Computer and other equipment questions

[vic120]

Be careful with downloads, especially from trusted sources like Adobe. Many times you will be given an option to install "X" along with the program.

Just say no . . .

This requires you to pay attention when downloading anything, including Windows updates. The more stuff you don't need but have on your computer the more chances you have to install a memory hog.

And be extra careful with software that SEEMS to be antivirus, offer to scan and clean your computer, etc. I never install free stuff on my computers. Greater chance of catching something you don't want.

ADOBE is exactly where this problem started

 

[LostDollar]

I am experiencing Malwarebytes as being a very rude and aggressive marketer if you do a trial of their product and then don't continue with it.

 

[FEX Quotes]

Lots of good advice here regarding Windows. However, if you are in the market for a new computer, I strongly recommend taking a close look at a Mac especially if you are an IPhone and/or iPad user. Most of the problems that are experienced with Windows magically disappear with the MacOS.

 

[Tahoe Ray]

https://cybernews.com/best-antivirus-software/malwarebytes-vs-microsoft-defender/

Is Windows Defender Good Enough in 2025? Full Guide

Windows Defender offers some great features, but is it enough to keep you protected? I compared it with top competitors on the market, and here are my results.

www.safetydetectives.com

Not trying to say that those sites are wrong but they both sell antivirus software for a living and the articles are full of affiliate links.

There isn't much money to be made on an article that just says, "yeah, Windows Defender is fine".

 

[somarco]

both sell antivirus software for a living and the articles are full of affiliate links.

Yup . . .

Personally, I have very little MS software . . . only the minimum to run some of my business software and forms for my CPA (who loves everything password protected Word & Excel docs).

Some of the govt sites (local & federal), banking and insurance sites have trouble with anything other than Windows.

As an old fart who started with DOS then begrudgingly transitioned to Windows at a time when only 6 people had an Apple computer it is either too hard (or I am too lazy) to learn a new OS and browser (other than Chrome).

Google sucked me in with free software while MS only offered programs I had to purchase and then buy newer versiona.

Likewise, I switched to MWB when Avast and Norton allowed some bad actors in.

 

[Tahoe Ray]

Yup . . .

Personally, I have very little MS software . . . only the minimum to run some of my business software and forms for my CPA (who loves everything password protected Word & Excel docs).

Some of the govt sites (local & federal), banking and insurance sites have trouble with anything other than Windows.

As an old fart who started with DOS then begrudgingly transitioned to Windows at a time when only 6 people had an Apple computer it is either too hard (or I am too lazy) to learn a new OS and browser (other than Chrome).

Google sucked me in with free software while MS only offered programs I had to purchase and then buy newer versiona.

Likewise, I switched to MWB when Avast and Norton allowed some bad actors in.

No point in using a new OS.

I had a Commodore 64 where you basically had to program the thing to make it work (with a manual of course).

I've been there but as I get older, most of the shit is just marketing. I just need my computer to run fast and smooth and only use a handful of programs. Almost everything is web-based now anyway (don't get me started on the stupid SaaS model but it is what it is).

The rest of the bells and whistles I'll leave up to my kids to tell me what I need (which I normally don't lol).