We have Kaspersky on both computers and it's updated automatically. We haven't had malware/virus issues since we've had K. I am very careful about websites and never click on ads.
I do some research and do online banking etc. And I do use the word processor. I also just like the full size keyboard of a desk top. Tried a laptop a few times and just did not like them. At all. I type very fast and find laptop/tablets too awkward for me to use. DH likes to sit back and browse on his desktop...music videos... movies he has on disks. He also takes a lot of photos and likes to play around with them. He'd like to have a larger monitor. Laptop/tablet would not work for him either.
We've considered a tablet for travel..or just getting an Iphone.
The external hard drive sounds like something we really need to do. Especially for DH's photo collection!
I was mainly concerned about hacking, virus and malware issues. We both log on to financials, email etc.