Kaspersky Apocalypse!

Self | 9/19/'24 | Zionist Conspirator

[Zionist Conspirator]

A little earlier this evening I was sitting at my computer reading something when suddenly a program I had never heard of suddenly popped up on my screen. It seemed to be an antivirus, and since I've had Kaspersky Free for years (and been very satisfied with it) I didn't need a new antivirus. So I attempted to remove it. I thought I did. I didn't.

After "removing" the new unwanted antivirus program I noticed my Kaspersky shorcut icon had disappeared. Oops! I clicked on the new one again and sure enough it still worked, so I attempted to create an account and check it out.

It didn't make any sense. I couldn't see a "scan" option anywhere. And worst of all, my new account was marked "premium" instead of "free." Apparently this new program didn't even have a free version at all--just a free trial.

So I duckducked "Kaspersky" (I don't google) and found it, but when I clicked on it it took me to the new program, saying "Welcome to all Kaspersky users!" So apparently that ban on Kaspersky has hit me at last. Daggum it.

So I removed it for real and am now just relying on good old Windows Security. I am currently running my first Windows Security full scan, which apparently is going to take about a week to finish.

Anybody else have this happen to him? Any recommendations for a free antivirus program to replace the deeply missed Kaspersky?

The idea that someone out there can yank one of my programs and replace it with one he has chosen (and make it a premium, at that) seems to me absolutely inexcusable.

[ConservativeMind]

Bitdefender Free

[Mark]

I had a similar program. I just went to - program files and deleted the program.

[roving]

I use defender. I also have SuperAntiSpyware. That got rid of a nasty program

[rarestia]

Win7 has been out of support for a while. You have bigger issues than AV. I can tell you with certainty that Win7 can be compromise regardless of AV or antimalware.

[PAR35]

They are sunsetting Win10 next year, so it will be as out of date as Windows in a few months. And you probably won’t have to worry about Win11 and its spyware, as they make folks buy a whole new computer to run it unless you’ve bought a new machine in the last couple of years.

So unfortunately, you will miss out on the Microsoft feature to continuously copy your screen content for their own purposes. The feature is called “Recall”.

[ansel12]

You have to buy a computer that can run recall and choose to run it, it isn’t an update.

[FlatulusMaximus]

I’m not familiar with Kaspersky’s AV, but I recently was having issues with Vipre interfering with things. I was advised by someone I trust to go with Defender and uninstall Vipre. My problems disappeared, and Defender seems to work well. I understand your preference, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use Defender (with Win 11, in my case).

[ducttape45]

That depends on how it's used and what it's used for.

Do I use W7 for internet banking, financial matters, that kind of stuff? No.

Do I use it because Adobe Acrobat 10 and Photoshop CS5 are my preferred Adobe programs for PDF and picture files and they work better under Windows 7, as well as other programs I use? Yes.

The newer operating systems all suck, they're all subscription based now, and I actually own my programs and they are much simpler to use.

In the end, though, it all boils down to this: Windows 7 was created to be controlled by the user, but everything afterwards was created to be controlled by corporations. I will never that happen, and when I get to the point where I don't need either O/S I will migrate to Linux and completely cut ties with Microsoft.

[yetidog]

Avast free turned into an unexpected autopay $119.00 annual charge in my Paypal account. The fine print notes this charge but I still don’t know how they got my CC number. Charge is under protest/decline payment with my CC company. Watch out.

[ansel12]

I’ve been using them and recommending them for decades, no problems.

Did you ever use the pay version or give them any information?

[daniel1212]

In the end, though, it all boils down to this: Windows 7 was created to be controlled by the user, but everything afterwards was created to be controlled by corporations. I will never that happen, and when I get to the point where I don't need either O/S I will migrate to Linux and completely cut ties with Microsoft.

Yet, with the help of of safe and free enhancements, you can improve Windows despite MS defaults and upgrades when not efficient.

There is Open Shell, download Open Shell (click on Releases>Latest on middle right side) to replace the mobile device W/11 start menu, and there is Explorer Patcher that restores the Windows 11 taskbar to be exactly like Windows 10, while Windows 7+ Taskbar Tweaker (I am using the beta ver.) provides more customization.
Then there are the over 200 tweaks available in Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4 and now there is Ultimate Windows Tweaker 5 for Windows 11 from the Windows club.

Add to this the many Winaero features of the Winaero Tweaker

Add to this is Right-Click Extender (add items to many right click menus),

Thanks be to God for such, may it all be used for what is good in His eyes.

[ducttape45]

I already use many of the items you mention. But still, behind the curtain, Microsoft still lurks. I also like to keep my O/S as simple and uncluttered as possible, so I keep all of the possible tweaks in my W10 install to a minimum.

As I would tell the IT folks where I used to work, "I like things the way I like them. Simple, straightforward to the point "simple." That's why I use what I use the way I use it.

[minnesota_bound]

Do any of the following:

Throw Computer Out Window
https://tenor.com/search/throw-computer-out-window-gifs

[tanstaafl.72555]

Linux. That is all.

[Zionist Conspirator]

So . . . I'm still the only person this has happened to?

They're forcing everyone off Windows 10? That's the one I use! Why can't they leave things alone? My computer can't run Windows 11, and I don't know if I can afford to buy another computer.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[NorthMountain]

Posting this comment from a Windows 10 machine. Yes ... I periodically get an “offer” of upgrade to Windows 11. And I decline it. Every. Single. Time.

So far, Win10 is still working just fine.

[dhs12345]

There are more modern ways to protect yourself.

Virtual Box and Linux. Both are free and you can delete “your computer” in Virtual Box after a few weeks of use and reinstall a “new computer” in 15 minutes. Do this periodically and it will minimize your risks. It should flush all tracking bots every time you delete the computer.

[Zionist Conspirator]

Posting this comment from a Windows 10 machine. Yes ... I periodically get an “offer” of upgrade to Windows 11. And I decline it. Every. Single. Time.

I get those offers too, but I get a message saying my computer isn't equipped for Windows 11. Besides, I don't even know how to load an operating system. I'm sure I'd goof it up.

So far, Win10 is still working just fine.

Same here . . . but for how long?

[NorthMountain]

but for how long?

aye ... that is the question.

At this point, I know that I will outlive that particular computer for a very long time. Win11 is giving me all manner of reasons to not want it. I have a Linux box ... I'm not quite ready to make the transition, though.

[NorthMountain]

I haven’t tried such things, so I can’t responsibly speak of them.