Still using an older laptop? These 3 security steps are essential
· pcworld.com · popularity 20/100 · 0 similar stories today · Consumer Electronics & Hardware (Technology & Consumer Electronics)
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Summary
Tech is expensive these days. AI data center for demand hasn’t abated, and word on the street is that RAM and storage will continue to be pinched through 2030. Ouch. If you’re like me, you’re probably making do with your current gear—even if it’s considered old by pre-AI-apocalypse standards. It’s a smart move financially, but you shouldn’t just keep plugging along as you always have. Without some smart tweaks, you leave yourself open to danger online. But doing just these three things will ensure your faithful devices will continue to be protected while online. 1 – Use a current operating system PCWorld Back in the day, aged PCs could technically run new versions of Windows, but they didn’t always run well. With Windows 11, they’re actually shut out completely. Meanwhile, Windows 10 still is getting security updates for now, but its end-of-life is coming in 2027—so anyone still on it is on borrowed time. If this is you, you’ll have to switch alternative operating system. ChromeOS is usually the first option I recommend, as most people only ever their laptop or PC for web browsing. This OS is very lightweight—running it on 10+ year old machines can make them feel as fast (if not faster) than brand-new Windows 11 PCs. But if your laptop isn’t supported or has hit end-of-life for ChromeOS (boo), you’ll have to turn to Linux instead. It has a wide variety of distros, with some more feature-rich and others lightweight. You will have to become more proficient at understanding how to configure and update your system, but it’s a trade of time for money. (There’s always a cost: Here you either pay in money for a new Windows laptop, or with time to learn Linux.) 2 – Keep your apps updated VLC / PCWorld You might assume that if your operating system is current and updated, then the rest of your system is fine, too. But if you haven’t looked at your apps in awhile, they may be out of date—and thus vulnerable to an attacker. Unlike on mobile devices, PC apps don’t usually self-update. They may notify you of a new version, but you have to actively download the file and then install it yourself for most software. It can be easy to ignore popups that remind you to do so. Also, as a corollary: You should also remove unused apps and browser extensions from your PC. In addition to potentially improving system performance, doing so is a wise safety precaution. Legitimate software is gradually becoming a vulnerability— it can become compromised after being vetted as safe. In a world where necessary security certificates aren’t always up to date (see: Secure Boot ), unused apps can become an entry point to more dangerous hacks of your PC. Uninstall them and you remove that possibility. 3 – Secure your data PCWorld These days, theft isn’t just for physical objects. Data arguably is as sought after—maybe even more so, depending on the source. Encryption helps protect your files and private info, but if you set up your laptop long ago, it may not be turned on. If you run Windows, the minimum is to have device encryption turned on. (This is the only option available to Home users.) I prefer BitLocker , which is available through the Windows Pro version . You get more control over setup, and also have more ways to save your recovery keys. Regardless of which type of Windows encryption you use, save a copy of the recovery key outside of your Microsoft account. It’ll save your butt if you ever have to recover the drive or move it to another system. Day-to-day, locking down access to your PC also prevents stolen data. At the very least, choose a solid password or PIN. If your laptop is very old, or you have a desktop PC, you can simplify login by adding accessories that support biometric login, like a Windows Hello-compatible webcam or a fingerprint reader. It speeds up getting into your account, while still being secure. Final consideration Misha Feshchak / Unsplash Sometimes, tech can become too ancient to keep upgrading. On PC, this is less of a concern—the Linux community is very passionate about maintaining and supporting older hardware. Other devices like e-readers may end up dead in the water, but not a huge risk if you keep them offline. (You’d add and remove books through a computer, if still supported.) You can also try to repurpose smartphones and tablets as completely offline music devices, photo displays, etc. But for devices like routers and NAS units, which require constant security updates to stay safe online (and are useless if kept permanently offline), you’ll have to let them go. Without those security updates, you’ll be a sitting duck for exploits. It’s not worth it.
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