HOW TO Using Win 7 as safely as possible
1 INSTALL ALL AVAILABLE UPDATES
It’s vital to ensure that you have installed all the patches available before now. Open up the Control Panel and launch Windows Update (under System and Security if you are using Category view). Install anything and everything that’s available, and when you’re done, restart your computer before checking one last time for updates – these will be the last you receive.
2 SWITCH WEB BROWSERS
If you’re still using Internet Explorer, you really do need to move on. A serious vulnerability has already been found in IE under Windows 7, and Microsoft is not going to issue a patch. Google will support Chrome under Windows 7 until at least July 15, 2023, so you know that there will be security updates available until then. Head to www.google.com/chrome.
3 INSTALL VIRUS AND MALWARE PROTECTION
Keeping Windows 7 secure against malware is important. While many companies are starting to drop support for Windows 7, Bitdefender says it will continue to offer antimalware support for two years. You can download Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition from www.bitdefender.com/toolbox and rest safe that your computer will be protected against numerous nasties. 4 UPDATE ALL SOFTWARE
It is not just Windows you need to ensure has all available updates installed, but your other software too. Many applications will automatically check for updates when you launch them, but you may have to manually search for them. Alternatively, you can use Patch My PC Updater (a free download from www.patchmypc. com) to see if there are any updates you need.
5 REMOVE OUTDATED AND INSECURE SOFTWARE
If you’re still using Windows 7, you could still be using other old software, some of which may pose a security threat. Adobe
Flash Player, Adobe Reader, Java and QuickTime are all risky to one degree or another. Pay a visit to the Programs and Features section of the Control Panel to remove any of these programs if you have them installed – your computer will be instantly safer!
7 STOP USING WINDOWS 7 APPS
The apps and tools that are built into Windows 7 are also no longer supported by Microsoft. As such, they should be considered insecure and you should seek out alternatives. This means you should stop using the likes of Windows Media Player and Remote Desktop Connection, and look for substitutes. The website www. alternativeto.net is a great place to find inspiration.
9 BACKUP, BACKUP, BACKUP!
If you’re determined to stick withWin 7, it is imperative to have a good backup plan in place.While you can spend time copying files to an external hard drive, or use cloud storage, it is better to have an automated solution in case the worst should happen.Paragon Backup & Recovery CE ( www.paragon-software.com/free/ br-free/) is free, automated, and supports Windows 7.
6 USE A LIMITED ACCOUNT
It is a very bad idea to use the Administrator account for day-to-day tasks. Instead, make sure you are using a Limited account. Visit the User Accounts Control, click ‘Manage another account’ and then create a new Administrator account. Now click the icon for your own account, click ‘Change the account type’ and opt to become a Standard user.
8 MINIMISE TIME ONLINE
Windows 7 is at its most vulnerable when connected to the internet, so it is a good idea to keep its time online to a minimum. Where possible, it is advisable to use another computer – perhaps one belonging to a friend or family member – to download any files you need, and then transfer them to your Win 7 machine using a USB drive.
10 STRONGLY CONSIDER UPGRADING
Ultimately it is highly advisable to think about moving on from Win 7. You may be able to upgrade your computer to Windows 10 or 11, or you may have to buy a new machine. While you continue to use Windows 7, Microsoft will display reminders on your screen that the operating system is no longer supported – although you have the option of dismissing them.