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Windows 10 has become dangerous to use on the internet
Doomsday for Windows 10 has arrived: namely the day on which its support with security updates ended. Windows 10 is dead; only off-line use of Windows 10 is still safe.
Strangely, like happened with earlier dead Windows versions, some antivirus companies still continue to supply new updates for antivirus applications for Windows 10. It's like a hardware store that says: the government won't repair the dikes anymore, but we'll continue to sell buckets and rubber boots....
It's extremely important that you're not running Windows 10 anymore, now that its support has ended. At least not when you're connected to the internet. It's highly likely that criminals will infect your computer with malicious software. Aimed specifically at weaknesses in Windows 10.
It's the ideal time for launching such attacks: it's a sitting duck, because its security flaws will never be repaired!
Antivirus software and other malware protection by third parties, are only able to provide a partial defense against this onslaught. Because the source code of Windows 10 is closed, so that other companies have insufficient possibilities to provide patches themselves.
Don't wait for trouble, but take action now!
In short, this is your best option: switch quickly to an easy and free (no cost) Linux.
Explanation: you have roughly three options:
Option 1. You install a user-friendly free (no cost) Linux, that does get security updates.
Disadvantages:
- This will cost you two hours, for installing and tweaking/tuning.
- You have to get used to Linux (which in the case of Linux Mint Xfce, is a small thing: it's pretty straightforward and looks a lot like Windows 7).
Option 2. You install a legal copy of Windows 11 on the old Windows 10 machine.
Disadvantages:
- Windows 11 has considerably higher system requirements than Windows 10. Therefore your computer might become a lot slower.
- The user interface of Windows 11 is different. This takes getting used to.
Option 3. You buy a new computer with a pre-installed Windows 11, and you do away with the Windows 10 machine in an environmentally responsible manner.
Disadvantages:
- You have to pay a lot of money.
- You have to get used to Windows 11.
So option 1 is the most attractive one for a lean purse. Apart from that: it's a nice chance to get to know Linux for a bit!
And what's more: what have you got to lose by trying Linux? If you can't get used to Linux, you can always simply go to a store and buy that new Windows 11 machine, after all....
OK, but which Linux?
Some Windows 10 machines are of course elderly. That might limit the choice, because the system requirements of most Linux varieties have increased over time.
The best choice for weak Windows 10 machines is probably the lightweight Linux Mint 22.3 Xfce, which will receive security updates until May, 2029. It's complete out of the box and has a menu that resembles Windows 7.
Note: You can create a bootable USB stick with e.g. Balena Etcher. You can even burn it on a DVD; note that burning the iso file on a DVD, must be done in a special way.
Your Microsoft Office may have died as well
Support with security updates might also have ended for your copy of Microsoft Office. Check that regularly! In case it has ended, you'll have to buy a copy of a newer version of Microsoft Office, which still receives security updates.
Or you can download a free copy of the excellent Libre Office, which is a complete and fine replacement for Microsoft Office. Libre Office is available for both Windows and Linux. In Linux, Libre Office is usually present by default (like it is in Linux Mint Xfce).
Take action now
Finally: don't wait, but take action now!
Install Linux alongside Windows 10 (dual boot), so that you can always choose what operating system to boot.
That way, you'll still be able to use Windows 10, albeit offline. That prevents loss of productivity, tensions and irritations. For all online tasks you can then use your new secure Linux.
Want more tips?
Do you want more tips and tweaks? There's a lot more of them on this website!
For example:
Firefox: improve it
Chrome: tweak it
Libre Office: tune it
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