Windows 7 no longer supported

[highwayman274]

As suggested (above), I have opted to try Ubuntu 18.04.1 using a "live", bootable USB stick.

I had only two issues to overcome.

The first was configuring the BIOS on my Dell Vostro laptop to "Boot" from a USB port. I had to use the F12 key at startup to open the BIOS, and then enter the Setup menu to change the way my computer comes to life. I ended up setting a boot-order starting with USB, then the CD/DVD Optical Drive, and then the Hard Drive. That way if I screw something up, I can still use my Windows 7 CD's to fix or re-install Windows.

The second issue was with my display resolution. I typically run windows at 125% of normal size, because it makes everything easier for me to see/read. Unfortunately, when I installed Rufus to create the bootable USB stick, I could not see the entire screen (the lower 20% of it was cut off . . . and that is where the "Start" button was). After restoring the display to 100% size in Windows, and rebooting, I was able to get on with the task.

The Ubuntu website has very straightforward instructions for downloading the ISO file using Windows, how to download Rufus and create a bootable USB stick, and how to try-out Ubuntu without actually installing the software on your hard-drive.

I followed the instructions, and everything worked as predicted. My display, keyboard, mouse, etc. all worked without any problem, and my WiFi network was recognized, too. After a simple log-in to my WiFi I was able to surf the web using Firefox.

I'm not sure if my live USB stick is "persistent" and will allow me to download and install the Chromium or Google Chrome browser, but I will give it a try.

For the time being, I will experiment with Ubuntu on the live USB stick.



I really like their "bionic beaver" . . . but, hey, I am Canadian (LOL).

Some useful links:

Home page for the download:

https://ubuntu.com/desktop

Try Ubuntu before you install it:

https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/try-ubuntu-before-you-install?_ga=2.4870970.847105786.1579554874-117102069.1579554874#0

Create a bootable USB stick:

https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/tutorial-create-a-usb-stick-on-windows#0

Addendum:
- I completed the Linux Ubuntu 18.04.1 install today; completely erasing my old Windows 7.
- Had no problem with the install, and have since loaded the Google Chrome browser, and imported all my bookmarks/favorites.
- Now exploring the many embedded features (like screen-shots, etc), and the dozens of available apps.
- This ought to keep me busy for many days.

[GTHOP3]

I plan on using Windows 7 for the foreseeable future. As long as Firefox and my anti-virus continues to be updated, then I'll be ok. Throw in some Malwarebytes scans and I'm not too worried about it.

[buttsie]

In option 2 is a bypass that might allow access to on going security updates

Option 1: Switch to a supported version of Windows
Option 2: Stay on Windows 7 for a while longer
Option 3: ESU (Enterprise and business only) - see post 26 for another paid option
Option 4: Switch to Linux - 4 options linked

14/1/2020
https://www.ghacks.net/2020/01/14/wi...-your-options/

Another option is to use a bypass that was detected recently. It is still up for debate whether Microsoft will find a way to disable it. Basically, what it does is enable ESU (enterprise) updates on systems that have not joined the program.

7th/12/2020 - direct link in the comments section
- you have to join their forum to get it

https://www.ghacks.net/2019/12/07/so...pdates-checks/

[GTHOP3]

Originally Posted by buttsie

In option 2 is a bypass that might allow access to on going security updates

Option 1: Switch to a supported version of Windows
Option 2: Stay on Windows 7 for a while longer
Option 3: ESU (Enterprise and business only)
Option 4: Switch to Linux - 4 options linked

14/1/2020
https://www.ghacks.net/2020/01/14/wi...-your-options/

Another option is to use a bypass that was detected recently. It is still up for debate whether Microsoft will find a way to disable it. Basically, what it does is enable ESU (enterprise) updates on systems that have not joined the program.

7th/12/2020 - direct link in the comments section
- you have to join their forum to get it

https://www.ghacks.net/2019/12/07/so...pdates-checks/

Definitely 0patch might be something worth looking into.

https://0patch.com/pricing.html

As long as the pricing is reasonable (and not the outrageously expensive Enterprise licensing that comes with Micro$oft's Extended Service program), then this looks like something that home users can use.

[buttsie]

Originally Posted by wimbo77

I put Windows 7 Pro in my old tower that used to be XP Home and have never had any trouble at all. I avoided that blue screen of death bollocks in early 2019 because i kept automatic updates disabled plus i don't use Internet Explorer, only Firefox and Palemoon. Everytime i look on askwoody he gives them a bad defcon rating most of the time.

askwoody.com gets its reports of issues from everyone

From single users to companies running hundreds of work stations

One bad automatic update to a single leisure user is an annoyance

To a business its time & money being lost

Automatic updates - for those with nothing to lose

Windows updates with the known issues encountered fixed - good

3 years ago manual updating for W7 went MIA for 4 months

2016 from June to October
http://vintage-erotica-forum.com/sho...1&postcount=70


I guess the bottom line is Windows updates are just a part of your overall security
not everything...having said that

3rd party security software wont help one iota if you take too many silly risks online
Surfing through random sites is like phishing for trouble

Just imagine if todays browsers had a plugin nightmare like java & adobe flash dealt out
unpatched systems would be sitting ducks..In all likelyhood something will get compromised sooner rather than later and start the process all over again.

[burpman]

Originally Posted by buttsie

In option 2 is a bypass that might allow access to on going security updates

Option 1: Switch to a supported version of Windows
Option 2: Stay on Windows 7 for a while longer
Option 3: ESU (Enterprise and business only)
Option 4: Switch to Linux - 4 options linked

14/1/2020
https://www.ghacks.net/2020/01/14/wi...-your-options/

Another option is to use a bypass that was detected recently. It is still up for debate whether Microsoft will find a way to disable it. Basically, what it does is enable ESU (enterprise) updates on systems that have not joined the program.

7th/12/2020 - direct link in the comments section
- you have to join their forum to get it

https://www.ghacks.net/2019/12/07/so...pdates-checks/

There is also a way to purchase a legitimate/valid ESU as a single seat through a small company that is sponsoring it. The cost is approximately 63 USD per machine. So you have three options: micropatching, hacking or buying a legit ESU.