Blue Ridge Technology

​ Windows 10 Support Disappearing We’ve posted here a few times now about the reasons why it’s time to update to Windows 11. This is likely our last one, but there’s news you need to know if you’re still sticking with Windows 10. Microsoft is ending free support for Windows 10 in less than 2 weeks. On October 14, 2025 , Windows 10 support officially ends. That means no more security updates, no more technical support from Microsoft if something goes wrong, and no more bug fixes or changes of virtually any kind. The tldr here: if you haven’t upgraded to Windows 11, you need to get the ball rolling — right away. Why Free Support Is Ending Put simply: Windows 10 is old. In terms of operating-system lifespans, it’s ancient. Microsoft released its successor (Windows 11) in 2021, so businesses have already had 4 years to get ready to upgrade. Keeping multiple OSes up and running (and safe and secure) is a resource drain, even for a company as big as Microsoft. So eventually, inevi...

​ Fake Antivirus? A new fake antivirus site scam is popping up. Here’s what to know. The old adage “Don’t trust everything you read on the internet” — allegedly coined by that famed internet scholar, Abraham Lincoln (citation needed) — feels truer than it ever has. Just yesterday I was trying to update my iPhone to the latest version of iOS, iOS 26. It wasn’t working, so I turned to Google….whose automatic AI response scolded me: “You’re probably having trouble because iOS 26 isn’t real! Apple’s next mobile OS will be called iOS 19, and it isn’t out yet.” The problem is, that’s wrong on just about every front. Apple’s next version really is called iOS 26 and it really did get released this month. But seriously: the internet’s loose grip on the truth goes well beyond Wikipedia trolls and generative AI flubs. And some of those lies are designed specifically to trick you into compromising your business’s security. New Version of an Old Threat: Fake Antivirus Sites Antivirus scams are no...

In today's digital landscape, building a robust office network is essential for business success. As companies like Blue Ridge Cabling serving the Asheville and Hendersonville, NC area, focus on delivering reliable IT infrastructure, understanding best practices for low-voltage and structured wiring becomes crucial. These practices ensure seamless communication, enhance security, and support business growth. Understanding low-voltage and structured wiring Low-voltage wiring is essential for communication systems, including network cabling, telephone lines, and video surveillance. Structured wiring, on the other hand, organizes these components, creating a cohesive network architecture. Both elements are vital for modern offices that require scalable, efficient solutions. Simplified management : Structured wiring allows easier management and troubleshooting of network issues. Flexibility : Supports various technologies and future expansions without significant overhauls. Enhanced pe...

​ Notepad Upgrade Welcome to easy formatting in Notepad: Notepad in Windows 11 is gaining Markdown support. Sometimes even something simple like writing down information feels needlessly complicated, doesn’t it? You could jot it down on a paper sticky note. But then that info gets stuck — literally — wherever you stick it. Digital sticky notes are a thing, but not a very good one. You could open up a Word document and start typing away. But Word can be a little resource-intensive, and you don’t need 90% of the settings in there for taking quick notes. Then there’s Notepad — good ol’ Notepad. It’s good for taking the simplest notes imaginable, but that’s it. No headings, no formatting to speak of. Even a bulleted list isn’t all that feasible. We used to have something called WordPad, an app that kind of bridged the gap between the two. But Microsoft killed off WordPad last year . If you’re frustrated by the huge gap between Notepad and Word, you’re not alone. And good news: Microsoft se...

​ Windows 10 End of Life Windows 10 has been a tried and true operating system for years now, but it’s rapidly approaching end of life. There have been good reasons why some businesses have been slow to upgrade to its successor, Windows 11. But whatever those reasons look like for you, if you’re still running Windows 10 at your business, now is the time to change. If not, your business will soon be at greater and greater risk. What’s Happening With Windows 10 Microsoft has been warning users for years that Windows 10 would reach end of support, and the company has even extended this deadline a few times. But the deadline is here, for real this time, no exceptions. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft is officially done with Windows 10. That means no more security updates, no more bug fixes, nothing: the version of Windows 10 you have on October 14 is the last one you’re going to get. What that means is that after October 14, businesses really are on their own: Devastating security hole gets ...

​ We talk a lot about cybersecurity on this blog and with our customers, and that’s on purpose: the risk of a cyberattack is real for small businesses like yours, and we want to help keep you safe! But what about good old-fashioned real-world safety? The best cybersecurity policies known to humankind can’t protect you from physical threats that exist in real life (IRL) — people stealing credentials from that sticky note on your desk or peeping at sensitive documents on your screen at the local coffee shop. If IRL privacy matters to your business, we have good news: an upcoming feature coming to Windows 11 will help. It’s called Onlooker Detection, and here’s what to know. What Is Onlooker Detection? Onlooker Detection is a new feature coming to Windows 11 that can sense when someone besides you might be lurking, trying to watch your screen. When Onlooker Detection “sees” someone who shouldn’t be there, it can be set to automatically dim your screen or even pop up a warning, alerting yo...