What do I need for security as new user of Win10?

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Old Windows 7 computer totally died and had to replace now have Dell windows 10 with so many choices and learning many new problems.  Is there a help for a basic beginner????

Used custom built kit for windows 7 machine and used it well for 15 years.  Am a retired photographer at age 84 years.  Miss windows 7 and ease of use!!!!!@!!.

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I have used the built-in Windows Defender in its various incarnations since it was first released and have continued with Windows 10. My system has never been compromised. Monthly I have Defender perform a full scan. I also use the free version of Malwarebytes approximately monthly as a second opinion. Then at least every other month I pick one of the major aid third party security vendors who offer a free online scan. I feel that gives me adequate real-time protection plus full scans as I deem necessary. I do not feel any need to pay a third party.

Any other system settings I pretty much leave alone. What you do will depend on how you use your system, what your online activity is, and if visit any risky websites.

NOTE: a good, tested system image backup regimen is a MUST as far as I’m concerned.

--Joe

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Oldtimer35, bbearren

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One of the first things I consider doing is to get a good hosts file. It is a text file that you put at C:Windows\System32\drivers\etc.

My bias, is to use Steven Black hosts file. It blocks bad web sites (via URL Haus) and third-party ads ( via MVPS HOSTS file) all in one hosts file. It is available via the Steven Black GitHub (https://raw.githubusercontent.com/StevenBlack/hosts/master/hosts), save the text file and insert into the above location {rename or replace the existing hosts file}.

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Oldtimer35

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https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/

Also, I got rid of those start menu tiles right away and use openshell   https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-use-open-shell-as-your-windows-10-start-menu/

Hope these are useful. I really miss ole win7 too!

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Oldtimer35

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Most features that Windows 7 had – control panel, disk cleanup, screen resolutions, etc, exist in Windows 10, but the place to find them has changed.  By right clicking on the start button and by browsing the settings app (click start menu, then gear) you can find many again.  But some users will find it easiest to use the search box that the start menu, control panel, and settings app all have to search for a keyword related to the setting they used to use.

Some simple tasks like copying a file in (file) explorer can be confusing in Windows 10.  The menus are very different.  But, if you use the keyboard shortcuts you used to use, most of them still work – ctrl-C, X, V and A for example.  And many of the right click menus will be similar.

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Oldtimer35

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The above mentioned hosts file is changed and updated on a regular bases, and you can see the date of the latest update on the file comments.

Going from Windows 7 to 10 can be different. One is accessing the Control Panel (so you can add admin and standard users, see below). I click on the Start menu and type Control Panel, it should show up. I right click on Control Panel and Pin to the Task Bar. {Hopefully I am right, I am not on Windows 10 right now.} I do this for all my favourites since they are not on the menu like Windows 7.

I use a number of defenses, defense-in-depth, hoping if one defense fails another defense succeeds. These ideas apply to Windows 7, 8.1 and 10. I am going to be general and more   details can be provided from people reading this:
1) set up admin accounts (2 accounts; one as a backup in case I locked out one) to install and maintain the PC {ie. copying the hosts file} and standard account for everyday usage {I disable the built-in admin account and built-in guest account}
2) anti-virus / anti-malware as already mentioned
3) use admin account to updated software
4) Firefox and Chrome browser; there are pros and cons to each
5) DNS on PC and router
6) Windows 10 Firewall Control – blocks Internet access beyond Windows 10 Firewall
7) firmware on other devices: modem, router, printers

There are a multiple items here and I hope this is enough get-started detail, and not over-whelm you with too much information. You may already know some, or all of it.

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