Like Windows Vista and XP before it, Windows 7 will reach the end of its update support cycle early next year.
Full support and updates for Windows 7 have been halted since 2015, but January 14, 2020 will mark the day when even critical security updates stop for the operating system that made its big debut in 2009. That year was the heyday of the tiny and eccentric netbook craze, FarmVille was big on a burgeoning Facebook, and some tech news outlets were claiming that Apple’s rumored tablet computer would never happen. A lot has changed in the tech world since 2009, but Windows 7 has been one of the most long-lasting and popular versions of Windows. But nothing lasts forever in the IT realm.
So, what does the end of Windows 7 support mean for us at SMU? Not much, for now. Of course, all new PCs deployed on campus include Windows 10, and we always recommend that you upgrade as long as you do not have software that must specifically run on older versions. If you want to see if your primary SMU-owned computer is old enough for a replacement through the Tech Fund, provide the IT Help Desk with your computers ITS/asset tag number and they will be happy to check for you.
You can also contact the Help Desk if you simply want to upgrade your existing computer to Windows 10. Keep in mind that the upgrade process takes several hours, and always make sure your files are backed up with CrashPlan, which allows technicians to quickly and easily restore your existing files!
Microsoft has recently released the latest update to the Office suite. Office 2019 offers a few new features including new motion graphics, editing tools, formulas, and more. 
You may already know that SMU offers Microsoft Office 365 at no charge for active students, faculty, and staff. You may also have taken advantage of 
