If you haven't started to prepare for the Windows 10 migration, navitend recommends starting with an inventory of applications to be tested that you use. Understand how important those applications are, figure out whether they're security related, mission critical, or common among end users and prioritize your list based on those needs.
Why You Should Upgrade to Windows 10
1. Microsoft ending support
Microsoft has announced that it will end technical assistance and security updates for Windows 7 on Jan. 14, 2020. After that, if you're still running that outdated operating system, you'll open up your company to hacks, malware, viruses and other potential future security flaws.
2. Ransomware prevention
Computers running older versions of Windows are more vulnerable to ransomware. Windows 10 has a feature to thwart ransomware from locking up a user's work and personal documents on their computer.
3. Stronger malware security tools
Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender Exploit Guard, which scans for, quarantines and removes malware. In addition to ransomware protection, it includes other tools that can be used to stop zero-day attacks, to block and quarantine malicious programs on your computer or office network, and to isolate infected computers on your network.
Upgrading to Windows 10 gives you the option of subscribing to Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection. It's a more sophisticated, cloud-based service for managing security threats across your business's Windows 10 computers.
4. Safer web browsing
Windows Defender Application Guard is available in Windows 10 Enterprise and Professional. It lets you use the Edge browser inside a virtual machine. If you or an employee unknowingly contracts malware by visiting a malicious website, it won't be able to damage the computer or the network, because it will be confined inside this virtual machine.
5. Keeping your frequent business contacts on the taskbar
The My People feature lets you pin your business contacts as shortcut icons on the Windows 10 taskbar. Click the icon of a person to email them or start a video call through Skype. You can pin up to 10 contacts on the taskbar.
6. More efficient updates for Windows 10
A technology feature in the Windows Update tool, the Unified Update Platform (UUP), significantly streamlines the update process. UUP identifies new changes to Windows 10 that your computer needs and downloads only those specific updates. Your computer won't have to download a larger package.
7. Syncing your work between your personal and work computers
The Timeline feature saves "snapshots" of the Windows applications you were using at a given point of time. By clicking the Task View icon on the taskbar, you can select a snapshot to continue working on something where you left off.
These snapshots are synced across your different Windows 10 computers (if you are signed on to them with the same Microsoft user account). For example, you can create a new spreadsheet on Excel on your home computer and work on it later on another computer at the office.
8. Configuring your business's computers quickly
Windows Autopilot lets you set up system configurations that can be downloaded from the cloud onto your business's Windows 10 computers. For example, an employee can take a new computer, connect it to your office network, and it will automatically be configured to your business's required settings. A system configuration can be tailored for a particular employee. This Windows 10 feature makes configuring, managing, and resetting your business's computers easier, faster, and more secure.
If you want more great information technology tips, visit the navitend blog or if you have any questions feel free to call our office at 973-448-0070 ext 312 to talk to Patrice.
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