I still actually have Windows 7 machine which I use for applications that were not compatible with 8, 10 and 11.
I actually already do some of the things suggested in the YouTube videos above. As for protection I still have a version of Comodo AV and their Endpoint Firewall which is still working with the rule updates. So hopefully I can continue to enjoy the admittedly occasional use of Windows 7 for a little bit longer.