What does windows 7 support life cycle ending in 2020 mean

According to Avecto's "Microsoft Vulnerabilities Report 2016", W10 had the most reported vulnerabilities of any version of Windows by a huge margin (50% more than W8.1).
Note:
I assume they mean new vulnerabilities.

Avecto notes that Windows 10, dubbed the most secure operating system ever by Microsoft, had the largest total number of reported vulnerabilities of all supported versions of Windows. Windows 10 was affected by 395 different vulnerabilities, compared to 265 for Windows 8.1 for instance.

https://www.ghacks.net/2017/02/23/no...lnerabilities/

Logically, W10 has to be less secure, because using the default configuration/settings allows the OS and built-in Apps, to constantly chat with random servers all over the Internet.

Ads delivering malware are a problem on the Internet, so I'm anticipating that we probably start hearing about issues with W10 (in the next few years).

1. As long as AV vendors keep releasing updates and you don't constantly use your PC logged in as Administrator, you should be safe from most stuff (except scams).
2. If you also run <censored> and <censored> blockers in your browser, you have another layer of protection.

If you are truly paranoid about malware, you'd use the steps above AND run a Linux Distro, as Windows OS exploits shouldn't run.
I also suspect that the people writing Linux exploits are specifically trying to get into Internet Backbone servers, not desktops.

I don't see how any current OS can provide more than basic "save you from yourself" protection though.

johnhoh said:

why do you say that?

Because I've used both extensively. Try it :)

Hi,
Win-7 rules :)

Reading through some of the posts in this thread I'm starting to think that the forum's minimum age limit, Of 13 years old is not working

If people have nothing useful to say it's best they say nothing

honnybee said:

I don't want to upgrade due to the spying issues

Here is how to beat Windows 10 into submission, and give Microsnot a kick in the teeth:


BIG DISCLAIMER HERE!!!! BACKUP YOUR HARD DRIVE, MAKE SURE SYSTEM RESTORE IS ON!!!
Because the video shows you how to do the other things I have already done, my
First advice.... FOLLOW the instructions in the video posted later in this thread.... THEN:

"Some of you were "forced" into WinX, some upgraded because they wanted to, but either way, Microsnot has control.

TAKE CONTROL BACK!

Here' how to STOP Automatic Updates from randomly updating your computer, OR updating your computer at all:

GOTO: START, then type in "Services" (no quotes). This will bring up your SERVICES console.

In your services console, STOP, and DISABLE the following services by RC (Right Click) on the service you wish to stop, then LC (Left Click) "Properties".

These are the services you'll want to stop and disable:

"Background Intelligence Transfer Service" *FIRST*.



This service is required for Microsnots Automatic Updates, to access your computer remotely.


Then:


"Windows Update".


Then:


"Live Updates".

You may not get the STOP option for Windows Update. If this is the case, RC on that service, LC "Properties", then DISABLE. After a few reboots, the service will be stopped. There is a way to completely remove this service, although, it's ill-advised/not recommended, unless you're COMPLETELY comfortable with screwing around with windows.

NOTE! If you have updates in the queue, you'll have to wait until the updates are applied for this to work. You have to wait until automatic update, is "sleeping".

I KNOW this works, because I'm going on 8 months, and no WinX updates...... So far.


DISABLE EDGE PERMANENTLY!

If you want to disable EDGE completely......

Download a free program called "Unlocker" (Link, further down).

Install it, let it install with defaults (explorer extension, etc.). This program will unlock ANY file. It's easy to use, and even if you're a n00b, very safe to use. Not difficult.

GOTO: the "C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe" folder.

In that folder, you'll see two executables with blue "Edge" icons.
MicrosoftEdge (Application)
MicrosoftEdgeCP (Application)

Right click (RC) each one of those. "Unlocker" should be in your RC menu. LC "Unlocker".

"Unlocker" will ask you what you want to do.

Choose "rename". You may want to use Edge later.

Rename each file to something like "MicrosoftEdge1.exe" and "MicrosoftEdgeCP1.exe"

Click on "Rename" to confirm your action.

Do this with both files.

THEN: go back up to, "C:\Windows\SystemApps".
RC the "Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe" folder.

Choose "Unlocker" once again, and rename same as you did with the executables.

Close out, and return to your desktop. You'll see a blank on the taskbar where Edge once was. RClick on that, and "Unpin from Taskbar".

REBOOT.

You're done! No more edge.

KILL CORTANA!

This works for CORTANA also, Here's how to do it:


Rename the "C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy" folder with Unlocker.

Unlocker will prompt you to REBOOT. Do so.

Indeed! It completely removes Cortana... BUT, you lose your search function. You'll have to download and use IObit Start menu 8, or Classic Shell, to get the basic, Win7 search function back. A small price to pay to keep your PRIVACY, IMHO.


If you use Spybot Anti-Beacon, simply disabling Cortana may suffice for you.


Here's the link for those:

Classic Shell

http://classicshell.net

IOBit Start Menu 8

http://www.iobit.com/en/iobitstartmenu8.php

Here is the link to get "Unlocker":

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/unlocker.html

And in case you missed it in the video, here's the link to SpybotAntiBeacon:

https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/

*NOTE*:

You also lose your fast boot if you shut down through Start Menu 8. You must Ctrl, Alt+Del, and shut down from the Task Manager screen. STILL, a small price to pay."

THIS is the video I'm referring to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1kGMCfb2xw

He misses a bit of stuff, but still, a good video.

The following will be the results of this work:

Locked down WinX, with basic Win7 search function.
Completely disables both Edge, and Cortana, 100%
Completely STOPS Automatic updates, until you re-enable the services you shut down.
You can still Fast-boot.
Still stable.
Faster than ever.