Realistically, one should strongly consider using something more modern, or just enclose the whole network and never upgrade anything (in which case the last usable kopia version would stay as it is).
This precludes the possibility that STRONG consideration has already been given, and that we have not already isolated the entire environment. In fact both are true in this instance. Traffic in and out of the lab network is limited, naturally direct web access is blocked.
Win 7 was EOL in 2015, extended support ended 2020.
This is incorrect, extended support actually ended January 10th 2023.
It’s not like it can be any kind of surprise to users and owners that it will be getting harder and harder for each day past those two dates that one goes on without planning for the future.
Who said this was a surprise? We are simply asking the question regarding future options.
This is basically like a car model where the manufacturer stops building spare parts. You can still get some parts here and there from shops that kept a stock, but you know this too will run out at some date. For win7, this date has come and passed.
Good analogy, but an ignorant viewpoint.
In our use case these Win7 computers control test frames which are no longer in development, as is unfortunately the case vendors sell out or cease existing for a variety of reasons. These frames remain serviceable, and are maintained via third party, however development for the hardware controllers ended several years ago, drivers are not available (or more accurately certifiable) for later versions of Windows.
Replacements for these frames would run into £100k’s.
For this reason we have gone down the road of isolation - Yes these frames will be replaced in future years, but planning for this kind of spend takes time in our industry, chiefly because the accountants want you to write things off over 3-5 years, but realistically you need 10+ years to realise the return.
This isn’t a failure in the business model you understand, but simply the nature of the business we are in, hence you end up staggering hardware upgrades.
So - I am not judging anyone that stays on Win7, but if you choose to do so, you will need to stop hoping that all new software you are using with it will adapt to it becoming older and older.
You sure? I mean, you do sound kind of Judgy!
…and again, there are no hopes or expectations, just an honest query over whether of not we can continue with a few more updates. Sure, it is disappointing that we cannot advance with Kopia beyond the previous version, but that disappointment is only there because the solution has proven so reliable to date.