back to Windows, how have things changed?

thripster

A few years ago I got fed up with virus risk / confusing picture of anti virus software, and the need to keep paying/ getting a new laptop when Windows versions expired, and decided to switch to an Ubuntu laptop for home use. 

Now I am thinking about my career future and possible options, and want to do an online course that requires MS Word.  If i went into this field in a paid role (freelance) I would also require MS Word.

So I'm thinking about 'going back'.  but I still don't understand how best to protect myself and stay up to date - have things simplified in the past few years, can I just pay a subscription and have all the MS products I need AND not need to fear viruses etc?

I am still familiar with all things Windows in my day job, but in an organisation they sort all this out for you!

Thanks for any help.

onomatopoeia99

Current versions of Windows have an anti-malware service built in (Windows Defender) which is free and plenty good enough. You don't need to do anything as it is enabled by default and updates to the definitions are included as part of Windows update. You certainly don't need to pay for anti-malware software.

Just like ubuntu, and debian that ubuntu is based on, versions of Windows go end of life some number of years after release and should be replaced with a newer version.  Windows 10 goes EOL later this year and then only Windows 11 will be in support.

MS Word is a separate application and not part of the operating system. You need to buy that, either as a one-off or as part of an MS Office subscription.

wongataa

Use Windows 11.  Make sure the built in Windows Defender is turned on.  This is free.  Done.  When Windows 11 is end of life switch to whatever replaces it.

You should always be sensible in regards to possible dodgy stuff.  Don’t download random stuff.  Don't blindly click on links etc.  There are more dangers than just viruses out there and scams often rely on tricking people into giving out passwords etc and with those it doesn't matter what computer operating system you use.

bob2302

There is a free online version of word which I think is perfectly fine unless you need to use it offline. There's also Libre office.  IIWY I'd rule out the alternatives first - and give them a fair chance.

If you want to use Libre office I would suggest loading a reasonably complex document into the online version of word and see that the preview looks right. With OpenOffice on FreeBSD there used to be small differences, but I haven't checked this for well over a decade.

Vitor

Windows Defender is now far more than an AV scanner with real-time memory protection, protection for Windows kernel etc. By careful setting of Windows Defender and using Microsoft Edge's security settings to block malware etc. there's really no need to be concerned about vulnerability using Windows 11.

Heedtheadvice

No more comments to add re Windowz.

With Word etc to be used professionally you need to be sure of whether or not you will need to use docs, workbooks etc. that contain macros. If so you will need the full Office versions as the free versions can be slightly different and other equivalent apps ( that are generally good) can fall down when macros/coding is used within docs etc. You might never find out till you need the compatibility!

DUBVENDOR

I have a W11 machine after mostly using OSX . I feel that Windows has come on loads and is very easy to use and much more like OSX than ever .