think that vulnerabilities are discovered every day and, if the manufacturer is not able to put a patch, then you are completely exposed.” Luckily, all those people who belong to the European Union will be able to enjoy an additional year of technical service, so it is not as immediate as in other countries.
Alternatives to the great blackout
Therefore, we have a whole year to think about what to do with our computers. If you have a legal Windows license, you can upgrade to Windows 11 at no additional cost. However, this new version of the operating system consumes much more resources than the previous one and your laptop may not support it. What can we do then? If you have a slightly old computer that does not support Windows 11, three possible courses of action are open to you. The industry is mainly interested in you buying a new computer, as it could not be otherwise.
But there are other alternatives. Among other things, you could install a Windows 11 beta that does not consume as many resources as the final version of the operating system. However, Jaime García Cantero recognizes that a little more advanced knowledge is needed to be able to install it on your computer. On the other hand, you could also leave the Microsoft environment and opt for free and open software like Linux: “You can download the Linux operating system and you will continue working in a very similar way, only in an environment that is not a company, but rather an open community environment.”
Linux Compatibility
And yes, working with Linux is just as secure as working with Microsoft, as the technology analyst explains to us: “The difference is that Linux is based on a community and Windows is based on a company. It is a little more conceptual than specific metrics. Security is given to you by a company or a community. There is also a lot of your vision around this.” The historical dilemma about the jump to free software is the fear of lack of compatibility with everyday tools such as email or any platform that may be essential for your daily life.
However, Jaime García Cantero assures that it is a barrier that has already been more than overcome: “Today there are versions of Linux and software built on Linux that can give you compatibility solutions. What happens is that it is true that Microsoft products, in addition to Windows, everything else, office automation, you need a license. If you don’t have that license, there are free software products that substitute everything. this”. Therefore, and if you cannot update to Windows 11, three ways are open to you to continue using your computer. And you can also continue using Windows 10, although it is not the most recommended thing in the world either.
