Released back in 2009, Windows 7 was one of the most popular operating systems ever. In fact, it is still being used by nearly a third of businesses today. However, that number is likely going to drop dramatically in the coming weeks—or at least, it definitely should.

As of January 14, 2020, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 7. What does this mean, exactly? It means no more software updates, security fixes, or technical support. In the interest of not mincing words, for anyone still running Windows 7, if you haven’t upgraded to Windows 10 already, it is vitally important that you consider doing so.

Systems running Windows 7 will continue to function as normal, with one major caveat: using a Windows 7 PC connected to the internet is in a monumentally more vulnerable position than it was mere weeks ago. Exploits for operating systems old and new are constantly being found, and with supported operating systems (e.g., Windows 10), these holes are being plugged on a consistent basis, hence the need for those pesky iterative security updates.

But Microsoft has officially stopped plugging those holes for Windows 7, which means your PC will be left wide open to all sorts of malicious attacks (e.g., trojans, worms, and viruses), and with no way of defending itself. Additionally, even if your PC manages to not become infected, any sort of technical issue you have with your machine will be met with a shrug. Basically, if you use Windows and want to ensure your computer continues to function properly, upgrading to Windows 10 right now is a genuine necessity.

Odds are, if you’re still running a Windows 7 machine, your hardware may be due for an upgrade as well. BOXX sells custom workstations, laptops, and servers designed for a wide range of professional applications. Contact us if you would like to find out how we can help you.

Wireless technology has had a long and winding history. Starting with ALOHAnet in 1971, which connected the Great Hawaiian Islands; to the precursor to the 802.11 protocol developed in the Netherlands in the 1980s; to an Australian radio-astronomer who became “the father of Wi-Fi” after a failed experiment to detect exploding mini black holes. Over the past 50 years, we’ve come a long way. And as you may have already guessed, things are getting even better.

Officially known as 802.11ax, Wi-Fi 6 is the emerging standard of wireless technology. In a nutshell, it provides speeds up to 38% faster, *75% lower latency, and reduces bandwidth congestion in crowded networks. With up to 4x higher network capacity, the primary benefit is that more devices will be able to work concurrently, and at faster speeds, without feeling sluggish.

It accomplishes this largely by increasing the efficiency of the delivery of data packets. Instead of a single packet being delivered to a single client, multiple packets can be sent to multiple clients at the same time. This is great news, as there have never been more smart devices constantly sending and receiving data in our daily lives, from phones and tablets to thermostats and refrigerators. Wi-Fi 6 also comes with better power management, which allows devices to draw less power over time, and avoids creating unnecessary interference between connections.

Exciting as this may be, there are still some things to keep in mind. First, upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6-compatible device is only half the answer. If you want those faster speeds in your home or business, you’ll need to upgrade your router as well. Secondly, it’s important to note that the maximum speed dictated by your internet provider could be a limiting factor. That said, the speed of devices connected to your fancy new wireless network would likely get a healthy boost with these upgrades.

WLAN Protocol AKA Frequency Max Data Rate**

802.11b Wi-Fi 1 2.4 GHz 11 Mbps

802.11a Wi-Fi 2 5 GHz 54 Mbps

802.11g Wi-Fi 3 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps

802.11n Wi-Fi 4 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz 600 Mbps

802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz 6.77 Gbps

802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz 10.75 Gbps

Having said that, this new standard is still evolving. In fact, just a few weeks ago the Wi-Fi Alliance, a non-profit organization that certifies Wi-Fi products and owns the Wi-Fi trademark, announced something even newer: Wi-Fi 6E, which will extend connectivity to the 6 GHz band for the first time. This will provide a completely clear frequency spectrum with zero legacy interference, which is currently a big problem, especially in the overcrowded 2.4 GHz range, making an upgrade even more attractive.

However, the actual usage of this new frequency is still at the behest of regulators. Once it’s approved, the Wi-Fi Alliance predicts wide implementation and sees this standard is particularly useful in industrial sectors for things like machine analytics, remote maintenance, or virtual employee training. Although that’s very exciting for the future, it’s not particularly helpful today. Additionally, it will take a while for all our ubiquitous smart devices to become Wi-Fi 6 compatible. All that to say, the best time to upgrade your router is likely later rather than sooner.

Switching to technology that actually is worth upgrading to today, look no further than BOXX. We pride ourselves on being first-to-market with the latest high-end computer hardware that accelerates your productivity in professional applications to make your job easier. Consult with a BOXX performance specialist or check out our website to learn more. And don’t forget to upgrade the firmware on that refrigerator.

* Single user data rate. ** Figures show theoretical aggregated capacities of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies.