We are stuck with technology when what we really want is just stuff that works. – Douglas Adams (Author)
Fun or Not So Fun things I Googled:
Computer Part Tariffs Timeline
President Trump announced that tariffs on computer parts and other electronics would go into effect starting on March 4, 2025, with a 25% tariff on products from Canada and Mexico.
Additionally, on April 1, 2025, tariffs on semiconductors and other electronic components imported from China could increase to as high as 80.6%.
These tariffs are expected to significantly raise the prices of computer parts and other electronic components.
End of Windows 10 Support
The end of life for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025.
This means that Microsoft will no longer provide updates or security patches for Windows 10 after this date.
For businesses and organizations, there are options to extend support through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, but this comes at a cost.
And now a word from your sponsor: Janet at Comp-U-Talk:
We have taken lots of frenzied calls from people this past month. They are seeing the Microsoft nag that their operating system is going to expire. Here is what we know:
YES!! Windows 10 is going to expire on October 14, 2025. When Windows 10 expires, your system will continue to run but any flaws found in Windows 10 will not be corrected. You will be on your own. This is problematic for businesses that have cyber insurance as part of their business insurance. Most cyber insurance policies want/require computer systems to run on fully patched and currently supported software. To do otherwise, risks having your cyber insurance deny your claims. If you are in a HIPAA industry, you have to run on Windows 11 Pro come October 14, or you will not be in HIPAA compliance.
There are two ways to get Windows 11.
1. If your computer is less than 4 years old, we can do an in-place upgrade. Our technicians have been roughly 90% successful with this even when Microsoft says your hardware is not compatible. There are a few computers that refuse to co-operate. We have no way of knowing which ones will be obstinate before we start the job. Again, you need to have newer hardware. Besides the obvious price saving advantage, you also get the advantage of not having to reinstall programs or transfer data.
2. You can purchase a new system with Windows 11 already installed. It’s a good idea to replace your laptop every 2-3 years and replace your desktop every 4-5 years. I know IRS says you can depreciate your computer over 5 years but the reality is, a laptop that moves from place to place rarely survives 4 years. Desktops are less fragile but the new style of hard drives used in desktops and laptops have a nasty habit of dying without notice. That normally happens 30 days after the warranty has expired.
To complicate matters, Trump has announced tariffs on imports. The majority of computer parts are manufactured over seas. In anticipation of extremely high tariffs, we have stock piled extra components. If you would like to replace a computer at pre-tariff prices, come see us. Once we are out of inventory, the computer prices will definitely be higher.
If you would like to do an in-place upgrade, please make an appointment with the technicians.
Stay Safe, Spend Wisely,
Janet
Because It Made Me Laugh!
