Nothing good lasts forever. Even Microsoft products.
Obsolete hardware or software is more than an inconvenience—it can create major security concerns.
This post was created to help our clients navigate the uncertain waters of Microsoft programs reaching end-of-life status.
Killed by Microsoft is a great site to check out from time to time to see what Microsoft products are scheduled to be taken out of commission.
Windows Server 2012 R2 end of life
End-of-life date: October 2023
Windows Server 2012 R2 was released on August 27, 2013.
Uses include:
-
Production systems.
-
Hybrid cloud.
-
Virtual machines.
Recommendation
We recommend upgrading to Windows Server 2019 before Windows Server 2012 R2 hits end-of-life status. We encourage our clients to contact us to discuss upgrading and how we can make the process as painless as possible.
Windows 8.1 end of life
End-of-life date: January 10, 2023
Windows 8.1 was released on August 27, 2013. Most users disliked Windows 8.1 and moved on as quickly as possible.
Recommendation
If you're still using Windows 8.1 and receiving the notice that your operating system will become obsolete, we recommend you upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10.
Internet Explorer end of life
End-of-life date: July 15, 2022
Internet Explorer is one of the dinosaurs of the Internet. It's hard to imagine the web without it, but now we have no choice.
The good news is that you have plenty options for a new web browser, including one also created by Microsoft.
Internet Explorer alternatives
Google Chrome
With a nearly 66% market share, Google Chrome is by far the most popular modern browser.
Download Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft has discontinued Internet Explorer to instead focus on its Edge browser.
Edge's 5% market share may make it sound like a niche browser, but that number doesn't tell the complete story. Like Google Chrome, Edge is based on the Chromium browser engine. That means Edge is basically Google Chrome with tweaks by Microsoft. It also means that Edge can use Google Chrome extensions to improve functionality and make the browser your own.
Also, Microsoft has developed features that make Microsoft Edge the best browser for business.
Download Microsoft Edge
Mozilla Firefox
Mozilla's Firefox browser is an open source alternative to Internet Explorer. Its roots go back to the Netscape Navigator days of the early World Wide Web. For Windows users, Firefox is the most obvious alternative for anyone not wanting a Google-centered web browser.
Download Mozilla Firefox
If neither of these browsers appeals to you, the good news is there are plenty alternatives to scratch your itch and fill your web-browsing needs.
Jake LaCaze
