Solved Need a browser for my refurbished Windows 7 Prof 64 bit Dell desktop

[Artjourneyer]

My new refurbished Dell Optiplex desktop came with the Windows 7 Professional 64 bit OS and it is working fine. I need suggestions of how to install an internet browser, since there isn't one in it and I can only download the programs I own from the internet. I could use either Google Chrome or Internet Explorer.

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hello and welcome:

Internet Explorer (IE) comes "built-in" to Windows 7.
If your refurbished computer has been fully updated with Service Pack 1 and all the necessary critical and important patches, you should already have IE11 (the only supported version of IE for Win7).

Firefox can be downloaded here:
Mozilla Firefox Web Browser — Download Firefox in your language — Mozilla

Chrome can be downloaded here:
Chrome Web Browser

To check about your Windows 7 version, click the round Windows "start orb" in the lower left > type "msinfo32" without quotes into the search box > click the "msinfo32.exe" link that appears.
You can post a screen shot of the window that shows your Windows version.

To check your IE version, you can click the IE desktop shortcut icon (or the taskbar icon) to open the program. Then, click the little "gear" icon in the upper right corner, then click "About Internet Explorer". It will say what version IE you have.

HTH,
MM

 

[MoxieMomma]

ALSO:

Your system specs say "none yet" for anti-virus protection.

Before you do ANY web browsing or download anything from anywhere -- except MS Updates via Windows Update -- I strongly suggest that you install at least a robust, real-time AV, either free or paid.
Surfing the net "naked", especially without real-time anti-malware and anti-exploit protection, is an invitation for a malware disaster.
There are many AV options these days -- each with fans/detractors and advantages/disadvantages.
But I would select something and install and configure it ASAP.

Just a friendly suggestion,
MM

 

[Artjourneyer]

Thank you so much

I installed Service Pack I and then I had Internet Explorer.

 

[cornemuse]

I use FirefoxPortable (FFP folder in C drive), no reg mods etc. Everythings there, , , (-> FFP)

Mozilla Firefox, Portable Edition | PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB, portable and cloud drives

( didnt like newer versions & use 29.0.1, works just fine)

(Copy to thumb drive = identical, minus newly saved bookmarks & cookies)

-c-

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi:

( didnt like newer versions & use 29.0.1, works just fine)

Thanks for that suggestion.

Please be aware that old, outdated versions of the desktop/Android/Mac/Linux "official" Firefox AND older/outdated versions of the "unofficial", portable Firefox are extremely vulnerable from a security standpoint.

It is NOT recommended to use older, outdated browsers (installed or portable, Firefox or any other browser). Doing so subjects the user's computer & data to unnecessary security risks.

If the GUI/UX of the current version of Firefox is not pleasing, there are many extensions and add-ons that can be used to restore the "old" appearance and features. Doing so would be safer than running an old, vulnerable version.

Cheers,
MM

 

[cornemuse]

Not to be sarcastic in any way, but, windows, at any level is vulnerable to some degree. This computer is running XP Pro right now. Last virus was running W98. Mozilla makes 'retro'ing a royal pita. I installed/setup os as I prefered & cloned it to another (this) drive & stored it away. Problems?? Clone original to (where-ever). Stuff changed/added (<- ie Firefox change to firefox portable, etc.), needs setting up, but bulk of preferences are already there.

 

[MoxieMomma]

Hi:

Nothing can 110% bombproof today.
But it makes sense to me to take common-sense, "best practice" precautions to reduce one's security vulnerability as much as possible.
Keeping one's OS, browsers, applications and security perimeter updated seems logical and timely.

Running outdated browsers (especially open-source browsers where the bad guys know the holes) on an EOS/EOL OS does not make much sense to me and it may not be a good idea for other users.

Of course, no browser or security app or combination thereof will protect 100% of computers from 100% of badness 100% of the time.
The first & last line of defense is always the part between the keyboard and the chair.
And each user must make the risk:benefit calculation for himself/herself about what to run and how to run it.

For the benefit of less advanced home computer users who might read this thread, I merely pointed out the "best practice" of keeping one's browser updated to the current, most secure version and the fact that running older, unsupported, insecure versions increases exposure.

That is all.

Cheers,
MM