Your operating system (OS) is the software program that makes all the hardware (chips and boards and stuff) in your computer work together to do all the wonderful things it can do. If you use a Mac, you’re using a version of “macOS” or “OSX” that is usually identified by a code name like “Ventura”, “Sonoma”, or “Sequoia”.
If you use a PC, your OS is more than likely a version of Windows. Currently, you should be running Windows 11 or, if you’re on older hardware, Windows 10 – all prior OSes are unsupported.
Why move to a newer version of an operating system? The programmers are constantly adding new features and technologies in the software that take advantage of the hardware in new ways. As the old OS software ages, the developers stop supporting old versions, so older versions may not support newer hardware properly. And newer OS versions have less security vulnerabilities.
For example: in 2025, Microsoft will drop support for Windows 10, which is still installed on millions of PCs worldwide. Since Windows 10 (and everything that came before it) will no longer be supported, that means security vulnerabilities will no longer be patched (repaired by means of a downloadable update), and your personal information and security will be more at risk more than ever as time goes on. Upgrading to Windows 11 could help keep you secure, while opening up a refreshed interface, new features, and speed.
What about restoration? Sometimes, the best solution for computer errors and slowdown is simply to perform an OS restoration, or reinstall, which is to bring your currently installed OS back to its original state when it was first installed (or, more likely, to clean install the latest possible version of the OS in a “neutral” state, without manufacturer bloatware.)
Come see us, and we’ll be happy to make sure you’re taken care of and clearly understand the work that we do for you! We can almost always do a reinstall while preserving your data and documents!