Older Systems Won’t Be Compatible with Windows 11: Here’s What You Need to Know

Has your office tech been around 5 years or longer?

If so, it may be in your best interest to replace it before October 2025. 

Microsoft has announced that by October 2025, Windows 10 will come to an end. Users must update before then, or be charged with a hefty subscription fee. While this upgrade is free, it’s not compatible with many older devices. Here’s what you need to know: 

Older Systems Will Not Be Compatible with Windows 11 

Older systems will not be eligible to upgrade to Windows 11. The recommended lifespan for a computer is 5 years, so if your device is that age or older then it’s time to start looking into a replacement anyway. 

If you have several devices running on Windows 10 then it’s time to start coming up with a plan for upgrading or replacing. 

A good way to start this process is to perform a system inventory that includes the age of each device, as well as the specifications like CPU, RAM, model number, etc. This will help you determine which devices are compatible with Windows 11 and how many will need to be replaced in the near future. 

How We Can Help! 

If you would like assistance with this, we have IT support specialists in Ann Arbor who are available to help you upgrade your compatible systems to Windows 11. 

We sell laptops and computers, so we can also help with the process of performing a system inventory and help you replace any devices that are due to be upgraded. 

Read our latest article here to learn more! 

Our IT Support Specialists in Ann Arbor Can Help You Replace Your Old Systems 

Don’t put off replacing your older systems for too long or else you could wind up dealing with some messy technical difficulties come next fall. 

If you have any questions, or need help finding new systems that are compatible with Windows 11, our IT support specialists in Ann Arbor are only a phone call away! 

What You Should Know About Microsoft’s Subscription-Based Support for Windows 10

Still using Windows 10? 

According to statistics, so are 69% of all Windows users.

Microsoft announced that by October 2025 support will be coming to an end for Windows 10. They are encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. 

Unfortunately, many older devices are not compatible with this new upgrade, so a good chunk of users have chosen to continue using Windows 10. In order to help smoothen the transition, Microsoft has created a subscription-based support plan. 

Here’s what you need to know about it: 

Microsoft Will Offer Subscription Based Support Beyond the October 2025 Deadline  

For those who need more time, Microsoft has announced that they will be offering subscription-based support for Windows 10 users beyond their October 2025 deadline. 

Pricing will start off fairly inexpensive at a rate of $61 per device for the first year. Unfortunately, the price will double every year after and support will end altogether after 3 years. 

Users will also not have the option to jump into this plan on the second or third year, if they do the pricing will be cumulative. 

Read our latest article here to learn more!

IT Support Specialists in Ann Arbor Are Here to Help You Create a Plan!

You have 15 months to prepare for the end of Windows 10! If you need help creating a plan of action for the tech at your business, we’re here to help.  

If you have any questions, or need help finding new systems that are compatible with Windows 11, our IT support specialists in Ann Arbor are only a phone call away! 

Rank Higher on Google by Custom-Building a Website with Network Services Group

The beauty of WordPress lies in the power to easily change the look of your site by installing themes and plug-ins. This also is the most frightening thing about WordPress. Popular themes and plug-ins are at risk should hackers ever discover any an unexpected vulnerabilities. 

This along with several other factors are why custom-built sites are a smarter option. Learn more about the great benefits of a custom-built website from our Webmaster, Autumn Mahoney, and Web Developer Dan Holland:

Search Engine Friendly

Custom-built websites typically rank higher in search results than WordPress sites. This can result in better leads and more traction to your site. 

Google constantly changes how it evaluates websites for search engine placement. Even if a website was well-built in the past, it doesn’t mean it will remain in good standing as new standards are imposed. 

Our sister company Michigan SEO Group consistently monitors how users find your site and tweaks keyword usage for superior optimization. This paired with our updates, ensures your site ranks higher in search results. 

Faster Service

Our tech support’s consistent monitoring of your site results in faster loading times and better compatibility with mobile devices, modern browsers, and software. Websites are most effective when treated as a living system that needs ongoing care and attention. We see plenty of folks who hire someone to build a site, that then sits untouched until it’s broken, slow, and outdated by modern standards just a few years later.

We constantly follow technical advances with the experience to know when to take advantage of new possibilities and security advances – all while being discerning enough to know what works without chasing trends. 

Enjoy Customized IT Solutions Near Ann Arbor with Network Services Group

We’re eager to build custom solutions to help our partner companies take advantage of web-based technology, while providing security, SEO, speed and convenience. 

We would love to talk with you about ways we could do the same for you! If you are seeking IT solutions near Ann Arbor, submit a contact form today to get started.

Superior IT Solutions for Your Custom-Built Website

Is your website secure, regularly updated, and equipped to handle potential cyber threats?

WordPress dominates the website world. Today, over 800 million websites use WordPress. Because it’s so widely used, if hackers discover a flaw in the WordPress core, 800 million websites are at risk.

This along with several other factors are why custom-built sites are a smarter option. Learn more about the great benefits of a custom-built website from our Webmaster, Autumn Mahoney, and Web Developer Dan Holland:

Tighter Security 

Our custom-built Content Management System (CMS) is developed by a very small team of professional developers who are in constant communication with very tight standards. Because our CMS is customized in-house, we build solutions for our clients no one else is using (or will know how to use) which drastically cuts down the threat of hackers. Should you ever experience a website hack, know that you will be supported and won’t be left to figure it out alone with little to no help from WordPress. 

We go to great lengths to make sure websites and their data are backed up in multiple distributed locations. Every time an Amazon outage makes the news for taking out a large swatch of the web, our sites stay running.

Expert Tech Support

NSG is in a sweet spot to be uniquely responsive to the needs of our small and medium-sized clients. You’ll find cheap commodity hosting, but then you may become a commodity customer – dealing with automated systems, self-serve interfaces, and little help when issues arise.

With the tech support from us, you benefit from a team that works with you as a technology partner without having to hire your own programming department. WordPress only takes your website so far, and leaves little room for capability, flexibility, and personalization. Our programmers will hear out your vision for your site, and help you grow it along the way as your business expands. 

Enjoy Customized IT Solutions Near Ann Arbor with Network Services Group

We’re eager to build custom solutions to help our partner companies take advantage of web-based technology, while providing security, SEO, speed and convenience. 

We would love to talk with you about ways we could do the same for you! If you are seeking IT solutions near Ann Arbor, submit a contact form today to get started.

Ditch the Long Contract Lock-In

Looking for a provider that doesn’t lock you into a multi-year contract?

A lot of MSP's that we've encountered don't even want to talk to you unless you sign up for their full managed services plan, and even then, they want to lock you into multi-year contracts with built in price hikes each year. Yikes! 

At NSG, we work hard to provide great service and support with the goal of making our customers happy. We don't see the need to lock people into long term contracts. If you like what we do, then you'll stick with us. It seems that too many MSP's are interested in making their accountants happy as opposed to their customers.

Read more about MSP’s here.

Trust Your Managed Services to an Ann Arbor IT Support Specialist 

If you’re looking for an all-in-one MSP that cares about your business, look no further than Network Services Group. We’re an IT Support Specialist in Ann Arbor with twenty-two years of experience in the industry. Call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here for all of your IT needs.

Managed Services from NSG

Does your business need a managed service provider?

NSG offers a wide range of services, including managed services. Under a managed service agreement, there is a fixed price that includes monitoring, maintenance, and support services. This is great for companies who want to know what they will be spending each month on IT support. 

We also provide some of these services separately, such as monitoring and maintenance plans, and then bill for any additional support services as they are utilized. 

The important thing is to have some kind of monitoring and maintenance plan in place to keep your systems up and running and secure, as well as having access to quality and experience support when you need it.

Read more about MSP’s here.

Managed Services from an Ann Arbor IT Support Specialist

If you’re looking for an all-in-one MSP that cares about your business, look no further than Network Services Group. We’re an IT Support Specialist in Ann Arbor with twenty-two years of experience in the industry. Call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here for all of your IT needs.

Types of Software Maintenance

 Did you know software maintenance is part of the software development life cycle?

Maintaining and updating are integral to keeping things functional. Updates help optimize system performance by reducing errors. There’s more than one type of software maintenance, which includes:

1. Adaptive: Some changes are made to the system to ensure its compatible with evolution.

2. Perfective: Checks on the fine-tuning of all elements of a system, the functionality, and capabilities to improve system performance.

3. Corrective: Detection of errors and mistakes in the existing solution and their correction to ensure the effective operation of your system.

4. Preventative: Helps to prevent potential system vulnerabilities. 

To read more about the importance of staying updated, click here! 

Maintain Your Systems with IT Support in Ann Arbor

Don’t fall behind on system updates. If your computer is falling short because of late maintenance, you should schedule an appointment with IT Support in Ann Arbor. 

Contact us or call 877.815.6974 to get your systems up to date.

Why You Should Stay Updated

 When was the last time you updated your website? 

Do you post content on your website? Feel like it’s going unseen? 

Regularly updating your website ensures you’re getting content that’s compatible with the current technology.

Why you need to stay updated: 

● Keeps things running smooth

● Improves data security 

● Improved performance

● Get new features 

● Ensures compatibility amongst platforms 

● SEO (Search Engine Optimization) - if your site falls behind the times it could also drop off in the search rankings!

To read more about the importance of staying updated, click here! 

Stay Up to Date When Working with IT Support in Ann Arbor 

Updates are important for maintaining a healthy online presence. Keeping your website updated will keep your content from getting lost on Google.

Working with professional IT support in Ann Arbor will keep you up-to-date and error-free. Contact us for a website assessment today! 

Are You Tired of Having Unreliable IT Support?

Are you a local business in Ann Arbor? 

Is your IT giving you trouble?

 

Do you keep leaving messages for an IT expert who doesn’t show up?

It’s not just you. It’s hard to find reliable IT support in Ann Arbor, Brighton, Wixom, and all the surrounding areas. When technology issues have brought business to a grinding halt and your IT support is unreliable, what is it costing you? 

• Lost productivity
• Potential for data breach or loss
• Lost revenue
• Potential damage to client relationships and reputation

That’s a lot of damage because someone didn’t care enough to show up. We think that’s unacceptable.

 

Dependable IT Support in Ann Arbor

You don’t need to be an IT expert or have an IT department on staff. With one phone call, you can have the experts at NSG on your team. So, you can worry about your business, and let us worry about your IT support in Ann Arbor.

Contact Us or give us a call at (877) 815-6974 to schedule a consultation.

We’ve served businesses in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, Novi, Farmington, Wixom, Adrian, Detroit, Troy, and surrounding areas for over 15 years.

Your Best Bet for Local IT Support in Ann Arbor

Are you a local business in Ann Arbor? 

Would you like to focus more on what you do, and less on your technology?

 

Do you need reliable IT support?

 

Technology and business requirements have changed over the course of the years, and as a company that provides IT Support services we strive to keep up with the times.

 

One thing that we are seeing more and more of is insurance companies providing our customers with cyber security questionnaires, asking them to answer questions about their firewalls, end point protection, network monitoring, multi factor authentication, backups, and numerous other topics.

 

The writing is on the wall – insurance companies are getting tired of paying out for cyber security attacks that could have been prevented and will either deny coverage or base your rates on your cyber security preparedness.

 

As an IT support company, we like to see that our customers are well protected, their systems are backed up and kept up to date with security patches, and their network and systems are proactively monitored.  In addition to this, many of our customers have additional requirements being imposed by their customers, partners, and vendors, such as data encryption, user training, and data retention policies.

 

Dependable IT Support in Ann Arbor

You don’t need to be an IT expert or have an IT department on staff. With one phone call, you can have the experts at NSG on your team. So, you can worry about your business, and let us worry about your IT support in Ann Arbor.

Contact Us or give us a call at (877) 815-6974 to schedule a consultation.

We’ve served businesses in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, Novi, Farmington, Wixom, Adrian, Detroit, Troy, and surrounding areas for over 15 years.

Keeping Your Business’s Information Safe

Have you been the victim of a cyber-attack?

Do you have reliable IT security?

In 2022, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Hackers and scammers are constantly developing more sophisticated ways to gain access to your personal information. Keeping yourself and your business protected from cyber-attacks is of the utmost importance. Here are our recommendations:

Train your employees to recognize scams - make sure your entire team is aware of common security risks and what to do if they spot one. 

Keep tabs on your data - know where your data is saved, and make sure it’s backed up. Make sure your backups are monitored, rotated, and tested.

Contact Network Services Group - give us a call and ask about network and computer security services. We’ll make sure your company and your data are protected.

Security and IT Support for Your Ann Arbor Business

Cybersecurity is a full-time job Unless you have someone on staff maintaining your hardware and upgrading software, you need to have proper IT support for your Ann Arbor business. At Network Services Group LLC, we have an entire team of IT professionals to take care of your business’s security, computer hardware, and network support needs.

Keeping Your Personal Information Safe

Have you been the victim of a cyber-attack?

In 2022, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Hackers and scammers are constantly developing more sophisticated ways to gain access to your personal information. Keeping yourself protected from cyber-attacks is of the utmost importance.

Here are our recommendations:

Create passphrases instead of passwords - a complex phrase offers more security than a standard password. Using a mix of letters and numbers in these phrases is safer than picking an easy to guess word.

Don’t overlook antivirus software - install and correctly use a trusted antivirus software. A program like this can go a long way in keeping your information and data safe. 

Keep all your devices up to date - software updates can contain important security patches and safety improvements.

Security and IT Support for Your Ann Arbor Business

Cybersecurity is a full-time job Unless you have someone on staff maintaining your hardware and upgrading software, you need to have proper IT support for your Ann Arbor business. At Network Services Group LLC, we have an entire team of IT professionals to take care of your business’s security, computer hardware, and network support needs. Contact us today or give us a call at (877) 815-6974.

Looking for an Experienced Computer Consultant Near You?

Are you tired of unreliable IT teams that don’t deliver? 

Are you searching for a technical support team that effectively communicates with you?

At NSG, we are committed to our core principles of knowing what it is, getting it done, and effectively communicating the results—values which have built up long-term trust between us and our customers. Our clients stick with us because we do our job right and keep them in the loop. 

Our 20 years of experience as computer consultants in Ann Arbor make us the right choice for your business’s IT needs. Our team is experienced in:

• Network setup and security
• Network monitoring and maintenance
• IT support
• Backup services
• Web hosting
• Web design
• SEO and internet marketing
• And even custom programming

If you’re looking for IT services in the Ann Arbor or Southeast Michigan area, our team would love to work with you! 

Give us a call at (877) 815-6974 or contact us to schedule a consultation.

To learn more about us, visit our website to see the full range of services we offer. You can also find lots of security tips and helpful articles for any business!

Entering Our 20th Year as Computer Consultants in Ann Arbor!

Are you looking for an IT team with experience and a proven track record?

Are you searching for reliable network monitoring and maintenance services for your business?

NSG is proud to celebrate its 20th year as computer consultants in the Ann Arbor area! We’ve seen the technological landscape drastically change since we’ve been in the business, but we’ve remained highly committed to providing cutting-edge tech services to our clients and staying on the forefront of computer security. 

From NSG Founder Don Prior:  
"Wow, how time flies!  I started Network Services Group on September 1st, 2001, and we are coming up on our 20th anniversary.  A lot has changed in the world during that time, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to helping our customers get the most out of their technology.  We are grateful for the support of our customers over the years, and look forward to being able to support them and their technology needs both now, and in the future."

We provide top notch service and support with communication that you can depend on—we will always keep you in the loop! 

An Ann Arbor Computer Consultant You Can Count On

If you’re looking for reliable backups, IT security and maintenance, or computer consultants in the Ann Arbor area, our team would love to work with you! 

Give us a call at (877) 815-6974 or contact us to schedule a consultation.

To learn more about us, visit our website to see the full range of services we offer. You can also find lots of security tips and helpful articles for any business!

You Can't Afford to Have Unreliable IT Support

How many messages do you have to leave before your "on call" IT support calls you back?

Cyber-attacks are on the rise and every business connected to the internet is at risk. You can’t afford to have IT problems. You really can’t afford to have unreliable IT support.

We believe that technology should help people live positive and productive lives. Our formula for success is knowing what it is, getting it done, and effectively communicating the results. We put the best interests of our clients first, and we work diligently to put all of the pieces together to make them work.

Our promise is that we:

• return phone calls
• show up for appointments
• solve problems, not recommend them
• keep up with the latest technology
• know what works and what doesn’t

Visit our website to learn more.

Are You Tired of Having Unreliable IT Support?

Do you keep leaving messages for an IT expert who doesn’t show up?

It’s not just you. It’s hard to find reliable IT support in Ann Arbor, Brighton, Wixom, and all the surrounding areas. When a technology issues has brought business to a grinding halt and your IT support specialist is unreliable, what is it costing you? 

• Lost productivity
• Potential for data breach or loss
• Lost revenue
• Potential damage to client relationships and reputation

That’s a lot of damage because someone didn’t care enough to show up. We think that’s unacceptable.

We’re not like the other guys 

We believe that technology should help people live positive and productive lives. Our formula for success is knowing what it is, getting it done, and effectively communicating the results. We put the best interests of our clients first, and we work diligently to put all of the pieces together to make them work. 

Learn more on our website.

Leave Your Computer Problems in 2020!

If 2020 was as tough on your computers and network as it was on health and business, you probably feel like you carried the weight of the world into 2021! But the last thing your business needs is to carry computer issues from 2020 into the new year. 

What if we told you that you don’t need to carry so much stress into 2021? Let NSG take the weight off your shoulders.

Learn more on our website!

Is Your Business Vulnerable to Ransomware?

Ransomware has been in the news lately as a string of attacks has hit healthcare systems in at least four states. Is it coincidence that these attacks hit when healthcare systems are already under extraordinary strain due to the COVID pandemic? Probably not. The criminals who coordinate these attacks take advantage of vulnerable organizations and populations. 

Medical organizations are especially vulnerable because they simply can’t afford for their patient files to be compromised when lives are at stake. 

Other factors that make a target attractive are:

• Organizations that routinely store sensitive data, like law firms
• Universities, due to the sheer amount of file sharing and traditionally small IT support departments
• Retailers, or any company with customer credit card data
• But, really, any company with confidential personal or financial data! 

And, although many attacks are targeted, some simply spread via the internet. 

Is your business vulnerable? Learn more about ransomware from NSG.

Could Your Business be a Target for Ransomware?

Ransomware has been in the news lately due to recent attacks on vulnerable healthcare systems. Do you know what ransomware is, and if your business could be a target?

Ransomware is an attack that takes your files hostage for ransom. An attack uses a file that encrypts or blocks access to targeted files on your computer or network. After it infects your computer, it displays a message instructing you to pay up or lose your data or functionality. The message itself gives instructions for payment. Paying is no guarantee you’ll get your files back – these are criminals, after all! 

Ransomware attacks can target home users as well as businesses that have IT support, and can have a catastrophic affect due to:

• Temporary or permanent loss of data
• Disruption of operations
• Cost to restore files
• Loss of client trust

How do you know if your company is vulnerable? Learn more or contact NSG. We’ll audit your network and make recommendations for keeping your business safer. 

Network Security Doesn't Have to be a Puzzle!

Firewalls, servers, antivirus… do you know the status of all your systems? 

Have all your employees been trained to recognize phishing, malicious links, or infected email attachments?

Are you confident that your company data is securely backed up daily?

If you’re not sure, you’re not protected! 

If you’re not performing regular maintenance on your entire network, keeping it configured correctly and all systems up to date, your company is not protected. Updates are critical.

No system is perfect. That’s why software is frequently updated. It’s also why hackers don’t give up.

NSG can audit your system to make sure you have all the necessary protection in place to keep harmful viruses and hackers out. 

Learn more!