Once stops being patched, stick to using a Standard account for your day-to-day activities if at all possible. Admin accounts give baddies the keys to your computing kingdom. If you’re blasted by malware, it can only do as much damage as the account it infects. “Barring being purely disconnected, if there’s a single tip that could make any Windows PC more secure, it’s this: Stay away from administrator accounts. Follow this pro tip from our old Windows XP safety primer: Hackers can’t hack what they can’t touch.
(Norton still works with Windows XP, even!) Batten down the hatches SQBack / Getty Images Be sure to check your chosen program’s Windows 7 support cycle before you buy, though. Again, check out our guide to the best antivirus to see all the security product’s we’ve tested. Norton Security Premium is the best pick for most people right now, but you have options. If you’re running an unsupported operating system, investing in a rounded-out security suite is money well spent. Modern security suites do much more than antivirus alone, protecting you against phishing, malicious ads, browser and email attacks, and more. While you can cobble together an arsenal of free security tools, we recommend buying a premium version if you’re still running Windows 7. Most security suites will continue to support Windows 7 for a while, and our guide to the best antivirus suites for Windows can help you find your best option. That expired version of McAfee that came with your computer isn’t going to cut it.Īn activated version might, though there are better options. Now that your operating system won’t receive security patches it’s even more crucial to run protection on your PC. Yes, Windows Security Essentials is dead too. The free antivirus that Microsoft offers for Windows users works great for most users, but it won’t receive updates now that Windows 7 is end-of-life.
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Install antivirus software Rob Schultz / IDG
#Windows 7 no wifi option update
Many standalone programs offer an option to update automatically to newer versions as they’re pushed out. They’re in their twilight years.Īudit all your installed software, including browser plug-ins. Kick Flash and Java to the curb and only install them if needed. I was able to live my online life surprisingly well without them seven long years ago, and it’s even easier today, though it’s hard to replace some of the meatier features in Reader. Java, Flash, and Adobe Reader are commonly targeted as well, so make sure they’re up to date if you need them.