Windows freezing up for anybody else?

[fluidistic]

Consider dual booting first and/or switching entirely to Linux. I'd suggest a virtual machine but your pc/laptop might not support it. Pick an easy to learn and use lightweight distribution such as Xubuntu or Lubuntu.
You'd still have/be able to install Firefox, Thunderbird and other programs in your list. Also note that OpenOffice was last updated almost 7 years ago, nowadays the deal is with LibreOffice.
Then you won't need an anti virus and the bloat will be much lesser than on Windows.

 

[Idyit]

Linux is just a vulnerable if not more vulnerable to malware and viruses , check exploitdb website if you want more information.
Most Linus distros end up having the same exploits and can take more than 3 years before they are addressed.
I've been using Linux since '95 and have a lot of respect for the developers and distro management teams, but they understandably aren't as responsive as professional OS developers, and you are fooling yourself if you think they aren't vulnerable to infection.

 

[jim hardy]

I'm thinking more memory might fix this old desktop . It's run quite well since the last tweak - uninstalled that Intel update server AFTER replacing an Intel graphic driver that was either corrupted or outdated i don't know which.

I guess the sad truth is to really own any machine you have to learn its workings thoroughly. Windows is more than i want to dive into so i'll just get my feet wet enough to keep it running. Seventy five bucks gets a new copy installed (and a new hard drive) at my local shop. And i have a Windows 7 Pro disk - i should be set for another decade.

Appeal of Linux is learning it well enough to claim ownership of the computer.

Thanks for the help and observations, all !

old jim