A fiver to continue using Windows 7? I’d pay that!

I disagree with Martin Adams’s view that Microsoft is acting immorally by ending security updates for Windows 7 (Letters, Issue 535). With the greatest respect, I believe his argument misunderstands the fundamental nature of operating systems.

Put simply, they are not ordinary household objects that, once bought, don’t require regular updating. An operating system is not a bed, lampshade, sofa or toaster - all objects that should perform the same basic task on day 4,590 as on day one, give or take a bit of wear and tear.

Instead, operating systems should be regarded as an ongoing service that requires continuous maintenance, rather than as a one-off product. It might even help to see them as half alive (odd though that sounds) and therefore constantly evolving. They are never truly ‘finished’ and, like all services, can’t go on forever.

Anyone who bought Windows 7 knew at some point Microsoft would pull the plug. You could argue Microsoft is ending support too early, but not that it’s wrong to end support full stop.

As an aside, I think it would be unfair to say support is ending earlier than it should. Windows 7 launched in April 2009. Support ends in January 2020. By any reasonable measure, that’s a good innings, particularly in the world of computing where technology becomes obsolete so quickly.

Unlike Martin, I would be happy to pay a monthly fee to continue using Windows 7 safely. If Microsoft chose to implement such a scheme, the only factor I’d consider would be one of cost – could I afford it? – rather than morality. Mr Adams said we shouldn’t give Microsoft ideas. Well, I’m happy to do so: I’d pay a fiver a month to keep Windows 7 safe beyond 2020. Let’s hope the great and good at Microsoft read Computeractive! Louise Howard