Question How do Windows 7 users prevent viruses?

[TheFlash1300]

If Windows 7 is no longer supported and is now no longer a secure operating system, how do people, who use Windows 7, protect their privacy and computer from viruses?

 

[thx1138v2]

MalwareBytes for me.

 

[Gamefreaknet]

Most "well known" antivirus programs will be constantly updated to protect against viruses on any systems so installing one should work. (This would also apply to the Free versions although paid will cover more and offer more options most of the time)
Free: https://www.techadvisor.com/test-centre/software/best-free-antivirus-3649231/
Paid: https://www.techradar.com/uk/best/best-antivirus

 

[USAFRet]

If Windows 7 is no longer supported and is now no longer a secure operating system, how do people, who use Windows 7, protect their privacy and computer from viruses?

Don't click on stupid stuff.
The various 3rd party AV tools work on Win 7, and get updates as always.

 

[geofelt]

Most viruses and malware enter through social engineering.
Email scams and nasty links.

There are antivirus apps for windows 7.
Use windows defender if you can install it.

 

[Math Geek]

win 7 is not just all of a sudden wide open like folks pretend it is. it is not getting feature updates but it still gets the same security updates that win 10 does. win xp still gets them as well and it has been "unsupported" for a very long time.

it's all about smart pc usage. every OS is unprotected to viruses if the user allows them in. win 10/11 is no exception. be smart and you don't even need any anti-virus. i have not run anything on my pc in over a decade and have NEVER had a virus or malware or whatever. just have to be smarter than the folks trying to infect you.

i do a ton of risky stuff all the time but keep it controlled in a VM i can wipe if i need to. but for my daily driver i just engage in safe habits and nothing to worry about. still use win 7 and don't plan on stopping until i move to linux full time.

 

[hotaru.hino]

win 7 is not just all of a sudden wide open like folks pretend it is. it is not getting feature updates but it still gets the same security updates that win 10 does. win xp still gets them as well and it has been "unsupported" for a very long time.

From https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/tr...s-7-eos-faq/windows-7-end-support-faq-general (emphasis added)

As defined in the policy, after the Extended Support period for a product ends, Microsoft no longer publishes updates or security updates for that product.

Any updates after the support period was due to extraordinary circumstances that forced their hand, such as the WannaCry ransomware patch for Windows XP. Any security updates made for an unsupported OS also specifically target the flaw, it doesn't fix anything else that isn't a side effect of fixing the flaw.

 

[Math Geek]

i am aware of what the site says. i am also aware of how it has gone in reality for the last decade or so.

 

[hotaru.hino]

i am aware of what the site says. i am also aware of how it has gone in reality for the last decade or so.

Considering that the update catalog has a handful of security hotfixes over the past 8 years since Microsoft dropped support for XP compared to say the monthly "Patch Tuesday" fixes we get on supported versions, I'm pretty sure the reality isn't "unsupported versions get the same security updates as Windows 10."

 

[mollyvaynerchuck]

I am also using Quickheal on one of my Windows 7 PC, and it is working fine. Else you should upgrade to Windows 10 or 11 if you have important information in your system. Otherwise there is nothing that can prevent you if you are connected to the internet.

 

[[MotoPete]]

If Windows 7 is no longer supported and is now no longer a secure operating system, how do people, who use Windows 7, protect their privacy and computer from viruses?

By not downloading pornography, pirated material or opening email links informing us that some long lost Nigerian relative has left us their fortune... that's how! 😅