Update a rarely used laptop?

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We have an older laptop, about 7 years old and cannot be upgraded to Windows 10 (I tried three times.)  It is our only laptop which we use for occasional Powerpoint presentations or slideshows.  The only time we connect to the web is to skype with my daughter in Japan but we usually use our cell phones.  Should I install the updates? (It is never used for browsing the web.)

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IF it is on the web (and Skype is) you should keep Windows updated. Even if you are not browsing the web, it is most likely your computer is connected/exposed to the Internet whenever you turn it on. Hover over the network (WiFi or wired) icon in the lower right corner – does it say “Internet access”?

But not only Windows. You should keep the programs on it updated also, particularly the Browsers which are one of the main entry points for malware. You would be good to remove java and Flash Player if they are installed too.

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What happens when you try to upgrade to Windows 10? It’s possible that there may be a way of making it happen somehow.

Also, keep in mind that there is Skype for Linux, should you decide to go that way.

Dell XPS 13/9310, i5-1135G7/16GB, KDE Neon 6.2
XPG Xenia 15, i7-9750H/32GB & GTX1660ti, Kubuntu 24.04
Acer Swift Go 14, i5-1335U/16GB, Kubuntu 24.04 (and Win 11)

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