How and Why should you upgrade Microsoft Windows XP and Office 2003

Its hard to believe that Windows XP is 12 years old, but this widely popular operating system has come to an end. Microsoft will end its support for the Windows XP operating system on April 8, 2014.

Microsoft is also cutting support for Office 2003, so that productivity software you've been enjoying on that old PC will also need to be upgraded. 

What are the Risks to your Business?

Windows XP and Office 2003, will no longer receive support, software updates, or security patches. Anyone using either Windows XP or Office 2003 risks attacks from hackers that takes advantage of an un-patched vulnerability or exploit. 

Unfortunately virus software will not protect your system or your business from possible hack exploitation. Virus software only protects your system from virus and malware on an email, browsing and file level. Read the Microsoft FAQ for additional details and other frequently asked questions.

In addition to security risks, businesses that have to meet compliance standards may also face a risk of breaching their regulatory obligations by not upgrade the software.

Learn how you can prevent network security vulnerabilities. Read this valuable article. 

Security – 5 threats in 2014

Microsoft is encouraging users to migrate away from Windows XP and upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8. Upgrading to the latest version of Office is also recommended. Check out Office 365 cloud.

Should you do Nothing? 

The wait and see kind of approach is no way to do business these days. If you think its costly to upgrade your Windows XP computers, imagine what it will cost if the systems are hacked and sensitive private and confidential information is circulated to your competitors and customers.

Being proactive with technology has been proven to be more effective in maintaining a competitive edge, but in this case it's also more cost effective. Replacing your XP systems will eliminate the anxieties of security vulnerabilities, business risk, not to mention prevent costly reactive rushed repairs and possible law suits.

Get help migrating from Windows XP

Migrating from Windows XP may not be easy. After all its an old version. The issue is that you can’t just upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7. The upgrade path would be XP to Vista to 7. There are tools out available to make things easier on you and keep you.

Should you Upgrade or Replace?

If your computer is older then 3-4 years old, you may not want to invest the time and energy in upgrading just the software. In this case, you may be better off to purchase a new computer with Windows 7 or 8.

If you choose to keep the existing hardware and upgrade just software, you'll need to pay someone to do the installation of the software.

However, if you purchase a new computer it will come with Windows 7 or 8 already installed. And in most cases, it also has the latest version of Office also already installed. This is not only a time saver to allow you to get back up and running, but its also more cost effective.

Replacing a Windows XP computer with a new Windows 7 or 8 PC makes more sense from a cost perspective. In addition, the new computer will be more powerful with the latest hardware configuration and warranty to give you years of peace of mind productivity.

Need help choosing the best computer for your business need? Check our selection of Lenovo computers and ask for a free quote from one of our IT Consultants. Call 905-709-2656 or toll free 1-877-709-2656 or complete our online form by clicking here.

Other Resources - click on the links below

Microsoft Solutions including Office 365 Cloud

What is Managed Antivirus?

Lenovo desktops, laptops, tablets and servers

Windows XP to Windows 8 upgrade assistant 
Microsoft FAQ about Windows XP End of Support 
What's a computer vulnerability? 

Just want to buy the software

If all you need is just a single copy of the Windows 7, Windows 8 or Office software, you can contact us for a quote of buy from Amazon using the links below:

Click for product details and pricing

Click for product details and pricing

Click for product details and pricing

Help is just a call or email away? Call and ask for a free quote on Lenovo computers from one of our IT Consultants. Call 905-709-2656 or toll free 1-877-709-2656 or complete our online form by clicking here.


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Computer Technology News: Have you heard of spear phishing?

Keep your business IT infrastructure running smooth. Read about the latest technology security, trends and tips that can help your business grow and prosper.

Have you heard of spear phishing? Click to read March Newsletter.

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What is Managed Anitvirus and Why Should You Have it

Managed antivirus solutions are offered by IT managed service partners. These tech experts take care of installing the software on PCs, MACs and other devices, and will then manage the solution within a dashboard that provides instant alerts and notifications of any issues.

They will also ensure that scans are up-to-date and scheduled for a convenient time, thus protecting computers.

The best way to think of these solutions is that they are specifically provided by a company to look after your computers and protect them from viruses and other security vulnerabilities.

Click here to read the full article

Managed antivirus is not more costly then traditional antivirus software, but it is much more effective. The investment in an antivirus security solution far outweighs the cost of downtime and repair, should your computer get contaminated.

Contact us for more information and a quote for managed antivirus at 905-709-2656 TF 1-877-709-2656 or click here to complete the request form.

Avaya IP Office Helps the Cake Boss Grow the Business

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They realize that they need a simple, scalable collaboration solution and implement an Avaya IP Office phone system. By adding mobile, messaging, video and contact center applications that make collaboration with employees, customers and vendors seamless, simple, and personal - the same way it’s always been since 1910.

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How we Avoided a $40K Order Scam

This past week, we received an order for about $40,000 from a sizable organization, but quickly discovered it was a scam. I can't take credit, as I was not involved. But thankfully, we have a team that cares and processes to ensure that these situations are handled properly.

The skilled individual that orcastrated the deal, went to great lengths to ensure that he and his company looked legitimate. The website, email, phone numbers and address looked perfectly real. At first glance, it seemed like a real opportunity. 

The deal was red flagged early on, but our suspisions became apparent when the individual approved the order and requested immediate next day delivery on 30 day payment terms. This request triggered an internal process to investigate the customer. What happen next was astonishing. 

In a single phone call to the organization's head office, it was discovered that we had been targeted by a scammer. The individual was already being investigated. We offered to help, but it seems that they already knew who it was and didn't need further assistance.

When I first heard the details of this of this story, I didn't know if I should be angry or celebrate. Of course I celebrated. I celebrate the fact that we have a great team and that everyone cared enough to avoid a bad situation. 

I wanted to share this story with you because I would hate to learn that anyone has been taken advantage by this or any other scammer. There's a world of honest and amazing people out there that want to work with you, so don't think that you need to rush into every opportunity to make a sale. Be selective of who you work with. Base your relationships on trust and mutual respect. And work with people you like and enjoy dealing with.

The successful businesses that I have had the pleasure to work with, all have something in common. They understand that to succeed you need to have processes, technology to drive the processes and most importantly a strong team of dedicated and trained individuals. Organizations that don't understand this, could end up being taken advantage of and possibly in a difficult financial predicament. 

You've heard the old saying, "If it's too good to be true, it probably is."

The moral of the story is that every organization needs to have popper processes in place to qualify, verify and approve transactions. You also need to have clear policies and stick to them. Don't be seduced by a seemingly large order. Don't bend the rules to accommodate a customer you have no history with. Stick to your policies and don't be afraid to ask for a 50% deposit and/or COD. 

And as a last thought, "It's better to make no deal at all, than to make a bad deal."

(I learnt that one from my father)

I would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to comment below.

To your success,

Miguel M. Ribeiro