Posted May 25, 2020 i am NOT tech savvy in the lightest - so i appeal to the experience of you all should you have any 411 that will steer me in the right direction. so my old computer is still on windows 7 and i am now getting posts that it is no longer supported... question to you all hobby folks - as we are all on sites where privacy is paramount and malware et all is hidden all over - and i mean not just this board:) what is the best set up to keep any computer i buy now safe - and i realize that is relative - so - as safe as it can be? I ran webroot recently and it seems ok - any 411 you can share is much appreciated while i 'upgrade my system' - thanks!!! 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 25, 2020 You can likely get a few more years use out of that computer. Even while MS doesn't make updates for Win7. Virus protection: I use the free version of Avast. Download malwarebytes so if you have problems you have it available. If looking to buy a new computer, you might consider using the old one for visiting any "questionable" sites you have concerns about. Keep the new one for banking/investment accounts. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 25, 2020 Number 1: Never click on links or download files unless you trust the source 100% Depending on how old the computer is you could upgrade it to Windows 10. Use a secure browser and maybe a VPN. I use Brave as my browser and have it set to delete all browsing history on exit. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 25, 2020 You can download and burn a live Linux CD, then boot from it. Nothing will touch your hard drive, no traces left behind. You would still need a VPN to hide from Comcast. https://www.pcsuggest.com/best-linux-live-distro/ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 25, 2020 2 hours ago, nevik63 said: Number 1: Never click on links or download files unless you trust the source 100% Depending on how old the computer is you could upgrade it to Windows 10. Use a secure browser and maybe a VPN. I use Brave as my browser and have it set to delete all browsing history on exit. In the past I have received emails with links from friends that Avast would block me accessing. Somehow the friend's emails were spoofed and being used nefariously. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 25, 2020 I recently upgraded a Windows 7 OS to Windows 10. I didn’t have any problems in the upgrade although some people have experienced blue screens I’ve heard. I agree that if you buy a new computer, keep the old computer for porn browsing and such. If you use the new computer for for porn browsing and such, make sure your virus and malware protection is active. I like the idea of the Linus disk. However so many new computers do not come with CD/DVD drives any more due to most software programs are subscription service oriented and you do not get disks for installing. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 25, 2020 1 hour ago, ilovewomen said: I like the idea of the Linus disk. Me too! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 26, 2020 After having my personal laptop become infected several times, I decided to get a separate "hobby" computer. I first tried a used laptop with a blank drive and installed one of the thousands of Android operating systems out there. Support and OS upgrades were spotty. And it became too much of a chore. So now, I got a Chromebook for a modest amount ($160 I think) and make sure I upgrade the OS religiously every time they offer it, and so far haven't had to worry about lack of support, upgrades, or security concerns. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 26, 2020 @Milos Vesely has the best cheap option. You’re now 2 OSes behind and hit the end of life on your current. You don’t need a VPN. You don’t need a new browser. And you can boot from practically any peripheral plugged into your computer assuming your BIOS allows for it. During the POST it’ll go through those devices in whatever boot order you have it in. USB, optical, HDD. Whatever order you want. But since you said you’re technically challenged and assuming it doesn’t draw to much unwanted attention a Chromebook is your best bet. If that’s not an option Avast! (The free version), Ghostery (a Chrome extension will block ads), Chrome running incognito if you’re hiding from someone at home. Just remember you’re on an old OS no longer receiving security updates. At some point the programs you’re running will likely also kill support. Most do current OS and 2 back. So you’re against a wall. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 26, 2020 Thanks everyone - if i can keep this old machine i will. I know it and it works for me. I'll look into the software mentioned above. The linus thing is beyond my comprehension:) And if i do have to get a new one, i love the idea of keeping this old machine for hobbying and watching european art films on the internet:))) Appreciate the 411. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 28, 2020 On 5/25/2020 at 4:25 PM, ilovewomen said: I like the idea of the Linus disk. On 5/25/2020 at 5:50 PM, pfunk said: Me too! Actually, the man considered to be the father of the Linux system is Linus Torvalds. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 30, 2020 I use Norton 360 daily and Fix Me stick once a month,together like that they work well. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 30, 2020 On 25.5.2020 at 8:24 PM, hornyoldtoad said: so my old computer is still on windows 7 and i am now getting posts that it is no longer supported... Upgrade to Windows 10. End of story. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 30, 2020 On 25/05/2020 at 7:24 PM, hornyoldtoad said: i am NOT tech savvy in the lightest - so i appeal to the experience of you all should you have any 411 that will steer me in the right direction. You could keep create a bootable USB stick (more portable than a CD) with lubuntu (light version of ubuntu)...you may be able to keep using your old computer for the next 3-5 years. Also as the others say, it doesn't leave a trace on your computer. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 30, 2020 Even though Microsoft wants to charge you for upgrading to Windows 10, you can still find legit free upgrades for 10 on the web from Microsoft ...and Microsoft will support the upgrade. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 30, 2020 53 minutes ago, ilovewomen said: Even though Microsoft wants to charge you for upgrading to Windows 10, you can still find legit free upgrades for 10 on the web from Microsoft ...and Microsoft will support the upgrade. How, where? 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 30, 2020 5 hours ago, BadBoy said: How, where? yes....where? 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 30, 2020 35 minutes ago, hornyoldtoad said: yes....where? Pretty much all the steps online follow this same path. “Free windows 10 upgrade” <- google that. Or pay the $100 for a new license and call it good. And in the future when Microsoft offers free upgrades to your OS because you have a paid version and you meet the system requirements do so. https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/ One major caveat on upgrading; Depending on the age of your current computer and the specs, upgrading may not be an option. Or it could make your user experience terrible as your system struggles to keep up so everything slows down. Feel free to hit me up if you have questions. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 31, 2020 Having a hobby computer inherently protects you from potential attackers reaching outside the scope of hobbying. Despite being behind in OS if you only use your hobbying computer for hobbying then your vulnerable only to loosing hobby data, which might be worth encrypting and backing up if you are worries about it. Ifyou are worried about privacy ensuring you use a VPN is the most important step really. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 31, 2020 I'll add it's always a good idea to update your OS just wanted to point out that having a hobby computer is a smart physical defense against that. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 31, 2020 3 hours ago, JoDoe27 said: Pretty much all the steps online follow this same path. “Free windows 10 upgrade” <- google that. Or pay the $100 for a new license and call it good. And in the future when Microsoft offers free upgrades to your OS because you have a paid version and you meet the system requirements do so. https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/ One major caveat on upgrading; Depending on the age of your current computer and the specs, upgrading may not be an option. Or it could make your user experience terrible as your system struggles to keep up so everything slows down. Feel free to hit me up if you have questions. Yep..that’s how to get the free upgrade to 10. Thanks for jogging my mind. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 31, 2020 If safety is the primary concern, you can also consider TOR. It's like a combination of secure private mode browser and VPN. https://www.torproject.org/ 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted June 1, 2020 Raspberry Pi4 kit, comes with a Linux image, tons of YouTube vid to guide on how to, and off you go for about $100. You may use any old usb keyboard, mouse and monitor or get a touch screen monitor for $30 . Literally the size of a cigarette packet, so easy to hide or have it out in plain sight and say honey it’s for a hobby. It’s a bit complicated for regular pc users so less chance of getting snooped around by kids or grandkids lol. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
