What should we do after January 2020

[Optiplex Owner]

Hi All, Figured I'd post an update after almost two months of running my Windows 7 x64 system with updates installed only until May 2017. So far absolutely no problems to report, no virus/malware issues, and no security problems. Still watching my system like a hawk for any signs of problems, and the only 'problem' has been great performance and nothing being broken by poorly coded updates. Today I've had two friends already with major problems with the December KB4523206 Servicing Stack update causing boot-loops and lock-ups that I spent all morning fixing over TeamViewer...........needless to say they have all updates disabled now lol. And my system just runs like a champ......

Other then seeing what happens with updates to Security Essentials after January, mostly seeing if the definitions file from Windows Defender can be downloaded somewhere and manually installed......other then that I plan on running this particular Windows install as long as I can. if Security Essentials can't be updated I will look into a third-party anti-virus solution.

Microsoft to end updates to Windows 7's free AV software, Security Essentials | Computerworld

 

[SIW2]

Thanks for passing on the info.

 

[Aardvarkly]

Hi All, Figured I'd post an update after almost two months of running my Windows 7 x64 system with updates installed only until May 2017. So far absolutely no problems to report, no virus/malware issues, and no security problems. Still watching my system like a hawk for any signs of problems, and the only 'problem' has been great performance and nothing being broken by poorly coded updates. Today I've had two friends already with major problems with the December KB4523206 Servicing Stack update causing boot-loops and lock-ups that I spent all morning fixing over TeamViewer...........needless to say they have all updates disabled now lol. And my system just runs like a champ......

Other then seeing what happens with updates to Security Essentials after January, mostly seeing if the definitions file from Windows Defender can be downloaded somewhere and manually installed......other then that I plan on running this particular Windows install as long as I can. if Security Essentials can't be updated I will look into a third-party anti-virus solution.

Microsoft to end updates to Windows 7's free AV software, Security Essentials | Computerworld

Good to hear your success with this particular install. I have been trying to find a source of it for weeks and being met with kind assistance but all too complicated to achieve. Still looking to buy a disk with it on.

 

[RoWin7]

error

 

[NoN]

Aardvarkly, thanks for the MSE info..

So far the latest Windows Defender virus definition is here for me KB915597 (v1.307.204.0)

Can't find in Microsoft Update Catalog KB915597 only the Windows Defender, but not sure of the upgraded software since it's Embedded to Windows 7.

Microsoft Update Catalog

 

[townsbg]

If M$ does with MSE what they did on Vista they will start nagging users to upgrade through the app. Those of us using it need to start watching for others reporting that issue and not update after such time if we want to continue using it nag free. I kind of doubt though that they would do that through definition updates but program updates. I'm surprised that they haven't done so already. If we do find a version without the nag we can stay on it however they will eventually stop the definition updates. Unfortunately third party developers will eventually stop supporting their AVSes on 7. Hopefully due to 7's user base that won't happen for a few years. IMO when virus software and browsers stop supporting 7 that's when it'll be time to jump ship or be extremely careful on the net. That's why I've starting testing linux on a secondary computer however so far that's been a nightmare.

 

[Hoggy Dog]

Please keep Windows Seven Forums Open

Bottom line for me is that I don't like Windows 10. I tried to like it but after 8 months, with forced updates being applied when I didn't want them, and essential security updates not being downloaded when I did, together with the removal of Windows Media Center which I use everyday, and that Windows 10 acts like a vacuum cleaner of my personal data which cannot be turned off, (you can hack the registry but Microsoft will always have control over what they install on a Windows 10 machine). It's easily the worst desktop OS I've used. I never felt in control of my own computer and returning to Windows 7 was like a breath of fresh air.

[,,,] Which leaves me the pleasant alternative of doing nothing and sticking with Windows 7. [...] I'm sticking with Windows 7 and I hope this forum will continue.

I came here to post essentially exactly this!


I have a newish laptop that came with W10 on it (there was no option for W7) and, although the laptop is great, I hate W10 so much that I haven't used it in over a year now, and I make sure all other machines on my Home LAN are completely powered down if I do get a wild hair and decide to use the laptop.


Windows 10 is a disaster in my opinion, I have absolutely no control over what my machine does, changes I make to my desktop to try to get rid of the widgets and ads are routinely undone without my knowledge or consent, and I can't easily shut off the stupendously annoying Cortana or Adriana or whatever its name is, and I am convinced that, despite my having disabled the mic as best I can given the (lack of) tools provided in W10, I have an uneasy feeling that my computer listens to everything that happens in my home. I have stuck a square of sponge-rubber tape over my mic hole to try to stop the eavesdropping (if any.)


MS has publicly stated that their vision for the future is Windows as a subscription service instead of a purchase, and W10 with its dearth of user controls certainly supports that dystopian vision... which is why they were, and still are, giving it away for free.

TL; DR: I hate W10 with a visceral passion and plan to stay with W7 for as long as humanly possible, i.e. until my 3 W7 machines' hardware dies and I am forced to choose another OS. Please do not cut this W7 forum off.

 

[bendipa]

You need to watch this video and this one.I think a lot of the fear about W10 is overdone, and as I found it's quite easy to get rid of the nuisances that come with it. You can even get it to look like W7.

 

[townsbg]

It's not just about the nuisances.

 

[Paul Black]

It's not just about the nuisances.

 

[bendipa]

It's not just about the nuisances.

So what is it about?

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

It's not just about the nuisances.

 

[TechnoMage2016]

You need to watch this video and this one.I think a lot of the fear about W10 is overdone, and as I found it's quite easy to get rid of the nuisances that come with it. You can even get it to look like W7.

That's 100% True. The old familiar "Classic Shell" is now being continued on by different parties, and they changed the name to "OpenShellSetup_4_4_142.exe".
It DOES have the ability to make Win-10 look like Win-7, but.... There are a bunch of tweaks and fixes that are easier to do in Win-10 mode.
Altogether, it takes me over an hour to do a full setup on Win-10, after it's installed.

Trying to set up Win-10 HOME, is a job I'd not want to wish on anybody. MS forces you to Set it up using either a MS Account, or your Name and email address. And you MUST use a password or Pin #.

Win-10 Pro, on the other hand will let you set it up without an MS account and even without a Password, if you wish.

If someone Gave me a new PC today, with Windows 10/Home on it, I'd wipe the HD and install Windows 10/Pro/64. All around it's just a much nicer version of Win-10.

Merry Christmas Mates!

 

[maxseven]

...Win-10 Pro, on the other hand will let you set it up without an MS account and even without a Password, if you wish.

Good to know; if I find myself stuck with getting a new W10 PC I will insist on getting it with Pro.

 

[TechnoMage2016]

Good to know; if I find myself stuck with getting a new W10 PC I will insist on getting it with Pro.

That might be possible, depending on where you would buy the PC. But all the consumer models, sold in the Big Box stores are coming out with Windows 10/Home/64 on them. (to the best of my knowledge) No choice.

But there are always options.....

 

[CarlSD]

Windows 10 Home will let you install and set it up with a Local Account. You do not need to provide a Microsoft Account or an email address. I've just done it a week ago with the latest W10 release - 1909.


The "secret", as I keep telling everyone, is to install Windows 10 with the PC disconnected from the Internet. When you get to a certain point in the setup, select "Continue with limited setup".


Doing it this way also avoids installing 'bloatware' like Candy Crush, Disney games, etc., you can also install all of your drivers (from the manufacturers' websites preferably) and adjust all your privacy settings, etc. before connecting to the Internet.


Something new that's appeared with 1909 when you eventually connect to the Internet - a blue box will pop up with with something like "Now you're connected, we can finish setting things up". Just click "Skip for now" and it shouldn't bother you again.

 

[maxseven]

OK then, back TechnoMage2016 are there any other benefits to Pro than the MS account thing, insofar as dealing with W10 ugliness?

 

[michael diemer]

My wife got a new HP notebook recently. The plan was to install Linux on it. I tried but failed. Either Windows 10 or HP was preventing it. I'm sure I could just wipe the drive and install Linux, but so far my wife seems to be adjusting, although she will not do anything security-vulnerable, just harmless (?) surfing.

I t took me many, many hours to render it at least somewhat harmless. Like disabling Cortana in the registry. With Linux, you install and start using with confidence. It is not spying on you (under the pretense that it's really about helping you, making your computer more personalized. So it knows your habits and tendencies...

Unless you love windows 10, or have to do something that absolutely requires it, stay with Windows 7. Or try Linux. You can also use both. Over time you will probably migrate to Linux most, or all, of the time.

 

[bendipa]

That's 100% True. The old familiar "Classic Shell" is now being continued on by different parties, and they changed the name to "OpenShellSetup_4_4_142.exe".
It DOES have the ability to make Win-10 look like Win-7, but.... There are a bunch of tweaks and fixes that are easier to do in Win-10 mode.
Altogether, it takes me over an hour to do a full setup on Win-10, after it's installed.

Trying to set up Win-10 HOME, is a job I'd not want to wish on anybody. MS forces you to Set it up using either a MS Account, or your Name and email address. And you MUST use a password or Pin #.

Win-10 Pro, on the other hand will let you set it up without an MS account and even without a Password, if you wish.

If someone Gave me a new PC today, with Windows 10/Home on it, I'd wipe the HD and install Windows 10/Pro/64. All around it's just a much nicer version of Win-10.

Merry Christmas Mates!

There's an easy hack for setting up a local account instead while installing Home (post #296), but obviously Pro is the one to use if you can. I reluctantly switched from W7 to W10 3 months ago, and as long as you're prepared to do some refining and tweaking of the system, I really don't see what all the fuss is about.

 

[msalton1]

There's an easy hack for setting up a local account instead while installing Home, but obviously Pro is the one to use if you can. I reluctantly switched from W7 to W10 3 months ago, and as long as you're prepared to do some refining and tweaking of the system, I really don't see what all the fuss is about.

Updates are problematic, but, amongst other issues, I don't like being the product, which includes data collection.