burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

If you are one of the 38% of people STILL connecting to the Internet with Windows 7, there is an article you need to read regarding its end of support life (EOL). I'll put a link to it in another post below this one.

Suffice it to say that I understand the hesitation to upgrade, as many are living on fixed incomes and can't really afford the hardware to run Win 10, or software upgrades that may be required to run on Win 10. But the cost of a new PC and Win 10 may AVOID the severe costs of a hacker taking over your computer and stealing your personal information, or holding your data hostage, or erasing it altogether.

It's pretty simple, really. If you use an older operating system, you should probably never connect that computer to the Internet, even behind a firewall.

I have several older machines — three Macs and a PC — that run older systems needed to support older software. When I run any OS that is currently unsupported, I disconnect the Ethernet cable. I TURN OFF WiFi. I run that software in isolation, and port the file to a current machine using a USB 3 flash drive. When I need to connect to the Internet, I run an OS that is currently and regularly supported by Microsoft or Apple with security update patches. I keep my anti-[bad thing of choice] software updated, too.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Here is the article I mentioned:

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-7-vs-windows-10-the-next-big-challenge/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=23606628201534043044541230485318

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

If you ignored the free Win 10 “upgrade” (for whatever reason) then you have several choices: (1) continue to run 7 and install the best anti virus/malware/bot detection SW you can find and keep the definitions up to date. (2) buy a copy of Win 10 and the activation code on eBay (3) check to see if Microsoft will allow you a free upgrade based on needing some of the disability/access features of Win 10.

Win 7 will continue to run just fine (many of us still run XP machines for specific tasks) you just won’t get any updated protection definitions, and since ransomware is becoming more and more prevalent, making both a backup and an off-site DR copy as well as up-to-date protection and definitions is more important than ever. BUT most importantly, use good computing practices - don’t open email and attachments without being completely sure where they originated, even if they appear to come from a friend (check the “from” address carefully)

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Absolutely agree. I plan on continuing to use my Windows 7 machines. But I am also thinking of restricting any internet use to just my laptop and keeping all important activities on my desktop.

lbrande

My windows 7 computer will not upgrade to windows 10 due to hardware incompatibility with the new software.

ReFlections Loc: From LA to AL

Thank you! Time for 10.

Paradise Pirate Loc: Cape Coral, FL

Got email turbotax 2019 will not run on windows 7 need windows 10. Bought new Dell with a SSD and HDD, much faster start and stop. Also gave into LR & PS $10 photographer plan. The dehaze has saved a lot of loseers and the texture tool is great also. Drawbacks: Family Tree Maker, had to load old version, newer one was a download I believe. Also loaded Microsoft Office 2010 version, don't want to spend more money.

cochese

Still running Linux. Still free. Still more secure than Apple oe Microsft OS's

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Can’t argue that. If you can find the apps you need, hard to find a better OS. There’s a reason the majority of enterprise data centers run Linux.

OZMON Loc: WIGAN UK

that is nonsense, I had a pc running XP for years after the support ended, I never had a problem.
Now I run windows 7 ultimate and I would NEVER change it for windows10, which is bug ridden and one big spy machine, I have a very good program for keeping out unwanted visitors, such as keyloggers etc,so forget all the scaremongering and keep away from win10.

JeffR Loc: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Keeping safe isn't the only issue. New programs won't be built for Windows 7 in the future, and the future is coming fast. I understand that next year's TurboTax won't run on Windows 7, and this alone will force me to migrate to Windows 10.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

That is the issue (in addition to updated virus/bot/ransomware definitions). Gradually, HW drivers and apps will cease to be available. In fact, I keep a dedicated XP machine (off the internal network except when transferring images) just to support my negative scanner.