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Windows 10 ends support

Published: 14 February 2025
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Categories: Help, Reuse

At Hands to Serve, we support missionaries and their projects by thoroughly checking and refurbishing donated hardware for reuse. Microsoft has set relatively high requirements for Windows 11, meaning that only computers (laptops and desktops) built from around 2018 meet these standards. These computers are now gradually becoming available from the companies that support us. Additionally, we expect that many older computers with Windows 10 will be replaced this year. If they are not too old, we gladly accept these devices to reuse them. Often, these computers are still very fast, with their only limitation being that they are technically not suitable for Windows 11.

Would you join us in praying that God will provide enough companies and individuals willing to replace and donate their Windows 11 computers so that we can equip missionaries and projects in need with good hardware running Windows 11? Additionally, we ask for wisdom in finding suitable destinations for former Windows 10 computers.

The End of Windows 10 and the switch to Windows 11

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. This means that after this date, there will be no more security updates or technical support available. As a result, Windows 10 will become more vulnerable to security risks, which may lead banks to no longer trust the operating system. This can have consequences for online banking and compensation for scams, as banks may be less likely to reimburse claims if an insecure system is being used. Users are therefore advised to switch to Windows 11, which offers various improvements in performance, security, and user experience.

Why Windows 11 is Better

Windows 11 introduces a revamped user interface with a modern design and improved productivity tools. Some advantages of Windows 11 include:

  • Better performance: Faster boot times and more efficient power consumption.
  • Enhanced security: Support for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot provides a higher level of protection against malware and cyberattacks.
  • Better compatibility with new technologies: Support for DirectStorage and AutoHDR makes gaming and multimedia usage smoother and more visually appealing.
  • Optimized multitasking: Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops improve workflow.

Higher Hardware Requirements

An important consideration when upgrading to Windows 11 is that it has higher system requirements than Windows 10. The minimum requirements include:

  • A compatible 64-bit processor (at least 1 GHz, with 2 or more cores)
  • 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
  • 64 GB storage
  • TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
  • A DirectX 12-compatible graphics card

Older computers that do not meet these requirements cannot officially run Windows 11, forcing many users to either upgrade their hardware or look for alternative operating systems.

Alternative 1: Extend Windows 10 Updates for One Year (new)

For consumers, updates are still available for one more year (until October 13, 2026) through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. More information on the Microsoft site.

Alternative 2: Windows 11 on Older Hardware After All (new)

The current Windows 11 updates (version 25H2) end on October 12, 2027, while Windows 10 with ESU updates end on October 13, 2026. If the old hardware supports TPM and Secure Boot, installing Windows 11 is safer than Windows 10 with ESU. The major drawback is that after the end date, Windows can only receive more updates through a complete re-installation without preserving files and applications.

Alternative 3: Linux for Older Hardware

For users with older hardware who cannot or do not want to upgrade, Linux offers an excellent alternative. There are several Linux distributions optimized for lightweight systems, such as:

  • Ubuntu (LTS version): A user-friendly option with long-term support.
  • Linux Mint: Ideal for users switching from Windows due to its familiar interface.
  • Lubuntu/Xubuntu: Lightweight versions of Ubuntu, perfect for older PCs.
  • Zorin OS: Specifically designed for Windows users transitioning to Linux.

Pros and Cons of Linux

Pros:

  • Free and open-source, meaning no licensing costs.
  • Lightweight and less demanding on hardware.
  • Secure and stable, with less risk of viruses.
  • Many choices and customization options.

Cons:

  • Some programs and games specifically developed for Windows do not work or require extra software like Wine.
  • The user experience may take some getting used to for those accustomed to Windows.
  • Not all hardware is supported out of the box, sometimes requiring extra configuration.

Conclusion

With the end of Windows 10 approaching, switching to Windows 11 is a logical choice for those with modern hardware. For older systems, Linux can be a good alternative, provided users are willing to adapt to a different ecosystem. Ultimately, the choice depends on the user’s needs and the compatibility of their hardware.

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Laptops for Lublin

Published: 23 March 2022
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Categories: Help, Home

From the city of Lublin, eastern Poland, a group of messianic Jewish believers contacted us for help. Wanting improve their communication capabilities, they asked if we could donate any computers to them. This group of believers is hosting refugees from the war in Ukraine, as millions have been displaced from their homes since the war began. So, we sent three laptops to be used by those in need.

we installed the necessary hardware and software for an efficient work environment
Mr. G receives a laptop

Corona gives new opportunities to help

Published: 18 May 2020
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Categories: Help, Home, Reuse

Due to the corona situation, many children cannot attend school. For (missionary) families with children at home, there is a shortage of computers to be able to allow them to work all at the same time. In March, we received a request from Youth with a Mission (Heidebeek) who came to pick up 8 computers for several families. Pastors and youth workers came with a simiilar request. At Hands to Serve the team is temporarily a lot smaller because of the Corona – for the safety of everyone – but we try to help as much as possible with the people who are there.

  • Collecting 8 computers – spread out in a row to prepare for use
  • A happy computer recipient at home
  • Pastor from Rotterdam coming to pickup computers

Cars and more

Published: 6 June 2019
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Categories: Help, Home

Dear Hands to Serve, a warm greeting from the other side of the globe! We are missionaries working with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea and are coming to the Netherlands for a few months.

  • Hands to Serve car for missionaries

We’ll be picking up a car from you soon. Hopefully several other things as well. We hope to be able to watch TV in the Netherlands via our laptop. Unfortunately, the screen is very small. If you happen to have an external monitor, we could certainly use it. We are also looking for a printer to produce our newsletters, sermons, and presentations that we will be giving.

  • Explanations when we lend a car
  • A printer and a big screen

Computers for children in the Philippines

Published: 5 June 2019
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Categories: Help, Home

Recently we were able to send computers to Cebu City in the Phillipines. PASUK is a Christian Development Organization, that offers education to children in poverty, among other things. Every child is unique and valuable. We were able to help them with 12 computers, keyboards, and other practical electronics. Children can develop their talents so that they – in turn –  can help others. We packed three large boxes. We used baby clothing as packing material. This comes in handy by the young mothers there. We took the boxes to a transportation company who shipped them to the Phillipines. Take a look at the PASUK Foundation’s website to see how they are helping children. The stuff is on its way. Please pray that everything will arrive safely at its destination.

  • The equipment for this project
  • Filled boxes
  • Weighing for 60 kg per box
  • Loaded
  • Heavy boxes with computers

Computers for Oosteuropa Zending

Published: 17 May 2018
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Categories: Help, Home

There was a request from ‘Oosteuropa zending’ (Eastern Europe Mission) for computers to be used in their Dutch office. We had just been given a stack of computers from a school which matched exactly with their need.

Of course we also gave them the screens, keyboards, mice and cables they needed.

 

 

 

 

 

They came by to collect it all.

We could also help them with a color laser printer.

 

 

 

 

Their system admin will now install all these computers in their office.

 

 

Easy loading with the fork-truck.

 

 

Happy missionary with a laptop

Published: 17 May 2018
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Categories: Help, Home
  • Can you fix my friends computer? The laptop is broken. She is working on the mission field, sent there by our church.
  • Today it is Tuesday, when does it need to be ready?
  • She is leaving for Africa this coming Friday. You think you will manage?
  • The laptop is really defective. An electrical shortcut on the inside. Is a different laptop also okay?
  • More than likely. When can that be ready?
  • I shall do my best. – A few hours later – Here is a good working, newly installed laptop!
  • This is not always so easily remidied, but today it just happened.
  • I give it to her and ask her if she could let us know if this laptop is a good replacement.
  • Being so happy with this laptop it works so fast, and it has so many options!

Network upgrade YWAM Amsterdam

Published: 22 September 2017
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Categories: Help, Home

This Friday I went to YWAM in Amsterdam to give a presentation about the new European data protection laws. This also has some influence on the way IT is organized and we like to help them with this.

We also discussed how to improve the internal WiFi network. To start this improvement I installed a new network switch (one of the devices you see in the picture). This allows me to remotely monitor the internet load on each of  these cables and maybe help me determine some areas of future improvement. Thankfully this switch was donated to our mission recently so we could save YWAM the money of buying a new one.