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Windows tablets & phones.
Andy2
22-03-2016
I'll be replacing my Blackberry Playbook soon, but I don't know which way to jump. I like the idea of a Windows tablet, but are they subject to the same virus attacks as Windows PC's? Likewise widows phones, are they at risk as well?
IvanIV
22-03-2016
Yes to virus/ malware attacks on tablets. It's the same OS as on PCs, so you need to take same precautions. As for the phones, the only danger is that they could become extinct. And that's coming from a Windows Phone owner. Apps are downloaded from the store, so chances to smuggle in some malware are limited.
Andy2
22-03-2016
Many thanks, Ivan. Much as I thought.
TheBigM
22-03-2016
Originally Posted by Andy2:
“I'll be replacing my Blackberry Playbook soon, but I don't know which way to jump. I like the idea of a Windows tablet, but are they subject to the same virus attacks as Windows PC's? Likewise widows phones, are they at risk as well?”

Malware has to be Win32 applications which can't run on the phone, so the phone is reasonably safe. E.g. if playing games from known stores like Steam or Windows store or watching videos bought through the Movies & TV app, you are going to be pretty safe.

Modern Windows is pretty robust from a security point of view. If you are using as a tablet with the store apps, you are pretty safe.

The only real attack surface is through the browser. If you stick to trusted websites, block flash, don't install and run unknown applications, you are going to be alright.
zz9
22-03-2016
I've run Windows for years and never had a virus. It always used to be you were safe if you didn't click on suspicious emails etc and kept antivirus up to date, but there are now adverts that can infect computers without any action by the user.

But Android and iOS have vulnerabilities and weaknesses as well, so you don't really gain anything by avoiding Windows.
Stig
22-03-2016
Originally Posted by zz9:
“I've run Windows for years and never had a virus. It always used to be you were safe if you didn't click on suspicious emails etc and kept antivirus up to date, but there are now adverts that can infect computers without any action by the user.

But Android and iOS have vulnerabilities and weaknesses as well, so you don't really gain anything by avoiding Windows.”

For a user who isn't tech savvy or particularly careful, the safest tablet OSs would be, in order:
Apple iOS
Google Android
Windows
Andrewww342003
22-03-2016
Windows Phone / Windows 10 Mobile will only run apps from the store, regular exe programs wont run so there is little chance of being infected with malware. Besides Windows 10 comes with windows defender enabled by default.

Android is pretty secure unless you turn off the 'Allow unknown sources' feature, but there are anti virus apps on the Amazon/Google Play store.
Dean Dare
22-03-2016
I recently bought an admittedly cheap Windows 10 tablet and I just can't get on with it at all, I'm sure it's me though ax for years I've used Apple products and I just can't seem to get on with any other system
zz9
23-03-2016
Originally Posted by Dean Dare:
“I recently bought an admittedly cheap Windows 10 tablet and I just can't get on with it at all, I'm sure it's me though ax for years I've used Apple products and I just can't seem to get on with any other system”

Anyone moving between any of the three big systems, iOS, Android or Windows, will need some time to get used to it. I've had Android phones for years but tried a Windows phone and that took time to find my way around, and had some pros and some cons.

With Windows tablets you can choose to use it in desktop mode or tablet mode. I personally prefer desktop mode and never use tablet mode, but some will prefer leaving it in the tablet UI as the icons are bigger, no Start menu, everything runs full screen and so on.
gomezz
23-03-2016
I am very happy with my Windows phone running W8.1 (and even happier that it is an older model unlikely to get W10 thrust down its throat). But when the time comes I will be in a really quandary as to what to get:: Suspicious of W10, Android is a definite leaky-sieve no-no which leaves me having to think hard about being assimilated into the i-Oh-No!-sphere!

(actually may well look at getting the same model as I have now from the remaindered stock outlets)

(Nope, could not go back in time to a non-wireless charging lump)
IvanIV
23-03-2016
I have just seen Samsung Galaxy TabPro S with W10, it's 2-in-1 and looks really nice, don't know how much, but if I were looking for something new, I'd consider it for sure. W10 Mobile is still a mess. It's more stable on my Lumia 1520 now, but there are still too many "mainstream" bugs that should have been fixed long time ago. But at least it does not drain the battery and the start screen isn't "resuming" all the time. Baby steps
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