At least 100 million PCs still run Windows 7, one year after support ended

[captaincranky]

Except you won't be able to update browsers forever on Windows 7, as they won't be supported... nor will your antivirus... eventually, you'll need Win 10...

I guess we'll cross that bridge while grabbing our ankles when we come to it.

 

[terzaerian]

I guess we'll cross that bridge while grabbing our ankles when we come to it.

I just love a good compound metaphor.

 

[comnut]

Many AV products and browsers still promise years of support for win 7 - as long as there is demand for it.. Ignore the *****ic shills!!!
Only upgrade path is linux...

 

[thelatestmodel]

ER!! it's an OLD system, no more updates, no more patches, and even the 'hackers' don't bother, or are young enough to not know about it!!!

It looks like I am with 'captaincranky' If it works, DON'T fix it!!!

Consider the 'automobile' -- first was 1769, gasoline in 1885.. Electric cars have been around since the early 1900's.. not much has changed...

Sorry but this betrays your lack of knowledge of how most attacks actually work.

It's not a "hacker" looking for your system, it's going to be a bot scanning for unpatched systems. And the longer you continue using an obsolete OS, the more likely it is that you will be vulnerable and will be compromised.

Networked computers aren't "if it works don't fix it". Zero day exploits ensure that that analogy does not apply to computer security. Patch your systems, or eventually you'll be at risk. That's just the way it is.

 

[captaincranky]

Sorry but this betrays your lack of knowledge of how most attacks actually work.

And your lack of knowledge as to how dependent on your own computer you are is disturbing.. M$ is steering you to 10, by inducing "security histrionics".

FWIW, I don't keep financial information on my computer, I make all my credits cards send me paper statements. which I check thoroughly. When I need to spend big money, I'll spend it over the phone, (a landline), with companies I've done business with for decades.

My credit is locked with all 3 major credit bureaus. I'm not stupid enough to click on questionable emails.

Any software I use, is either legitimately free and clean, or purchased, but definitely not stolen or cracked.

I spent one night arguing with some member about how I missed my big chance to get Windows 10 for free".

Guess what, Windows 10 was never free. If you had to surrender a Windows 7 or 8 license worth a $100.00, how on earth could Windows 10 possibly be "free".

Take off your shoes & socks, try counting it out, and get back to me on that..

Networked computers aren't "if it works don't fix it". Zero day exploits ensure that that analogy does not apply to computer security. Patch your systems, or eventually you'll be at risk. That's just the way it is.

If I understand the term, "zero day exploit" correctly, it means a "brand new exploit, heretofore undiscovered". And well, if it hasn't been discovered yet, your system can't be patched against it, period. (Windows 10 or otherwise).

 

[thelatestmodel]

If I understand the term, "zero day exploit" correctly, it means a "brand new exploit, heretofore undiscovered". And well, if it hasn't been discovered yet, your system can't be patched against it, period. (Windows 10 or otherwise).

You haven't understood the term.

I'm obviously not talking about "pre-patching" against zero days. That is impossible.

Zero day exploits ARE generally patched as soon as they are discovered - IF the product is not end of life. If it is end of life, then it will never be patched and will always be vulnerable to that exploit. That is why we patch. That is why Microsoft and Apple are trying to steer you to newer OS versions.

No self-respecting security professional runs an outdated OS except in their lab. Not one. Please listen to people who know the tech.

 

[captaincranky]

You haven't understood the term.

I'm obviously not talking about "pre-patching" against zero days. That is impossible.

Zero day exploits ARE generally patched as soon as they are discovered - IF the product is not end of life. If it is end of life, then it will never be patched and will always be vulnerable to that exploit. That is why we patch. That is why Microsoft and Apple are trying to steer you to newer OS versions.

No self-respecting security professional runs an outdated OS except in their lab. Not one. Please listen to people who know the tech.

So listen, I have a computer I've been using as a DVR. It doers hook up to the web, because I haven't logged out of the wi-fi. I used the web to update the program guide But since decided to cut that out, (along with now making you pay for Media Center), do you think I should rush out and put Windows 10 in the machine? I mean maybe a zero day exploit might change the channel on me while it's recording. I'm a skeered o' dat...

I have another computer with XP, I use strictly for searching out "erotic art". Gee whiz, I better get Win 10 on that baby, ASAP.

I mean, what the heck would happen if it got infected? What could I possibly do? Oh wait, I'd reformat it.

Whether you choose to recognize it, or admit it., even free AV programs address, "zero day exploits". In fact, the two I'm using update daily.

You've made it apparent that you know everything to know there is about computer security, and, like a close associate of yours, you have to have the last word.

I don't claim to be, a self respecting security expert", just a hobbyist with good common sense. Windows 10 is garbage, aimed at fortifying M$'s monopoly in the marketplace, along with culling user data, and in conjunction with component manufacturers, introducing planned obsolescence into the hardware aspect of the business..

As soon as 10 was introduced, all of a sudden, every new mobo, and CPU would, "now longer be fully compatible any other OS but Windows 10".

And that amounts to slipping the ring into every user and buyer's nose from that day forward.

You wear it well.