Starting W10 for the first time

Kernel_Sanders

I've just bought a Windows 10 laptop but haven't started it up yet, mainly because I need the library's wi-fi to cope with the expected updates I presume will arrive automatically. I'm a bit concerned about the KRACK WPA2 vulnerability which affects wi-fi, so I am seeking advice beforehand. After that, my priorities are:

Avoid adware as much as possible.
Reduce data usage (I use mobile broadband).
Extend battery life (per charge and longevity).

I'm currently using Panda but I'm open to suggestions.
I've never paid for additional software in my life and don't intend to start now

John_Gray

The chances of you being affected by the KRACK WPA2 exploit in my view would be very low.

Depending upon what browser you chose to use, you can possibly block adverts via uBlock Origin. I also use Ghostery. Some people are keen on NoScript, but personally I found it annoying.

Reducing data usage may not be under your control to any great extent for ordinary web pages. Attempting to do Windows Updates via WiFi or ethernet connection is to be encouraged. Have a look at some of the hits from Windows 10 updates metered line.

There's a lot about extending battery life on the internet. One of the sites I remember is called Battery University.

The monthly PC Mag recently preferred Avast antivirus to other free offerings, although it does nag a lot. Some naggage can be removed by setting options - Google for that!

Later... Better to get the actual printed PC Mag magazine which has a much better article than the website version. Or look at the links in the website article for the various virus-testing labs.

SouthUKMan

If you're worried about your laptop being compromised while connected to wifi then it's probably best to find a friend / workplace / college / library that allows you to connect to their wired network using an ethernet cable. I've not used the computers at my local library for two or three years now, but I know that you could so this. Maybe things have moved on though... worth asking.

JJ_Egan

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

I've just bought a Windows 10 laptop After that, my priorities are:

Avoid adware as much as possible.
< I Use UBlock.

Reduce data usage (I use mobile broadband).
> use Free wifi where possible .
Windows 10 has a very large October update .


I'm currently using Panda but I'm open to suggestions.
I've never paid for additional software in my life and don't intend to start now
> no comment .

bob_a_builder

"Reduce data usage (I use mobile broadband)."

I remember some years ago the Opera browser introduced a turbo mode, where the web pages were compressed on their servers before being delivered to you

That might help reduce your data usage a bit

I'd be surprised if other browsers haven't introduced something similar since

Debbie_Savard

>I'm a bit concerned about the KRACK WPA2 vulnerability<

Statistically, you're more likely to be run over on the way to the library than being affected by wi-fi issues

>Extend battery life (per charge and longevity).<

Keep on the power unit, discharge-recharge cycles reduce longevity

John_Gray

The Opera Turbo mode mainly reduces the amount of data transmitted by compressing webpage images and reducing their resolution.
I'm not aware of any other major browser (if Opera can be so considered!) which implements any form of webpage datastream compression.

wongataa

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

I've just bought a Windows 10 laptop but haven't started it up yet, mainly because I need the library's wi-fi to cope with the expected updates I presume will arrive automatically. I'm a bit concerned about the KRACK WPA2 vulnerability which affects wi-fi, so I am seeking advice beforehand. After that, my priorities are:

You are unlikely to be affected. Update Windows to the latest patch and you will be invulnerable.

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

Avoid adware as much as possible.
Reduce data usage (I use mobile broadband).
Extend battery life (per charge and longevity).

To extend battery life keep the brightness of your screen low. Make sure power hungry software isn't running in the background. This is nothing new. Use the uBlock Origin browser extension to block ads. Setting your internet connection to metered will stop Windows downloading updates. Obviously you will want to update at some point so be aware you will need to allow updates and use the required data sometimes.

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

I'm currently using Panda but I'm open to suggestions.

Panda antivirus? Just use the built in Windows Defender which will be running by default.

bob_a_builder

I'm not aware of any other major browser (if Opera can be so considered!) which implements any form of webpage datastream compression.

Seems Chrome might have something called "Google Data Saver" available as an extension - and seems to be out of beta now :-)

But may be limited to non HTTPS pages, which more are nowadays are more common so might reduce benifit

Also a 'lazy loader' for firefox

See Link
https://www.raymond.cc/blog/fastun-saves-mobile-internet-bandwidth-usage/

Kernel_Sanders

bob_a_builder wrote: »

Seems Chrome might have something called "Google Data Saver" available as an extension - and seems to be out of beta now :-)

I was going to avoid that browser as I believe it's the worst for attracting adware. There's also this potential problem: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/chrome-users-beware-a-new-catch-all-extension-could-steal-everything-you-type/?f!!!!!TRE684d531&bhid=24617378606421883646330733005403
N.B. video loads without warning, pinching more of your data.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Why buy a laptop if you don’t want to use it?