After 7 support runs out, I have a few Questions about Security

I plan on keeping my Win 7 64 bit my question is after the security updates stop and I turn off the updates. Will I be secure with just using my Zone Alarm Extreme Security and Malwarebytes for protection?

I really use my PC for email for browsing and email as well a rarely Word to compose...

For Email I use Gmail , Yahoo and Ameritech

I remember last year I did contact ZA and was told yes but I just want to double check here.

Also should I start backing up my drivers, or will I still get them from My Dell?

Had enough of the Bloat/Spywhere being forced om myself and I will not accept Win 10 and yes I have had it on a brand new Dell Alienware R8 PC, loved the PC but detested the 10-OS.and yukko

I did contact Dell and a few of the techs I spoke with had the same feelings about 10 but like they said they no longer offer any of the new or refurbished PC with 7 installed. So the PC went back...

Security is always relative. There is no such thing as absolute security.

Major AV suppliers stated a long time ago that the ability of their products to provide protection is compromised on an OS that is not receiving updates. They are all in the same situation. In recent years malware in all forms has become very sophisticated. Malware authors are well trained, highly motivated, and well funded professionals. Their goal is to evade the very best AV products with the latest updates on a fully updated OS. They often succeed.

Many Windows 7 users consider that if they are careful they will be reasonably safe. You will have to make your own decision.

I like this summarization. It aligns almost perfectly with my own point of view.

For home users, who often happen to be the only user on their own machine, where user-to-admin exploits and local-access exploits are not important, system updates will rarely matter if the users have good network-facing security (router and browsers).

All of this means that once the Windows 7 support ends, you will be able to continue using your box for quite some time. Most security issues will not necessarily be applicable to your day-to-day usage, and unless you do stupid things, they won't matter. If you do do stupid things, no security will ever help.

I think you'll be fine with ZA and Malwarebytes, but if you're still queasy you might consider adding Sandboxie to your security regimen. It's free now.

Drivers don't need to be updated unless there's a particular problem you're trying to solve. If they're working fine, leave them be. Download them from the OEM (sounds like for you that's Dell) and archive them in case you ever need to start over from a clean install. Other than that, don't go looking for problems where there aren't any.

Hi

dg1261 thats an excellent little quote.

Only other things i would add
Dissable IE11 - use another Browser
Get an open source Word equivalent

Roy

In 5 years of a new Windows 7 install I've only updated one fix for a time problem in my time zone. Using Eset antivirus and occasional check with malwarebytes and never had an issue. I do alot of downloading and live on the net so I'd say you're good.

I don't even use updates and guess what? No malware or hacking crap. It is a fallacy to say just because you don't get "updates" you'll fall prey to virus/hacking crap. I run a netbook that's on 24/7 that uses XP and it never got a virus or anything like that.

Use Sandboxie for your browser as mentioned and scan ALL downloads at Virus Total. You'll be fine. Don't be played by the update crap and thinking you need the latest OS from Micro$oft.

Just one more reason to leave well enough alone
Another patch-induced conflict: Transport Layer Security fails with error 0x8009030f @ AskWoody

Thanks all, again after using Windows 10 I will stick with 7

speaking of security, especially AV software, Malwarebytes will continue to support Windows 7, even past the Jan. 14, 2020 EOL date as they said so.


On the other hand, Microsoft's own MSE (MS security essentials) AV program will no longer protect Windows 7 users after 1/14/2020.


Quote from FAQ about Extended Security Updates for Windows 7:

Will Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) continue to protect my computer after the end of support? No, your Windows 7 computer is not protected by MSE after January 14, 2020. MSE is unique to Windows 7 and follows the same lifecycle dates for support.

those Win7 users who are still using MSE should now consider removing it and using another AV program (perhaps Avast/AVG, Malwarebytes, etc.) to secure their machines

What will the world do without MSE?


Goodbye Microsoft Security Essentials: Microsoft Now Recommends You Use a Third-Party Antivirus