Running Avast Free on internet disabled Windows 7

[Kick]

Hi,
I have a dual boot Lubuntu 18.04/Windows 7 SP2 64 bit system.  Having carried out Microsoft's final update for Windows 7, I now intend to disable the internet in Windows 7 and rely on Lubuntu for email and internet browsing.

This means I will be able to regain a little storage space on the Windows 7 partition by removing internet related software such as Firefox, Thunderbird and potentially Avast.  However, I am wondering if it is worth keeping Avast and updating its virus definitions manually by regularly downloading the latest virus definitions via Lubuntu and transferring the executable file to the Windows 7 partition and then installing it. 

Is this a viable, workable proposition?  I am not entirely clear on how the virus definition file works - for example, does the latest virus definitions file supersede all previous definitions files or does it just supplement previous files?  If the latter were to be true, then it is likely that I could miss definition updates.  Presumably, I would need to run manual program updates on occasions too and re-register my account from time to time.

I would be interested in comments and suggestions from forum members more knowledgable about these matters than I am.  Thank you.

[Asyn]

Hi, if you keep your W7 offline and don't use/need any external data, you probably won't need any AV.

[Kick]

Thanks Asyn, that was my original thought but, having a dual boot setup with Lubuntu linked to the internet, I wondered if maintaining Avast might be wise.  I know Linux systems are generally fairly safe but I believe there is the potential that they could pick up a Windows virus which, perhaps, might get across to the Windows partition in a dual boot setup.  This is probably unlikely so I may well not need AV in Windows as you say, but I would welcome general comments about the feasibility of what I have outlined in my original post before I commit one way or the other.  Thanks.

[Asyn]

As you said, it's unlikely. But feel free to keep running Avast.

[bob3160]

What's the importance of keeping Windows 7?
Why not simply upgrade to Windows 10 which is still free with a valid Windows 7 license.

[Kick]

Thanks Asyn and Bob.

Bob, the importance for me of keeping Windows 7 and not upgrading to Windows 10 is as follows:
1)     I have peripherals which may not work with Windows 10 even in virtual modes.
2)     I am not keen on Microsoft's approach to user privacy and the need for users to navigate complicated routes to modify settings in order to achieve the privacy they require.
3)     I am not impressed by the history of problems some users have had with Windows 10 particularly with it's updates.
4)     I don't need Windows 10's 'extras' as Windows 7 does what I require of it extremely well and, additionally, I don't require internet connectivity with it as I have Lubuntu for that.  I also have an additional PC running Linux Mint 19.3.

While I appreciate the advantages of Windows 10 for most users and respect your comment, simply Windows 10 is not for me - I certainly didn't intend this thread to be a Windows 10 pros and cons debating zone either as that issue is best undertaken elsewhere.

Cheers.

[The Sniggler]

... the importance for me of keeping Windows 7 and not upgrading to Windows 10 is as follows:
1)     I have peripherals which may not work with Windows 10 even in virtual modes.
2)     I am not keen on Microsoft's approach to user privacy and the need for users to navigate complicated routes to modify settings in order to achieve the privacy they require.
3)     I am not impressed by the history of problems some users have had with Windows 10 particularly with it's updates.
4)     I don't need Windows 10's 'extras' as Windows 7 does what I require of it extremely well and, additionally, I don't require internet connectivity with it as I have Lubuntu for that.  I also have an additional PC running Linux Mint 19.3.

+++! Exceptionally well said!

[Asyn]

Thanks Asyn and Bob.

You're welcome.