Vista security on network

[Machinerto]

I have a Windows Vista and Windows 10 PC that are both connected to the same network and usually running at the same time. Can the Windows 10 PC which is actively recieving updates and double-dipping on firewalls, be compromised by the Vista PC when it's just sitting idle?

 

[Vistaar]

Having an insecure PC on the network is something that businesses are advised to avoid. Of course you could shut down the Vista PC, or disable the network adapter (or unplug the Ethernet cable). Short of that, offering security advice for Vista seems almost pointless now. You have mentioned that you want to install the extended kernel. That’s good for browser support (which is nevertheless about to end for Windows 7 and 8.1 in 2023), but there have been few reports of antivirus products functioning with the extended kernel I’m afraid.

 

[wither 3]

I'm wondering what "compromised" means. Is the Vista installation on the same drive or is it on a separate drive? Has he figured out how to set up file sharing between the two OS's?

 

[Machinerto]

I'm wondering what "compromised" means. Is the Vista installation on the same drive or is it on a separate drive? Has he figured out how to set up file sharing between the two OS's?

Yes. I have file sharing and network discovery enabled. I am going to disable them because that further worsens the insecurity of Vista. The two computers mentioned are running 10 and another running Vista. Both of which are connected to the same network. Compromised means weakened or put in danger.

 

[wither 3]

You have to go through a specific process to do set up file sharing between different operating systems. I've got the procedure for Vista/Win 7 that I downloaded about 10 years ago around here somewhere but I've never done the process. Honestly, I don't think that there's an issue running on the same network. I've had my Win 7 systems connected via wifi to my Vista system for years and there's never been an issue.