Q: I upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Does the Windows 10 built-in security software, Windows Defender, provide enough protection against computer viruses, spyware and other malicious software? Will the Kaspersky Internet Security, which I had on my PC for Windows 7, conflict with Windows Defender?
Bruce Perkins, Woodbury
A: So far, it appears that the built-in Windows Defender does provide good security for the average Windows 10 user. In tests, Windows Defender nearly matched commercial security software in stopping malicious attacks. While your Kaspersky software did somewhat better on the tests than Windows Defender, computer security professionals disagree on whether the difference was significant (see tinyurl.com/q6hjovm). In addition, Windows Defender doesn't conflict with other security programs; it turns itself off if you use other software.
Q: I upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10 on my 5-year-old Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop. Since then, my screen saver won't stay on. The PC abruptly reverts back to the Windows desktop, even though I didn't do anything. What's wrong?
I also have an unrelated problem that predates my Windows 10 upgrade: My Web browsing slows down when my browser says I have a "long running script." What can I do about this?
Elizabeth Sisselman, Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
A: There have been other complaints that the Windows 10 screen saver function doesn't work properly, and so far there's no definitive solution. But in your case, the cause might be that Dell says your laptop model isn't suitable for Windows 10. (It's absent from Dell's list of Windows 10-ready PC models at tinyurl.com/odhxc4j). As a result, Dell doesn't provide Windows 10 software drivers for your PC. The drivers allow Windows to control your PC and its accessories, and without them your computer may not run well.
To deal with "long running script" error messages, see my June column at tinyurl.com/ne3sgy4.