D.H. Scrubby Tech Tip: The Life-Cycle of Windows

Glora's husband fancies himself a writer and a technology enthusiast (code for "likes expensive toys"). As a guest writer for Glora's Crafts, he writes articles which might be interesting to the crafting and blogging community.

In my day-job, I have found that many people do not know what version of Windows they use. If you are one of those people, don't worry. That is why you keep nerds like me around – to keep things running smoothly for you.

I also find that many people unknowingly run software that is past its "product life cycle." This means that they are no longer receiving security updates for the program – a very dangerous situation! Without patches and updates, your computer becomes more easily vulnerable to viruses, spam, or malware.

 Since 74% of visitors to this blog use a version of Windows, today I'll help you check your version, and learn what you can do if you are behind the times.

First, click the 'Start' button.

Find something that says "My Computer" or "Computer" and right-click it.

A menu will drop-down. From the bottom of that menu, select "Properties"

On the next window, you will see what version of Microsoft Windows you are running.

For many of you, it will look like one of these examples:

Now that you know what version you run, what should it mean to you? 

Windows 95, 98, 98se, ME, or 2000

These versions are very much out-of-date. You can unplug your computer from the Internet and safely use it off-line, but being connected is a dangerous proposition.

"Microsoft Windows XP" with no service pack "Microsoft Windows XP" and "Service Pack 1" "Microsoft Windows XP" and "Service Pack 2"

You are out of date, but a free upgrade exists. Upgrade to Service Pack 3. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories. Run the program "Windows Update" or "Microsoft Update." Follow the prompts. You may have to install some other updates in preparation for Service Pack 3, so be prepared to go back to the Windows Update site repeatedly until it offers no more updates.

"Microsoft Windows XP" and "Service Pack 3"
You are using a current version. Check Windows Updates periodically for new patches. However, you should remember this date: April 08, 2014! From now until then, you should start making some plans. After April 08, 2014, there will be no more updates offered for Windows XP. Ever. You can unplug your computer from the Internet and safely use it off-line, but being connected will become a dangerous proposition.

If your computer has enough horsepower to handle it, you could upgrade Windows to version 7 or 8 (expected to release at the end of 2012). However, this is a big deal – updating Windows usually means backing up your computer, deleting everything on the machine, installing the new version of the Windows operating system, and then spending days reinstalling all of the software that you use. Not to mention possibly needing to purchase a new printer, scanner, or other compatible accessories. My recommendation – save your pennies, and be ready to go computer shopping before April 8, 2014. After all, you'll need a newer, faster system by then anyway, right?!

"Microsoft Windows Vista" with no service pack "Microsoft Windows Vista" and "Service Pack 1"

You are out of date, but a free upgrade exists. Upgrade to Service Pack 2. Click Start, and type "Windows Update" into the search bar. Follow the prompts. You may have to install other updates in preparation for Service Pack 2, so be prepared to go back to the Windows Update program repeatedly until it offers no more updates.

"Microsoft Windows Vista" and "Service Pack 2" You are using a current version. No "end of life" date has been announced (although the date of 11 April 2017 has been tossed around as a possibility). Check Windows Updates periodically for new patches.

"Microsoft Windows 7"

You are out of date, but a free upgrade exists. Upgrade to Service Pack 1. Click Start, and type "Windows Update" into the search bar. Follow the prompts. You may have to install some other smaller updates in preparation for Service Pack 1, so be prepared to go back to the Windows Update program repeatedly until it offers no more updates.

"Microsoft Windows 7" and "Service Pack 1"

You are just fine. No "end of life" date has been announced. Check Windows Updates periodically for new patches.

All of this information is provided as a courtesy, and I am not responsible for changes, errors, omissions, or especially the policies of Microsoft!

For official information about Microsoft Product Lifecycles, please visit http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifeselect

Comments are always welcome - however, please understand that I cannot provide technical support for your situation. If you run into trouble, seek out professional assistance (that is, invite the neighborhood nerd over and offer him a doughnut).