going back to 7

[gordie]

Hey guys dumb question here tried W10 but didn't like it miss 7 if I were wipe my drive reinstall 7 whats best security due to no updates or maybe a paid antivirus or vpn or just think about Linux OS

 

[flavallee]

gordie:

All of my full-time PC's dual boot with Windows 7 and Windows 10.

In Windows 10, I use its built-in antivirus app.
In Windows 7, I use Microsoft Security Essentials 4.10.209.0 because it's light-weight and very user-friendly.

In both operating systems, I use these free security apps for scanning for and removing any malware, malware, etc. that may appear:
AdwCleaner 8.2.0.0
Malwarebytes 4.3.0.98
SUPERAntiSpyware 10.0.0.1220

There are many antivirus apps and security apps out there, so it's a matter of personal choice what you use.

 

[RolandJS]

Malwarebytes 4.3.0.98 - if 3 or 4 slows down W7, go with Mb AM 2.x, a guru in here told that works for him.

 

[mmmabear]

I do not want to go through learning Windows 10, even with Classic Menu to help me along. This setup requires a minimum of updates from Microsoft and hums along just fine for my needs. Perhaps this could be an alternative solution for you, gordie.

This is my Windows 7 "forever". I used tools that restored my OEM activation. At the time I did mine, I was still able to get some files from Windows Update. I have also kept copies of all of the updates listed here, in case I ever have to do it again. I think they are still at the Microsoft store.

After trying various firewalls and AVs I finally settled on keeping Windows Firewall and installing WiseVector StopX. I've had no major problems. I realize that eventually some websites and programs will stop working with 7 someday.

I am seriously thinking of picking up another laptop at my local pawn shop and trying Linux again. The odds are I can find something newer than the Toshiba I'm using now. ( Which I got at the pawn shop and it was a bit of an upgrade from my HP Laptop.) I don't want to go through dual boot hassles again.

Rebuild — Windows Update (December, 2020) | Canadian Tech

Edit: Of course, I also made a System Image of the "clean" setup so as not to have to start from scratch, in addition to regular images at least once a month.