No recommendations; this is what I do. (Retired info-tech)Well, it finally happened. My company locked down some things, so I can no longer use my USB drive with all of my files (bills, investments, etc.) on my work computer.
So, after nine years without, I am in need of a basic laptop for home use. Without exaggeration, the only things that it will ever be used for is Gmail, Excel spreadsheets, downloading an occasional PDF such as an insurance policy, online banking, bill pay, and investment sites such as Vanguard or my company 401(k).
I hear that these days, laptops with Windows come with Microsoft Defender built in and no other antivirus or protection is needed. Is this true? Do I need to do anything to activate it, or is it basically plug and play? Just have common sense and don't download stupid stuff or go to sketchy websites?
I will need Microsoft Excel. What's the best/most economical way to get that these days for home use? I see there are free versions, monthly subscriptions, and "lifetime" purchases. What makes sense here? I'm assuming there's a catch with the free versions. I just need to be able to have files on my USB drive.
Thanks for any knowledge. It's been a while.
I recently bought this high quality laptop: Latitude 5540 Win. 11 Pro Laptop; it was $1708 out the door. I added a larger hard drive/memory, etc.
I see that the base model is under $1K. https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-co ... rectTo=SOC
Is Defender OK? Yes, it's all you need.
I also pay $37.44 a year for 1-3 seats of Malwarebytes. It takes over for Defender.
Am I talking out of both sides of my mouth? Yes. We used Malwarebytes so much when I was working that I can't give it up.
Excel? Microsoft 365 for $69 a year. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microso ... 5-products
Again, no recommendations, that's just what I do.
Statistics: Posted by hudson — Thu Jul 11, 2024 10:42 am — Replies 24 — Views 798