How to Survive the End of Windows 7
On January 14, 2020, security updates will end for Windows 7. If you are still using this system, there are many questions to consider. How much will it cost to update to Windows 10? How old is your computer? Do you still need Windows, or are you thinking of switching to tablets, phones, Chromebooks or Macs?
Your computer will not suddenly die in January. You could hope that your antivirus and security software will continue to update, likely for another year, and that your web browser also stays up to date (which is more likely if you are using Chrome or Firefox.) The retail version of Windows 10 Home costs $140. If your computer is over five years old, you might do better to buy a new one. Or, alternatively, you could decide a tablet would meet your basic web and email needs and choose to switch to something simpler.
Private web browser mode, such as “Incognito” and “Private Windows,” seems to keep your surfing private from advertisers and marketers. But all it really does is reduce the amount of information stored on your computer about where you have visited online. If you use two or more different browsers, like Chrome, Firefox and Edge, you can dedicate one to random information searching, another to financial sites, and a third for Facebook or Gmail.
Fear is the best tool a phone support scammer can use to get your money. The best defense is to hang up, even if you think they are speaking the truth. Scammers will insist that others don’t know anything or that you can’t call the police if you value your computer or privacy. If you can break away from that call, you may find your common sense kicking back.
On January 14, 2020, security updates will end for Windows 7. If you are still using this system, there are many questions to consider. How much will it cost to update to Windows 10? How old is your computer? Do you still need Windows, or are you thinking of switching to tablets, phones, Chromebooks or Macs?
Your computer will not suddenly die in January. You could hope that your antivirus and security software will continue to update, likely for another year, and that your web browser also stays up to date (which is more likely if you are using Chrome or Firefox.) The retail version of Windows 10 Home costs $140. If your computer is over five years old, you might do better to buy a new one. Or, alternatively, you could decide a tablet would meet your basic web and email needs and choose to switch to something simpler.
Private web browser mode, such as “Incognito” and “Private Windows,” seems to keep your surfing private from advertisers and marketers. But all it really does is reduce the amount of information stored on your computer about where you have visited online. If you use two or more different browsers, like Chrome, Firefox and Edge, you can dedicate one to random information searching, another to financial sites, and a third for Facebook or Gmail.
Fear is the best tool a phone support scammer can use to get your money. The best defense is to hang up, even if you think they are speaking the truth. Scammers will insist that others don’t know anything or that you can’t call the police if you value your computer or privacy. If you can break away from that call, you may find your common sense kicking back.
Use Facebook Friends Lists to limit who sees you online, as well as to let you filter the content you share, create custom news feeds, and easily invite groups of relevant people to events. First, make different lists of some or all of your friends. Make sure you think of the different groups you want to share different information with and those you don’t want to see your activity. After logging in to Facebook, look on the left column for Friends Lists and make a custom list; then you can use that to change Facebook Chat. Open the chat window in the right-hand column of Facebook, click the settings icon (a gear) where you can turn off active status, and pick “Turn off active status for only some contacts…” Then pick the list of those you don’t want to see you.