2020 Windows Security solved with non-administrative user account for internet?

[ConfusedArtist]

Hello, I am choosing to stay on Windows 7 after Microsoft ceases to provide security patches. I have read that I can create a non-administrative account for internet browsing, to avoid risk of harm to software and files. Is this true? If so, how would I set it up? Would it protect credit card transactions and passwords? Will it protect against ransomware? Can I run Windows 10 (or Linux) on a non-administrative account and keep my files safe on a administrative account with a Windows 7 OS? How do I know my current account is administrative?

Sorry for the cluelessness but I use my PC for graphic design and illustration, and some video editing, (and internet stuff), and I am embarrassingly ignorant about computer topics. Thanks for your help!

[jmarket]

You can protect Windows 7 by using a good 3rd party commercial security suite, something like Bitdefender or Kaspersky which would help to protect you from malware including ransomware, and give some protection for credit cards etc, but the best bet for you if you wish to keep windows 7 is to remove that pc from the internet. Microsoft (for most users) not supporting Windows 7 means that whatever you do now will become more vulnerable. Changing accounts will not protect you, It really is time to move onto a modern operating system like Windows 10.

Moving to Windows 10, keeping it updated, and using a security suite as above, and practising safe browsing, will give you maximum protection.

I dont have a Windows 7 pc here to show you a picture but if you go into users you will see who is admin or not

[ConfusedArtist]

You can protect Windows 7 by using a good 3rd party commercial security suite, something like Bitdefender or Kaspersky which would help to protect you from malware including ransomware, and give some protection for credit cards etc, but the best bet for you if you wish to keep windows 7 is to remove that pc from the internet. Microsoft (for most users) not supporting Windows 7 means that whatever you do now will become more vulnerable. Changing accounts will not protect you, It really is time to move onto a modern operating system like Windows 10.

Moving to Windows 10, keeping it updated, and using a security suite as above, and practising safe browsing, will give you maximum protection.

I dont have a Windows 7 pc here to show you a picture but if you go into users you will see who is admin or not

OK, so the problem cannot be solved with another user account. I thought that sounded too easy. What about creating a virtual machine running Linux, and then use the internet with that?

(I just cannot take a risk that my older software is going to get disrupted by a switch to Windows 10. I would lose at least one critical software that is not available for Windows 10. I upgraded systems on a mac laptop years ago, and that created some software glitches in Photoshop that never went away, and I cannot afford to have to deal with that right now. Also, I am concerned Windows 10 would slow my machine down.)

[jmarket]

Please no need to quote previous posts…

Creating a virtual machine running Linux, or vice versa is pretty messy for every day tasks and you are still going to have to install your software in that virtual machine.

Windows 10 will not slow your computer, on the contrary it may and probably will make it faster. Very Very few software that wont run on Windows 10, and I’ve yet to find any. Can’t help with anything Mac related, and software issues with a Mac are not related to anything Windows.

Why not get hold of a Windows 10 machine and try your software on it before deciding it wont work?

[ConfusedArtist]

I have another question, not sure if i should start a new thread. I installed Kaspersky Free Anti-ransomware and now videos will not play on the internet. Also, it takes a very long time to shut down the PC. I posted a question to the Kaspersky forum, but I am wondering if you know how to uninstall this? I tried uninstalling and it did not work. It said it was uninstalling but half an hour later there was no indication of anything happening on the progress bar.

I do not have access to a Windows 10 machine. I wish i could try your suggestion.

[Malnutrition]

You should be able to remove it with this, it won’t uninstall cause the drivers wont unload sometimes.

Kaspersky removal tool.

If anything remains after, then use this. - PC Hunter
Geekuninstaller.

[phillpower2]

Any update ConfusedArtist?

[phillpower2]

Any update for us? This thread will be closed if not replied to within 48hrs.