Microsoft ceased mainstream updates for Windows 7 on January 13, 2015. Since then, Windows 7 continues to receive extended security updates; however Microsoft will cease all updates to Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. This is detailed in the Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet).
IT User Support typically deploys workstations with a planned three-year service life. Because security updates to Windows 7 will stop in less that two years, Windows 7 systems are no longer being deployed. In particular, IT User Support will only deploy new and repurposed systems running Windows 10. All repurposed systems that originated with a Windows 7 license will be required to upgrade to Windows 10. Windows 10 licenses can be purchased from our software download site, https://software.lbl.gov, for $138.62.
All users should begin to plan for replacing all WIndows 7 installations by February, 2020.
Users may want to consider switching to Chromebooks for office and remote work. These lightweight and inexpensive systems work with all Google G Suite and Microsoft Office 365 applications, and provide remote access capabilities to Windows systems. Chromebooks are very easy to use, and provide excellent security, and cost much less than a comparable Windows laptop.
Users can contact IT User Support for more information by clicking the link below.
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This project was possible because IT identified affected systems with BigFix. To get BigFix for your computer, please visit software.lbl.gov.
Lenovo has issued a recall on ThinkPad X1 Carbon 5th Generation laptops (Machine Types: 20HQ, 20HR, 20K3, 20K4) sold before Nov 1, 2017.
Lenovo has determined that a limited number of such laptops may have an unfastened screw that could damage the laptop’s battery causing overheating, potentially posing a fire hazard.
Lenovo has provided a support page where you can check to see if your model has been recalled, see https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht504453.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact IT at [email protected] or click on the link below to submit a help ticket.
Apple announced last year that they are beginning to phase out support for 32-bit applications for macOS. Beginning in January 2018, the Mac app store will no longer accept any 32-bit apps. Starting with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4, Apple will begin warning users about installed applications that are 32-bit, but will continue to run them without problems.
Apple has not yet announced the release date of macOS 10.14, or when Mac users will no longer be able to run 32-bit applications.
It is recommended that all users review their current software, and begin working with vendors to determine whether 64-bit support will be added, and whether you should budget now for an upgrade.
To check if an application is 32-bit or 64-bit do the following:
Type “Command ⌘ + Space bar”, or click the magnifying glass in the menu bar, to launch Spotlight
Type in System Information and hit Enter when it shows up
Scroll down to the Software section in System Information
Click Applications and wait for your applications to load
The column to the far right in the Applications table will give you a simple, "Yes" or "No" answer as to whether or not your app is 64-bit
As for Windows users, Microsoft has not announced any plans to deprecate 32-bit support for Windows, but users should begin to review Windows applications also.
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