Using Windows 7 After January 14, 2020

I understand that it is recommended to update to the latest version of windows as support will end for 7. All of my computers already have Windows 10 except my Mom's computer who still is running windows 7.

She mainly uses her computer for checking her email and browsing the web but does not go to any dangerous websites purposely. I have put Thunderbird 68, Firefox 71, and whatever the latest version of chrome is. I also have MVPHost file on her system. Microsoft Security Essentials and MalwareBytes free.

We will obviously upgrade her PC soon. She does not use the PC everyday. I feel kind of stupid asking this question as the right answer is (buy a new computer), however; I am sure there is an understanding as to why I am asking this question.

What measures should I take? I am going to put ZoneAlarm Free on her system. Is that good enough?

 

With MSE and Malwarebytes already on it, I see no reason for ZoneAlarm.

Buying a new computer is one answer, but if it is not too old, just buying a $100 license for Windows 10 may be enough. Have you checked for W10 drivers?

I wonder why the move to W10 has not already happened. If there is a concern about the learning curve, I certainly understand that. I note for a one-time purchase price of just $5 for a lifetime license, I use and recommend Start10 which brings back the familiar W7 Start menu and desktop. Something to think about. You might put it one of your computers so you can see how it works. It has a free 30 day trial period and I can confirm it uninstalls thoroughly too. I use Start10 on my two main systems, and W10's own menu on my other systems. I have found it pretty easy to switch back and forth. And while I've been a computer geek almost forever (since the early 70s), I am also almost 68 so I, like most old folks, get set in my ways. Start10 satisfies that.

Other than that, MSE will continue to receive signature updates after W7 support ends. And if she gets into the habit of regular supplemental scanning with Malwarebytes just to make sure her system is clean, she will probably be okay - at least in the near future. But again, every day after Jan 14th will be a gamble.

It should be noted that W7 will not suddenly become insecure. The problem is, nobody knows when a new vulnerability will be discovered that bad guys can exploit. It could be January 15th, or it could be a couple years down the road.

 

Thanks for providing me with the information. To answer some of your questions: The computer is a Gateway FX6860. The latest version of Windows compatible was Windows 8 which I failed to take that upgrade opportunity maybe some time in 2014. I tried the Windows 10 Anniversary Update a year ago on the FX6860 and it froze at 40% so I just gave up.

 

Thanks for the advice looks like MSE and Malwarebytes is good. I WILL WAIT FOR THE FIRST WINDOWS 7 VULNERABILITY TO HIT!!!!!!

 

Speaking of MSE, is Microsoft going to continue to release updates for Windows 7 users?

In today's security-conscious web, makes one wonder if financial institutions and commercial sites will eventually refuse to let customers sign-in with Windows 7 in the not-too-distant future.