There will be no further updates or fixes issued, even if there is a known problem. Microsoft will "spam" your desktop telling you that you are not protected.

RELAX!! Nothing will stop working in October except your anti-virus updates.

You must have 3rd party anti-virus (eg Avast, AVG and Avira are all free, but there are many others) on or after Oct 14, 2025

In the short term, nothing, but over time using Win 10 may become annoying when your favourite program, anti-virus, browser will no longer run on Win 10, but this will take years!

For the foreseeable future, any printer you buy will come with Windows 10 drivers.

We first need to look at your existing hardware to make sure it has enough memory and a fast enough processor and the right hardware to run Win11 but sadly the chances are it won't!

This is unlikely. Your Win10 machine has been going for years and may even have been upgraded from Win7,  the sluggishness of the PC (caused by years of clutter, temp files and windows updates may be one of the things pushing you towards upgrade, but your hardware may also be too old and not support the required security that Microsoft now demands.  If you can upgrade to Win11 we STRONGLY recommend a clean install (probably onto a brand new SSD) so that when it returns to you it is truly a new PC. Assuming you have the disks we can reinstall your software and of course all your personal files and pictures will be on your PC.

Yes there are, but hopefully you will not be using such old software.

There are no further updates or fixes, even if there is a known problem, and lots of software you rely on can no longer be updated or even installed (eg Firefox, Chrome, etc)

Take care (& plan for a new or up-to-date PC)!!

You must not use IE (Internet Explorer), please use either Firefox or Chrome

You must have 3rd party anti-virus (eg Avast, AVG and Avira are all free, but there are many others)

Win 7 may become annoying when your favourite program, anti-virus, browser will no longer run on Win 7. As was the case with XP.

Most printers you buy still come with Windows 7 drivers, but not all. Please check the box to make sure it is suitable for your old setup.

Assuming your existing hardware is good enough and with sufficient memory this should not be a problem, but it would be foolish because Win 10 is almost at end-of-life. In October 2025 you will find you have traded a superseded operating system for another superseded operating system.

This is unlikely. Your Win7 machine has been going for years and the sluggishness of the PC may be one of the things pushing you towards upgrade. If we upgrade from 7 -> 10 all that garbage and baggage comes with it. We STRONGLY recommend a clean install (probably onto a brand new SSD) so that when it returns to you it is truly a new PC. Assuming you have the disks we can reinstall your software and of course all your personal files and pictures will be on your PC.

Yes there are, but hopefully you will not be using such old software.

This is no longer recommended. Recent tests indicate that a freshly installed Windows 7 without any 3rd party protection is a target which will attract spyware, malware and worse within minutes of going online. It you must use Win7 on the internet you must be absolutely sure of your protection.

I now have a new PC, it gave me the opportunity to install Windows 8 "the right way".  Sadly I only own Windows 8.0 upgrade, so I had to install my Win 7 then upgrade with my Win8 Upgrade DVD.
Not so bad, and I quickly made it behave more like Win7 with the addition of a proper start button.
BUT
I checked Windows Update before allowing it to activate automatically and found it was advising that 845meg of updates were awaiting.  With overheads this would have used more than a gig of data.  I only get 10gig of data a month on my plan, and I struggle to stay within this limit, so >1gig updates would have ruined my life for a month.
In the past (circa XP and later) updates could be provided on CD or downloaded and saved to memory stick, external hard drive, cd, etc.  I still hold XP SP1, SP2 and SP3 and similar for Vista for use as required.  But not Win8.1 now superseded by the stupidly named Win8.1Update.
Microsoft in their infinite stupidity require users of 8.0 to download the full 8.1Update through the MicrosoftShop (I guess I should be gratefull they do not require the install of first 8.1 and then 8.1Update).
Fortunately, if you are in my boat, you do not need to update from 8.0 - Microsoft will support this until 2016, so I assume this means all security updates will become available. Users who burned 600meg+ of data downloading 8.1 are out of luck - you MUST update to 8.1Update or you won't be supported after May 2014 (confusing isn't it - you're going to be treated like XP users).
I am staying with 8.0 until I can arrange to visit a friend with large download allowances, then I will take my box down and let it rip - of course I will take an image first in case I have to restore it - I have heard many reports that 8.1Update screws up - LOTS!!

Nice one Microsoft*

* Microsoft is a company in the USA that once upon a time wanted you to buy their operating system, but now just wants to piss you off by telling you what you are allowed to do and how much they intend to charge you for the priviledge (reminds me of a company called Telstra :-)

Fred bought an external HD about 6 years ago and over time he grew into the practise of carrying out all invoicing directly to the hard drive so that each night he could take it home from the business and access the files if needed whilst safeguarding his records in case someone got access to his office.
Sadly, one day not long ago, smoke leaked out from it.
On investigation it wasn't the power supply, and it wasn't the controller in the external case, it was the motherboard that was part of the hard disk.

In hindsight, Fred should have worked directly on the local HD in his computer, and with some simple backup software or just using windows explorer he could have transferrred the relevant files to the external HD each night. Fred has lost years of records and months of unpaid invoices.

We are all guilty of failing to do regular backups, we are all guilty of putting our faith in a single copy of important data on a (cheap) hard disk.  Hard disks do fail, and whilst I believe the mean time between failures for mechanical HD's is around 50,000 hours there are always some that will fail more quickly (and the new SSHDs are worse).

Get yourself an external hard disk, or if you prefer, a large capacity USB stick, make a copy of your important files, pictures, documents, etc. If your business relies on this data or documentation, buy 2 and alternate them, then you'll have a fallback in case of failure.  If you would like assistance automating the process, contact me.

IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE COPY YOU WILL LOSE IT EVENTUALLY.

I did work out why I used so much data with the new Windows 8 :-)
The first lot of data was the result of multiple app updates and downloads, I can live with that I guess - although I can't help but wonder why solitaire et. al. can't be provided in the install like in past releases, how do people who use their pc/laptop disconnected from the internet get on? (actually the answer to that is call me - I have all the games from Win7 on a stick and they run beautifully in Win8)
The second lot of data was effectively my fault too.  I did not like having to put my password in every time I booted, so I created a local user.
When I logged in as the local user I forgot that Microsoft had reset all the defaults, so I got a gig of updates before I realised it and turned it off. A bonus was that because I was now no longer logged in to Micro$oft, the apps no longer update - I think.

So, is Windows 8 worth the effort - no!
Win8 may be good in years to come, perhaps when they split it away as a separate product from the interface formally known as Metro, or at least make metro optional out of the box.  If you've got Windows 7, enjoy!!  The Win7 experience is far more consistent.
If you're forced to use Win8, I know a few tricks now, I can make it work just like Win7 - most of the time.

It's one thing for me to set up a new PC or laptop with Windows 8, it is yet another for me to purchase a laptop and then find I have no choice but to use Windows 8.
It works - but it sucks :-(
As usual I belted it into line by loading classic shell to return the start button "properly" and bypass the start screen.  I turned off automatic updates to reduce the load on my data allowance, I killed off defender and added Avast, I removed the pre-loaded Office 365 and installed Libre Office, then I added VLC to play "anything".  I then added programs like Acrobat Reader and reconfigured file viewers, etc so files didn't open full screen on the start screen.
So far so good, I had a bit of a play with the apps on the start screen, but quickly got bored and annoyed that they ran full screen and I couldn't shut them down.  I don't believe these apps use much horse-power, so they won't slow the laptop, but some of them certainly use data.
The next day I downloaded modernmix from Stardock and quite happily paid the $4.99.  Now I can easily shut down the dreaded apps and better still, if I choose to run any they can now run on the desktop - now that is civilised, why didn't Microsoft think of that?
I was just starting to think that Windows 8 wasn't so bad - in fact it was just like Windows 7 now, and that is when I received the SMS telling me that in less than 24 hours I had chewed through over a gig of data and I had exceeded my plan.  The laptop is off for the time being - I will investigate further when data permits.

Fred was in a hurry when his mate rang and said something about leaving him a voice mail, and later that day when Fred received an email with a voice mail attached he thought nothing of it.
Later he opened his laptop and opened the voice mail attachment - and that was the beginning.
Multiple infections were reported and any attempt to run any programs thwarted, even Avast Anti Virus was suddenly expired. Fred managed to download superantispyware via a tablet, but after finding and removing 225 "problems" the issues remained.
When I arrived I knew the task was relatively simple, get into regedit and remove the run entry, but regedit was deemed as a threat by the parasite and blocked, so to was msconfig, there was nothing to it but to run in safe mode.
I still don't know why (factory default?) or how (parasite changed bios settings?), but there is no POST screen on the ASUS laptop and the boot order was set to HD then CD, so it was not possible to either select a different boot device or get into safe mode (apparently shift F8 on a Win 8 machine will get you in) - so after 2 hours of frustration, the machine came home with me.
By removing the hard disk I was able to scan it through my PC, find the offending file and the directory in which it resided.  Clever little bastard was an innocuous program that the anti virus program saw as benign, but on running it created a program that was in fact the virus, I deleted the directory and instances of the bludger then reinstalled the HD, editted the registry and removed the run entries - all done.
I have removed this problem on many PC's over the years, but this time I noticed something odd in the directory it had created, and this is the reason for this post.  The program infecting the laptop had taken a photo of me attempting to remove it - so did it get sent somewhere, and if so, why?

Fred voted, and so did lots of you!!

The 2013 Superpages Bass Coast Business Awards were made at the Inverloch RACV resort on Friday the 23rd of August, 2013.

Chase Computers was awarded the People's Choice Award for Trades and Services.

I would like to thank all my customers for their support and offer you all my on-going commitment to live up to your expectations in the future.

Gordon Chase

Back in May a friend of mine was hit with the AFP ransomware virus/trojan.  Nothing he could do would allow him to remove it or use the laptop (apparently) without paying the ransom.
I took an image of the infected hard drive and then after extensive googling I happened across a solution which involved creating a new user and used that account to remove the infection.
But Fred wasn't so lucky.
Fred got the AFP attack a week or so ago, he called in a friend who quickly realised it was all too hard, his friend recommended a mutual friend who fixes PC's.  In due course the PC was picked up and it was made abundantly clear that nothing on the PC was backed up, there were 7 years of irreplaceable photos and there were vital emails and contact details which must not be lost.
Fred got his PC back - and it was empty.
The "expert" had upgraded windows from Vista to 7 in the belief that all the personal files would be preserved, but somewhere along the line the wrong selection was made and the hard disk was formatted.  As if matters couldn't get worse, the PC would now not boot most of the time and offered a phantom choice of 2 operating systems.
My job was to recreate a reliable PC that would boot quickly, not offer a choice of operating systems and connect to the internet without issue.  Before I started I couldn't help but look at what might be retrievable after a format and new operating system was installed - I was amazed (after the software spent 8 hours analysing the hard disk) to find a significant number of photos.
Three days later 1200 photos had been manually recovered, a number of docs and a significant number of emails and contact details.
Fred has his PC back now and seems rather pleased, the PC starts quickly and reliably, and accessing the internet just works.  Apparently most of the irreplaceable photos have been restored, and there seems to be enough emails and contact details to overcome future problems.
This trauma could have been avoided.
Never install, update or repair an operating system without first taking steps to recover in case of catastrophy.
I always take an image, but at the very least all personal files should always be copied to another hard disk. Even if it's just the removal of a nasty, sometimes these steps could save your bacon.

This time Fred was lucky, and to keep himself lucky he has just ordered a couple of external hard disks so he can manage and maintain his own backups in future.

Fred contacted me and asked if there was anything he could do to stop the barrage of requests he has received in recent days asking him to complete online "satisfaction surveys" for various companies.  
Today he received: "You have been selected by Woolworths Online Department to take part in our quick and easy reward survey. In return we will credit $50 to your account - Just for your time!"
Last week he received: Dear Westpac Banking Corporation Client , You have 1 unread Message! Take part in our survey
and also: You have been selected to access the NAB 2 Step Survey and win a $100 gift certificate. Please click here and complete the form to receive your reward. Thank you. This is an automated message. Please do not reply.
The Woollies email request was a no-brainer, Fred was asked to open a zip attachment and fill out the form - Fred NEVER does this (& neither should you).
Both the Westpac and the NAB phishing emails offered a link to click on, you should NEVER do this either!!  Fred was able to hover his mouse over each link and noted that the URL that was going to be used had no resemblance to an appropriate webpage (if your email client doesn't do this, right click on the link, copy to clipboard and then past into a text file or something and you will see that the address you would be taken to is suspect).

My advise to you and Fred is "take care", don't open attachments (unless you know what they are and from whom) and never click on unsolicited links.  If there is a real request, you will find it on the appropriate website.
To answer Fred's question - no, there is little he can do.  Some anti-virus packages claim to stop phishing, but they are not 100% accurate, so even if you or Fred purchase a top of the line solution there are no guarantees that the next email "offer" will not contain a payload.

Turn it into a game, sometimes it's fun to see just how easy it is (by looking at the link) to prove we are smarter than the scammers out there think we are.

It is bad enough that Testra / Bigpond charge too much, occasionally offer poor support and misleading advise, but if you're not careful you could finish up having your credit card compromised or at the very least, get a virus, trojan or malware loaded onto your computer just by trying to do the right thing.

Today Fred received yet another email requesting him to take advantage of Telstra electonic bill payment.  Now this was easy for Fred to spot as a fraud because Fred does not use any Telstra services, but if you do, be aware!

This "bill" looks real, it uses the logos and headers directly from Telstra's own website, it's just that if you click telstra.com/paybill you will actually go to
"http://www.fonster-puts.se/wp-admin/update/" (but DON'T GO THERE)

So if you get an email from Telstra, either ignore and delete it, or if in any doubt at all, make your own way to their website by just going to your browser, never click on a link in the email.

Fred's computer was fine on Thursday, but on Friday, Fred had trouble with his email so he resorted to using webmail.  On Saturday, Fred could not access the internet.  Fred rang me.
On arrival I found there was an ADSL connection to the modem, but no Internet, so I asked the obvious question, "have you paid your bill", the answer was "yes, 3 days ago".
AVG was installed, but expired, but at this time I could not be sure if this status was simply because there was no internet access.  I checked the modem and found it appeared to be configured as a bridged connection - very unusual.  I rang Bigpond to ask what the correct settings should be, the message informed me they were busy and estimated 20 minutes to the availability of tech support - magically they came on the line at 20 minutes and 20 seconds.
Arrogance #1 Fred has a TP-Link modem - Bigpond refused to provide generic modem setup settings unless Fred paid for premium support
Fortunately others (found through Google) are quite generous in sharing their knowledge and I found the settings 8, 35, PPPoE LLC, username and login were all that was required.  But it still wouldn't work.
Call back to Bigpond to have them check that there was no problem on the line and that the password hadn't been changed.  After verifying what we could we were transferred to billing to ensure the account paid up, but after a number of lengthy delays and false attempts to transfer, Fred was told his account had been suspended and given a new number to call.
Arrogance #2 Fred was eventually told that he had been using his email account to send out spam, so Bigpond suspended his account. No phone call, no email warning, no restriction of smtp acces, just turned off the account.

Fred was told that the account would remain suspended until the PC was clean, I asked if they could re-enable the account as I had disconnected the PC (to be taken off-site for cleanup), NO!  I told them I had cleaned up the PC and removed the virus/s - the answer was NO - they would not re-enable the account unless the PC was connected and clean.  Fred was told to ring back when the PC returned and it would take 3 - 30 minutes to re-activate the account.
Sunday
After creating an image of Fred's HD for use in case of catastrophy, the HD was removed and scanned, multiple infections were found by both Avast & Malwarebytes.
Cleaned and with new anti-virus installed, the PC was to be returned, I rang Fred and had him ask Bigpond to re-activate the account, dropped the PC into the car and drove to Fred's.
Arrogance #3 When I arrived Fred had to ring again because they would not re-activate until the PC was there, they confirmed all was well and then refused to re-activate the account until Monday.  
Fred was amazingly calm as he rang tech support again. This time, no worries, the account was re-activated and the password supplied and put into the modem - now we just had to wait up to 30 minutes.
The internet never did connect, so Fred rang tech support, no they would not verify the modem settings were correct, yes they would re-send the password.
Bugger me dead the password was totally different, and when put into the modem we had internet.

The story goes on, but suffice to say Fred now has internet (2nd password supplied) and email (first password supplied) even though these passwords should be identical.

It probably would have been better if Bigpond hadn't asked me to do a short survey on what I thought of their service.....

Follow-up:
Last week (June 14) I had to visit yet another person simply to configure a netgear modem for Bigpond.  This person had been pushed from pillar to post for weeks as Telstra promised and then failed to connect ADSL, and then when it was connected (& being paid for) Telstra bluntly refused to provide the simple instructions necessary to insert the new username and password without charging "an unknown amount" for the priviledge.  Bloody rude if you ask me.

Fred's internet connection wasn't just good, it was great, but it was expensive because it was connected to a business fax line he no longer needed or used.  Fred had an existing home phone line, so he got a new ADSL2+ connection and disconnected the old business ADSL connection and the fax line.
Fred's new connection was slow, way too slow to browse the web let alone watch anything on youtube - even email was unreliable.  Before Fred rang me he had been on the phone to Telstra for hours on multiple occasions, he even got a technician from Telstra out who after ruling out all other possibilities, left and informed Fred it must be his house phone wiring or his hardware.
When Fred called me in he was almost beside himself with anger.
I checked the PC for Malware, checked the modem, checked with an alternate modem, disconnected everything on every phone point and connected only to a single point, I disconnected all filters/extensions/phones, I checked connection through another PC (mine), I contacted Telstra Faults - all without joy.
In order to give Fred useable access, I installed a wireless USB NIC and configured Fred's Smart phones as hotspots.
After checking all the above I advised that the fault is either in the phone line leading to your house, or the exchange as we had tested and ruled out filters, extension leads, other devices (phones), the modem and the PC. I advised Fred to ring Telstra and if he wished, submit my report to them.
Fred used the phone hotspots when he needed to do anything on the web, but he left the modem plugged in so email could dribble in and lived in hopes that one day the internet would just work, and he rang Telstra Tech Support regularly.

5 months later
Between Xmas and May Fred regularly rang Telstra to complain about his ADSL connection which was to all intent and purpose USELESS!
He was ALWAYS told there was no problem that they could identify and that they were not prepared to replace the phone line to his house.
I got a call from Fred, he had renewed his "fight" with Telstra.  Fred finally got to talk to someone who actually made the effort and had a look - it appears that Fred's ADSL account had never been activated properly.  From Telstra's point of view, Fred's account was overdue and for almost 6 months had been throttled to 64kbps.
Fred was now quite pleased, fast reliable internet on the high speed plan he had been paying for for 6 months.  Once the novelty of high speed internet wore off, Fred rang Telstra and asked for a rebate for the previous 6 months where the connection was unuseable and he had been forced to use his phone hotspot.
Fred is still getting over the response from Telstra.
"If you had asked for a rebate when the connection wasn't working, and you hadn't connected the modem over that time, then Telstra would have rebated the monthly fee, but the problem is now fixed, so you are not entitled to a rebate"