Is Windows 7 the Last True Windows?

[ThinkPad560X]

I'm still getting updates for my IBM ThinkCentre A50p running Windows XP Pro. Just installed "Update for Windows malicious software removal tool May 2016, Update for Windows XP May 2016, Update for windows security essentials May 2016. I am guessing Microsoft gives out the updates to XP basic users still that are mainly for the governments paying Microsoft to update XP still.

[dr_st]

No, it's just that 'Malicious Software Removal Tool' and 'Windows Security Essentials' are considered separate products, and have their own support lifecycles. For example, if you had a newer version of Office (2007 or 2010) installed on your Windows XP system, you would still be getting regular updates for them through Windows Update.

[Puppy]

You can use the POS registry setting to get critical Windows XP updates. I use it on my both R51 and X31 without issues despite of Microsoft warning. I made system image backup after latest official XP updates so I can always revert back. It is still better to have these "unofficial" patches applied than nothing thought (and no, no AV software can prevent kernel based vulnerabilities, it is out of its control).

[coolcat37]

You can use the POS registry setting to get critical Windows XP updates. I use it on my both R51 and X31 without issues despite of Microsoft warning. I made system image backup after latest official XP updates so I can always revert back. It is still better to have these "unofficial" patches applied than nothing thought (and no, no AV software can prevent kernel based vulnerabilities, it is out of its control).

And you browse the web with that ? What AV are you running ?

[Puppy]

And you browse the web with that ? What AV are you running ?

No, these machines are too slow for web browsing because of limited GPU capabilities. The X31 is almost retired (I use the ThinkPad 8 tablet instead when travel) and R51 runs VLC for playing internet radio or acts as a jukebox. I discovered it is analog audio output has suprisingly good quality for a Hi-Fi amplifier.

I don't use any AV software, except built-in Windows Defender on Windows 8.1. On Windows 7 I don't use anything, it is useless anyway and there are also substantial conflicts of AV software and VirtualBox I need for my work. Once a month I run the Malicious software removal tool as a part of regular Windows Updates. I apply them immediately.

I always use limited user account (no admin with UAC on Windows 7+, just pure limited user account so I have to relogin as an administrator for admin stuff) with proper Software Restriction Policy settings. I believe it is more effective than any AV software and works from Windows XP (Pro only) to Windows 10. I use Firefox with all plugins disabled and no Flash Player of course Yes, there is still risk of a kernel based attack by downloading a "bad" image or rather font file. I am not sure whether any AV software can effectively prevent that.

[ThinkPad560X]

Will Windows 10 still try to install on my Windows 7 Professional machine if I have Windows updates completely shut off? I have had it off for the past few months "Never check for updates, Not recommended". Now I do go on and let it install updates and security updates manually, I always look for the Windows 10 recommended update or large GB downloads or KBXXXXXX files, It did download the annoying Get Windows 10 Free blip witch MS keeps trying to hide in a new KBXXXX file download, but so far no $Windows folders found on my PC. I even did the disk cleanup.

I do have the Windows 10 icon on my system tray that says Get Windows 10, witch is one of those KBxxxx files. I want it to be their the day Windows 10 Free ends and the blip comes up and says "All man you missed the Free Upgrade! but don't worry you can still get it for this amount"

I just didn't know if Microsoft would try and bypass Windows update completely and do it under a invisible update.
I know they are trying to get 3 billon devices on Windows 10 by when ever, So does that make it count for them if the machine got upgraded to 10 and then the person erases the drive to put back on 7/8. I think it said that those device/motherboard will be tied to a 10 key forever, So I'm guessing that counts in that 1 device to their 3 billon.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/3075729/ ... -risk.html

[erik]

Will Windows 10 still try to install on my Windows 7 Professional machine if I have Windows updates completely shut off?

No. Everything is a KB package and can be controlled as such. This thread on the Tech Report forum might be of interest to you: http://techreport.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=116439

[Puppy]

Will Windows 10 still try to install on my Windows 7 Professional machine if I have Windows updates completely shut off?

No, but your machine is seriously vulnerable (no AV software can help). You can just hide single KB update, it is enough.

So does that make it count for them if the machine got upgraded to 10 and then the person erases the drive to put back on 7/8. I think it said that those device/motherboard will be tied to a 10 key forever, So I'm guessing that counts in that 1 device to their 3 billon.

By doing the Windows 10 upgrade once your machine ID is registered on Microsoft license server so you can revert back to previous version immediately and install Windows 10 again anytime later, even after the 29 July 2016 when the free upgrade offer is over. I have done this step on all my machines to save the upgrade option for future use. I have also tested my backup/restore scenarios by this "dummy" upgrade

Unfortunately X220 is not supported by Intel (and there are issues) and Windows 10 tablet mode is still way too behind Windows 8.1 one on small 8" tablet. But I keep watching the progress.

[wisdomkeeper]

Yes, it is. Windows 8-8.1-10 GUI is terrible.

[coolcat37]

Yes, it is. Windows 8-8.1-10 GUI is terrible.

That's controversial.

[wisdomkeeper]

That's controversial.

No, it's not. The mixing of the classic and modern(metro UI) is creating such a unspeakable mess. Updates install slow, if fail, system crash is guarantied. You sign up and are volunteer for data collection.(better experience and classified advertising? Oh, really? But if I DON'T want?) What the heck? Microsoft account? No start menu? When you click on network icon, it brings you to the right side METRO style menu, but if you want to change the settings of the adapter, you need to open the "real control panel", not "system settings".
And this KBxxxx updated that just nags you the offer to upgrade to Windows 10..Unspeakable stupidity.
Aside from NT core improvements and some new technologies, everything else goes backwards. Seems like M$ didn't really realize that there are much more desktops and conventional laptops than tablets at this moment.
Objectively speaking I never had a problem with WindowsXP. No random blue screens. Blue screens most of the time are caused by drivers or hardware problems. No operating system immune to this kind of problems. I can do my work with Windows2000 as well as with Windows7 or 10.

[coolcat37]

That's controversial.

No, it's not. The mixing of the classic and modern(metro UI) is creating such a unspeakable mess. Updates install slow, if fail, system crash is guarantied. You sign up and are volunteer for data collection.(better experience and classified advertising? Oh, really? But if I DON'T want?) What the heck? Microsoft account? No start menu? When you click on network icon, it brings you to the right side METRO style menu, but if you want to change the settings of the adapter, you need to open the "real control panel", not "system settings".
And this KBxxxx updated that just nags you the offer to upgrade to Windows 10..Unspeakable stupidity.
Aside from NT core improvements and some new technologies, everything else goes backwards. Seems like M$ didn't really realize that there are much more desktops and conventional laptops than tablets at this moment.
Objectively speaking I never had a problem with WindowsXP. No random blue screens. Blue screens most of the time are caused by drivers or hardware problems. No operating system immune to this kind of problems. I can do my work with Windows2000 as well as with Windows7 or 10.

Don't you see all those 'problems' you describe are enhancements for your own good?

[RealBlackStuff]

Grow up, people!

[wisdomkeeper]

Don't you see all those 'problems' you describe are enhancements for your own good?

I see.. That's why I am really seriously considering to use Linux.

[erik]

I see.. That's why I am really seriously considering to use Linux.

Good luck with that. If it's because of privacy reasons then pay close attention to the distribution you run. Nothing free is private.

https://fixubuntu.com/

[wisdomkeeper]

Good luck with that. If it's because of privacy reasons then pay close attention to the distribution you run. Nothing free is private.https://fixubuntu.com/

Nothing free is private, but also nothing paid is private? Well, I really didn't mean Ubuntu.

[TonyJZX]

I personally wouldnt use Ubuntu either. Why would you use the worst of the Linuxes? Use Mint.

I dont mind Window 10 but I'm not a fan of the news icons and all the other social media and shop aspects but hey, Windows 7 will be supported for quite a while.

I really want an o/s to boot to a clean desktop and let me get on with it. Windows 10 isnt aimed at me I guess.

[hhhd1]

I see.. That's why I am really seriously considering to use Linux.

Good luck with that. If it's because of privacy reasons then pay close attention to the distribution you run. Nothing free is private.

https://fixubuntu.com/

From the website:

Note: This privacy problem only affects Unity. If you use GNOME or any other desktop environment, or if you run an Ubuntu derivative like Linux Mint, Xubuntu, Kubuntu, etc., you won't have this problem.

I do not think this is an issue, because this is a tablet OS/Interface, and not a real computer version IMO.

For desktop/laptops, you should be using 'UbuntuMate' or some variance of 'LinuxMint' or Debian/CentOS/RedHat, and there should be no problem.