Software

Microsoft Harm Reduction

Microsoft Harm Reduction

When Windows 7 came out I told my customers that Windows could be problematic but would serve them mostly well as long as they installed a good anti-virus. But with Windows 8, 10, 11, Office 365, and the sadism of OneDrive and Windows Update, Microsoft has gone off the rails. Aside from becoming an unreliable partner, they seem to be more in the way than leading the way. I suggest you consider them as we did AOL and start limiting your exposure to their products and your chances for harassment and random suffering. Eventhough just under 90% of the world still uses Windows PCs, this post is to plant the seed that you deserve better.

The days of exciting new software upgrades are long gone.  The best software does this: work smoothly and not be a pain in your ass. It should be invisible to you like your steering wheel.  

The dust and hype has settled and it turns out our computers only need to browse the net, play songs, gather an unmanageable amount of photos, watch movies, and send email.

Here is what I use, respectively: Google Chrome, iTunes, Google Photos, Media Player Classic or VLC player, and Gmail.

There is no rush here. I am presenting these suggestions as part of your long game. Not all of these strategies will be practical for everyone or easy to navigate. They are here because I believe that Microsoft’s trajectory will continue to make your life more complicated, not the less you should be seeking. Microsoft is an entity that hungers only for market share. If intuitive workflow and your routine get in the way, so what.

  1. When it comes to any Microsoft update or upgrade, if your computer works fine, don’t fix it. I promise you will only be left behind with the all those people whose computers still work. Wait until you are compelled to upgrade by something tangible, (like an evil step-mother forcing you or ISIS holding a family member hostage until you do, or maybe until “the power of Christ compels you”). An MS update will never make your computer run faster, usually the opposite.

Upgrades

Upgrades

If you frivolously upgrade software you are tempting fate. Upgrade only if you are compelled to do so, or if the company is less stupid like Google or Apple. Your antivirus upgrade is also fine, as long as it is free. You never need to pay for an antivirus that you can use for free. You do NOT need to be protected even more. Essentially, if it ain't broken don't fix it. Software updates are sometimes worse than the older one. It happens all the time. This is especially true of Microsoft operating systems. When a new one comes out, wait at least 2 years and then search online reviews of the operating system to make sure they haven't released another multi-million dollar loser, or call and ask me. Wow, I just realized that Windows 10 became popular in Early 2016. In the last year it seems mostly stable now, and Windows 11 seems a little better, so far. Microsoft updates are still more of a liability than a necessity in my experience.

If you did upgrade to Windows 10 and everything seems ok, I suggest you still backup any important data. Approach Windows 10 like you don’t really trust it with your important files.

In 2023, I am finally recommending you upgrade from trusty Windows 7.

Browsers

Browsers

Browsers -are the programs that allow you to interface with the internet.  The most common are Safari, Firefox and Chrome. Avoid Microsoft Edge as part on your ongoing goal of harm reduction. It’s just another product that Microsoft is phoning in to try and keep you normalized to their cynical business plan.  I recommend installing a couple (there are more to try). It just takes a few minutes. The reason to do this is because as web developers build new websites they also have to make sure that the content shows up and works correctly on all the major browsers.  Sometimes they don't succeed. I prefer Chrome or Firefox. Do some research. Do not try to uninstall Microsoft Edge. That is FORBIDDEN by your computer and meant to create problems if you try. Don’t be afraid to jump ship if any browser you are using becomes annoying.

Teenagers

Teenagers

I am not talking about your teenage son, but if some other teenagers are sharing your computer you should virus-protect that computer like it is the shared computer in the prison library. You can't stop the sun from rising, but you can wear sunscreen. Better yet, give them your old computer and buy one that only you use.  Also, installing more than one anti-virus causes problems. Just use one good one.

Antivirus

Antivirus

Anti-virus - You cannot just use any anti-virus program.  You must use the best at the time, and what is "the best" changes from time to time. You don't have to surf like a teenage boy to get viruses. No anti-virus prevents all viruses, but from year to year your goal is to install the one that is most effective that year.  The efficacy of these programs varies wildly, and some are even viruses themselves. Knowing someone who removes viruses all day long like myself or other reputable local computer repair people is the best way to keep current and stay protected. Do not trust Best Buy, Comcast, Century Link etc.  They strike huge partnership deals with large companies like Norton and Mcafee. Everyone makes money and you get a bogus program -- for free. Then you have to pay me to clean your computer later.

If anyone recommends Mcafee or Norton/Symantec write those people off as suspicious or confused. I could spend pages telling you all the ways these programs can screw up your computer. Suffice it to say this, these programs are bloated, slow, expensive, and get this, DON'T REMOVE THE VIRUSES!