Windows 7 expiry

tazwhoever
tazwhoever Posts: 1,326 Forumite
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in Techie Stuff
As Windows 7 wouldn't be supported by Microsoft from January 2020, the updates, etc will be stopped. I know I can still use my PC but at risk.

I always had and will continue to use my Kaspersky Internet Security up to date. I also use uOrigin to block ads.

Is it safe to use my PC with antivirus program or do I need to look for new hardware (PC or Laptop)?

Thanks
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Comments

  • couriervanman
    couriervanman Posts: 1,667 Forumite
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    Why not try the free win 10 update
  • bouicca21
    bouicca21 Posts: 6,513 Forumite
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    The computer used by a charity I’m involved in is running windows 7. It’s already slow so updating to windows 10 is not an option.

    We are similarly wondering whether to jettison it or if we keep it how to protect it from viruses. It isn’t used much but is nevertheless essential.
  • forgotmyname
    forgotmyname Posts: 32,551 Forumite
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    Windows 10 will have a low spec install also. 1Ghz CPU and 1GB or 2GB of RAM.

    Had no issues running on a 12 year old PC.
    Censorship Reigns Supreme in Troll City...

  • EveryWhere
    EveryWhere Posts: 3,249 Forumite
    bouicca21 wrote: »
    The computer used by a charity I’m involved in is running windows 7. It’s already slow so updating to windows 10 is not an option.

    We are similarly wondering whether to jettison it or if we keep it how to protect it from viruses. It isn’t used much but is nevertheless essential.

    You likely just need to fit an Solid State Drive to replace the old and slow Hard Disk Drive. Even if the PC is around twelve years old,

    Don't you see the posts here from people who have done so and are very happy with the result?
    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=6075290&page=2#26 is someone who has just done so with a nearly twelve year old PC, for the total cost of around £30 for a 240GB SSD and extra RAM.
  • mksysb
    mksysb Posts: 354 Forumite
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    You could install linux on it. There is a very good article on the vivaldi website explaining why, and how to do it

    https://vivaldi.com/blog/replace-windows-7-with-linux/
  • bouicca21
    bouicca21 Posts: 6,513 Forumite
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    ;
    EveryWhere wrote: »
    You likely just need to fit an Solid State Drive to replace the old and slow Hard Disk Drive. Even if the PC is around twelve years old,

    Don't you see the posts here from people who have done so and are very happy with the result?
    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=6075290&page=2#26 is someone who has just done so with a nearly twelve year old PC, for the total cost of around £30 for a 240GB SSD and extra RAM.

    I have read through that thread and am thinking of getting my courage up to have a go. Might experiment on my own desktop too - it’s a PC specialist one with something odd about it, as the free windows 10 upgrade was difficult and it doesn’t like the latest windows 10 update.

    It will be a while before I go into the charity office. I think the computer there is a Lenovo (it is a laptop).

    In the meantime could someone point me to a set of instructions for how to fit an SSD? Is it possible on a laptop? As I remember it, the charity laptop has minimal RAM and a slow processor. If we can save money by installing an SSD, I want to go for it. Ditto for my own desktop. Equally I am not tech savvy and have no practical skills, so instructions have to be idiot proof.
  • tazwhoever
    tazwhoever Posts: 1,326 Forumite
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    I have Dell 530s bought in 2008. Last year, I put extra RAM (total 4GB) and SSD 500 GB.

    I heard you can't install Windows 10 as it's old PC, but too sure. Thats why I'm asking IT experts here.

    Sorry, I'm asking whether I should continue to use Windows 7 with current antivirus or dump it and buy a new PC or laptop?

    Thanks
  • dipsomaniac
    dipsomaniac Posts: 6,739 Forumite
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    you have nothing to lose by installing win10 and see how it performs
    "The Holy Writ of Gloucester Rugby Club demands: first, that the forwards shall win the ball; second, that the forwards shall keep the ball; and third, the backs shall buy the beer." - Doug Ibbotson
  • mksysb
    mksysb Posts: 354 Forumite
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    tazwhoever wrote: »
    I have Dell 530s bought in 2008. Last year, I put extra RAM (total 4GB) and SSD 500 GB.

    I heard you can't install Windows 10 as it's old PC, but too sure. Thats why I'm asking IT experts here.

    Sorry, I'm asking whether I should continue to use Windows 7 with current antivirus or dump it and buy a new PC or laptop?

    Thanks
    What are you using it for? No need to throw it away, just put linux on it. You have nothing to lose as it's free. I suggest xubuntu or manjaro. No need to run any antivirus either as linux is a secure operating system.
  • ThemeOne
    ThemeOne Posts: 1,471 Forumite
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    You shouldn't carry on using Windows 7 - it's not just the viruses, you'll find as time goes by Windows 7 is less and less able to run newer software, simply because due to lack of updates it will lack the components to do so.
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