Microsoft’s Windows operating system lifecycle currently shows that extended support for Windows Vista will end on April 11, 2017. At that time Microsoft will no longer release security updates, and computers with Windows Vista will become increasingly dangerous to operate if connected to the internet.

Windows Vista was installed on new computers from early 2007 through late 2009. Computers manufactured in that time period are already past the typical useful lifespan of a computer – which is approximately 5-7 years. The average lifespan of a hard drive is 5 years, so if you’ve still got a computer with Windows Vista mechanical failure could be imminent.

Not only is the operating system and aging computer hardware nearing end-of-life, web browsers Internet Explorer and Google Chrome are already no longer being updated on Windows Vista. So if you are still using a computer with Windows Vista to access the internet, it’s now time to replace your computer. See our computer buying advice and how to shop for a new PC and get the best deal.

Our newsletter archives show that we have been advising people for years about phony pop-ups warning of computer security issues, and tech support scams which mislead people into paying big bucks for made-up computer problems. Despite our advice we continue to get several calls each week from clients who are falling for the scams.

Please print out this article and place near your computer so that you don't become a victim of a tech support scam.

• Never call a phone number that pops up on your screen claiming that your computer security is in danger.
• Never allow anyone claiming to be from "Microsoft" or any other company have remote access to your computer to scan your computer or show you problems. Whether they call you or you call them - it's a scam!
• Learn how to spot and dismiss scams that pop-up on your screen by clicking this article to see examples.
  

Click here for more information, then click below to watch a short educational video from the Federal Trade Commission...