Microsoft announced the end of support for Windows 10 some years ago, and the deadline is now approaching on Tuesday 14th October.
What does this mean? In short, Microsoft will stop providing free security updates, fixes and technical support for the operating system. Windows 10 devices will continue to work after 14th October, but they will become increasingly vulnerable to cyber-criminals. Normally, Microsoft provides fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities within its operating systems, but once support ends, Windows 10 devices will be progressively more exposed to modern criminal techniques.
Many users with older devices will already have discovered that upgrading to Windows 11 is not possible. This is because Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) as part of its firmware, a feature not included in many older Windows 10 machines.
So, what are the options for those unable to move to Windows 11? Which? Magazine and Which? Tech (formerly Which? Computing) recently recommended Ubuntu Linux as an alternative. This was also the solution adopted by the Clarborough and Welham IT Group during the Covid-19 pandemic, with members successfully upgrading their PCs in this way.
To support the community, the group is offering introductory sessions at Clarborough Village Hall to provide hands-on experience with Ubuntu Linux laptops. Participants will also be introduced to LibreOffice (an alternative to Microsoft Office) and GIMP (an alternative to Adobe Photoshop). If time permits, there will also be demonstrations of Google tools such as Translate and Image Search, the latter being particularly useful for identifying plants or animals.
Two initial 90-minute sessions are planned:
- Wednesday 1st October, 10.00am to 11.30am
- Saturday 4th October, 1.00pm to 2.30pm
Each session costs £10.00. There is also the option to extend either or both sessions with a further four weeks of classes for an additional £30.00.
Places are limited, and several people have already expressed interest. To book, contact Greg on 01777 700918 or email clarboroughwelham@gmail.com. Please note that calls may go to answerphone, but confirmation will be provided as soon as possible.
Classes will take place at Clarborough Village Hall, Main Street, Clarborough, DN22 9LN, with the entrance directly opposite the Kings Arms on the A620 towards Gainsborough.