Windows 10 on an old computer: the anti-malware dilemma

Self-tutoring about home computer use: the tutor shares thoughts about malware protection with Windows 10.

Typically I use three computers, all Windows 10. Two are new, bought within the past year, while one is from 2017. I mention the old one in yesterday’s post.

The two new Windows 10 computers are equipped with Norton 360. They are zippy so can handle the overhead. The computer from 2017, on the other hand, is much slower, and seems to struggle with new software. For instance, it runs much better since I uninstalled McAfee from it (once again, see yesterday’s post.)

That just leaves Windows Defender, the on-board anti-malware software, protecting the 2017 computer. Is that enough? It’s easy to find no and no as answers. The conclusion is that I’m at risk, using the 2017 Windows 10 computer with just Windows Defender. So, am I worried?

I’m not worried about that computer having only Windows Defender protecting it, for a couple of reasons:

1. I don’t do any banking on that computer.
2. I don’t visit any questionable sites on that computer.

As I see it, a boring old academic like me, who’s surfed the ‘Net since the mid-90s and doesn’t really go anywhere new, is unlikely to encounter a hazard that’s a novelty. My understanding is that Windows Defender is decent at detecting ‘old’ threats; where it may fall down compared to specialized anti-malware like Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender , or Kaspersky (or numerous others as well) is against new ones.

DISCLAIMER: I’m mentioning the ideas above as my own perception, not facts. If someone wants recommendations, I say this:

1. Don’t use a computer more than three years old, because past that age, it may struggle under new, potent software such as anti-malware.
2. Equip your PC with the latest version of one of the dedicated, celebrated anti-malware suites such as Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, or Kaspersky. Both the new computers here use Norton 360, for instance.

I find this issue fascinating and plan to follow up. Meantime, stay safe:)

Source:

pcmag.com

safetydetectives.com

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.