Windows 10 security and privacy concerns. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Homer J Simpson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 11:39:14 pm
content: A couple of interesting articles on Windows 10. Sure there is a lot more out there but just came across these.http://money.cnn.com/2015/08/17/technology/windows-10-privacy/index.html?iid=ob_homepage_tech_pool&iid=obnetworkhttp://www.slate.com/articles/technology/bitwise/2015/08/windows_10_privacy_problems_here_s_how_bad_they_are_and_how_to_plug_them.single.htmlHere is one of the more interesting ones."By default, Microsoft turns your computer into a peer-to-peer node to help it distribute Windows 10 updates, in order to save Microsoft server bandwidth costs. “Microsoft calls it Windows Update Delivery Optimization,” or WUDO."

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 11:56:04 pm
content: In short, I won't be installing any version of Windows on my machines that requires an internet connection to either install or run.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 12:41:46 am
content: https://jonathan.porta.codes/2015/07/30/windows-10-seems-to-have-some-scary-privacy-defaults/https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10053420

author: Homer J Simpson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 12:52:54 am
content: From the windows 10 EULA."Finally, we will access, disclose and preserve personal data, including your content (such as the content of your emails, other private communications or files in private folders), when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary.""Rather than residing as a static software program on your device, key components of Windows are cloud-based. … In order to provide this computing experience, we collect data about you, your device, and the way you use Windows."Yikes.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 01:05:37 am
content: Quote from: Homer J Simpson on August 23, 2015, 12:52:54 amI'd love to see that stand up when Government departments, particularly those who operate in a secure environment, look to replace Windows 7. I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft back-peddle and provide an "Enterprise" version free of cloud-based components. If they don't, they are set to lose a lot of business.I foresee Government (at least the organisation I work for) will move away from standalone desktops back to the ages of dumb/thin clients where applications are run over the network using Citrix or similar technologies. Data then can be centrally stored and managed.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 03:54:13 am
content: Quote from: Homer J Simpson on August 23, 2015, 12:52:54 amLink?I don't seem to be able to find those paragraphs in here:https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Useterms/Retail/Windows/10/UseTerms_Retail_Windows_10_English.htmEdit: unless the quotes are some interpretation not the actual text.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 04:32:11 am
content: Microsoft Privacy Statementhttps://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement/default.aspxJust hit ctrl + F and type disclose.For additional info, read this.Microsoft Services Agreementhttps://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/servicesagreement/default.aspxYou basically agree to this crap if you install Windows 10 or use any other Microsoft "service", skype, bing, etc.Windows 10 is spyware disguised as an operating system. I can't believe anyone would install garbage like this. It offers absolutely nothing that benefits the average person, yet people seem to feel they need to install it. Microsoft obviously came to the conclusion that they could make more money by selling the personal data and information of Windows 10 users than they could by selling them an operating system.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 05:28:17 am
content: I haven't seen anything yet to alleviate my concerns about the privacy raping MS is up to. I don't think W10 will ever be on anything own.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 07:02:33 am
content: I do understand the problems with other companies such as Google and privacy. I have taken some steps to lower my exposure and it is a never ending and losing battle. The difference with W10 is that you give the rights to everything you have and do with your computer, everything, all files, all emails, everything! That is a step up from cookies and web tracking and the like.

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 08:02:43 am
content: This sort of inevitable corporate behavior is why I use Linux Mint, or Ubuntu, or OpenSuse, or Elementary OS. i have a computer that can choose all these and a version of windows at boot time. Windows is just for old games. Not for work.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 08:25:20 am
content: Once you have installed you free windows 10 the demands for money start to roll in when you want to use it, unless you are of course in the know, things like you want to play a DVD or CD Microsoft want you to pay for that want to play solitaire you pay for that these are just a few of the things I have read about, I am sure the list will be far longer in future.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 08:41:14 am
content: Just had my sister's lap[top over for the week so it could be updated. It tried to do the Win10 download ( win 8.1 home) and she got hard capped. Did the resat of the updates ( started and went to work so it would not worry me) and took it back, along with a new router with Wifi, so she can do wireless data on the phone and tablet as well. She will have to ignore those win 10 upgrade prompts, I explained it is the new PAYG model, which is opposed to the buy once model.

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 09:46:12 am
content: Quote from: Homer J Simpson on August 23, 2015, 12:52:54 amThat's standard and just complying with various laws around the world. This seems to only apply to your emails and storage on MS servers too. I very much doubt they mean files on your hard drive and nowhere else.QuoteAgain that's sort of standard even with non-cloud based FOSS, if there's no opt out though then it is a real problem.Quote from: TheElectricChicken on August 23, 2015, 08:02:43 amTrust me Ubuntu, Mint, and OpenSuse definitely do similar data collection. Program usage statistics and crash reports etc. You may trust them more to only do what they say they will with the info (I personally don't) but they have you agree to much the same when you click through the T&Cs without reading them

author: Neganur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 10:17:42 am
content: Quote from: Homer J Simpson on August 22, 2015, 11:39:14 pmI don't really see this as outrageous, most modern mmo games have done this for quite a while already.

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 10:29:48 am
content: Quote from: Neganur on August 23, 2015, 10:17:42 amAnd Steam. And tbh if it speeds up updates I'm prepared to share some of my upload, MSs =update servers are sooo slow, especially when you don't use Windows often so always have a bucket load of updates when you fire it up lol. I've wanted Linux distros and the BSDs to do something similar for a while to make it easier for people to "give back to the community" in some small way. But you should have an opt out methinks, or be able to set the maximum share ratio at a minimum.

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 11:46:13 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on August 23, 2015, 11:43:19 amOh definitely but I'm a pragmatist and not even Mozilla take the opt in route. On a new install of any of their software you have to opt out of everything. Same with a lot of Linux distros, the only thing you opt into instead of out of is using propriety software :/EDIT: I think I should add I'm a big OSS fan and occasional dev too.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 01:30:20 pm
content: Quote from: Homer J Simpson on August 23, 2015, 12:52:54 amQuoted out of contextReference:-https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement/default.aspx- go to "Reasons We Share Personal Data", click "learn more"QuoteAgain, quoted out of contextBTW, the next sentence is: "And because Windows is personal to you, we give you choices about the personal data we collect and how we use it."Reference:-https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement/default.aspx- go to "Windows", click "learn more" for more detailsI'm not a windows fanboy, but common sense is very helpful when dealing with "quality journalism".

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 01:44:43 pm
content: Linux is private because regardless of whether you're using Linux Mint, or Ubuntu, or OpenSuse, or Elementary OS,No linux system wants your credit card details for purchasing the operating system or to activate anything. It's all free. When you install it, it just asks what kind of keyboard layout you want and what timezone. Free is freedom.Freedom from things like the SONY hack where everyone's personal details get stolen,I don't care if I'm on the news tomorrow as one of 50 million people who had their timezone information stolen. I'll sleep safe.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 02:07:34 pm
content: The thing is, Windows 10 offers nothing. What is so great about it that people feel they should give away personal information and data to Microsoft in exchange for nothing? Name one thing worth that price.QuoteNumber 1 means "for purposes of resale". They need money to operate. Not a single one of those reasons does anything for me.If you read the part about "Personal Data We Collect", it doesn't take a genius to see the answer is basically "anything and everything we can, by any means possible".

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 02:19:38 pm
content: Quote from: rdl on August 23, 2015, 02:07:34 pmA fast secondhand laptop. !! oh, wait, you mean why do people spend the money on spyware rather than hardware, not what they'd do with the savings, Sorry.QuoteBlissful ignorance ? The eternal sunshine through an empty mind ? bovine peer pressure ? I guess Microsoft probably spends money to work this out too.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 02:45:39 pm
content: Quote from: rdl on August 23, 2015, 02:07:34 pmUsers don't have to give away their data with Win10, they can disable it as explained by several blogs. The bad thing MS did is the change of the default settings from user friendly (as in Win8) to MS friendly. And you can't use Cortana without a MS account.The extended support for Win7 ends January 14th 2020. If you're forced to run Win you don't got any choice after that date and have to update to whatever later version. With Win8 you could get another 3 years, but who likes Win8?QuoteThe problem is that all major vendors do it that way. If you don't like it, use BSD, Linux or some other OSS, run your own email service and so on.

author: Dinsdale
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 03:08:04 pm
content: Quotehttps://www.fsf.org/blogs/rms/ubuntu-spyware-what-to-doFrom the article:"Ubuntu, a widely used and influential GNU/Linux distribution, has installed surveillance code. When the user searches her own local files for a string using the Ubuntu desktop, Ubuntu sends that string to one of Canonical's servers. (Canonical is the company that develops Ubuntu.)"Ubuntu - An African word meaning: "Slackware is too hard for me"

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 03:14:56 pm
content: Quote from: rdl on August 23, 2015, 04:32:11 amNo luck finding those sentences in there either.

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 04:51:40 pm
content: QuoteQuote from: Dinsdale on August 23, 2015, 03:08:04 pmI do not use Ubuntu online because it is basically free commercial software now that Ubuntu changed direction. They DID a lot right at the start and took linux to millions of new desktops, but when they went to force everyone to use the Android style buttons as a menu instead of a menu, I gave up on them. I still boot to it and use it for linux games and lots of things, but I don't use that OS online, I choose a different one, usually mint. Mint users thank canonical for making Mint so popular. The search thing is much less than microslomp. Remember First and Foremost that you don't need to give Lunux personal details, it just doesn't ask and never needs verifying.http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/preview-privacy-statementQuoteIs there anything about windows that is not spyware ? I haven't seen it yet. Can't wait until we see on the news that hackers have stolen all this information and selling it online. lol. told you so moment.Quotehttp://newtechnologies2015.blogspot.fi/2015/07/windows-10-marine-le-pen-denounced.htmlI don't see why people don't just save up the money to buy a copy of Linux mint and install that....( I can imagine they can't think straight and so are like "how do I buy something free, it's giving me a stroke" )No, the salespeople at Harvey Norman won't help you, their commission on nothing is, wait for it, nothing. Just go to the newsagent and buy a magazine with a DVD or just google distrowatch, or phone a friend..

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 07:39:24 pm
content: What to do after Windows 7 "support" runs out is a dilemma. Though considering the arrogant and deceitful way Microsoft has pushed Windows 10 onto unsuspecting users kind of makes me question whether their support is something I need.Windows 8 is marginally a better choice than 10, but that's only good for an extra 3 years. Switching most machines to some form of Linux will probably be the solution. I hope within 5 years I can find a Linux distribution that' tolerable. Currently I'm testing Mint, but it lacks polish and their fondness for the color green is irritating. Ubuntu is out of the picture. I wrote them off when they switched to that "unity" interface or whatever it was called.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2015, 07:56:35 pm
content: You can change the theme very easily...............I tend to use the LTS releases. just for the stability. Had to print a page yesterday, so plugged in the printer ( HP P1102) and after 30 seconds of thinking it just worked. A lot better than installing it on a Windows machine, where you download a 180M "all in one driver and crapware" bundle, which has some rather annoying things it wants to install by default.At least with the old distro I use at work ( old laptop, it is not worth upgrading and works as is) printing is simple, HP network printers all speak HPGL, and all have the same functionality both ways as to how they work. Print faster as well not using the print server but talk direct to the device.

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 01:28:56 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on August 24, 2015, 01:25:32 amtouché I didn't think of that either. (the link between mint and green)

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 02:31:51 am
content: Lol, the link between the color and the name was obvious. Sadly it's not a fresh minty green but more of a snot green. Not very attractive at all. None of the themes I tried seemed to be able to change that color, but I finally downloaded something that worked. The default install only came with one screensaver, which is more of screen burner (a giant clock with white digits on a black background that never move and no options). As I said, lacks polish. At least it's (hopefully) not spying on me or stealing copies of my files.

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 02:52:31 am
content: Quote from: rdl on August 24, 2015, 02:31:51 amYou should be a poet, or in advertisingQuoteIt won't steal your files as far as I know, however, because you have to download and install so many things, I think that the makers of each distro get a lot of information about how many people are installing the OS in the first place, and what files they install after that.But yeah, they don't know who you actually are, that wouldn't be too easy for them because they don't ask you for personal detail in the first place.

author: Mechanical Menace
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 03:23:23 am
content: Quote from: TheElectricChicken on August 24, 2015, 02:52:31 amExcept for say when they have a deal with Amazon, or have any sort of "phone home" in the case of a crash. Core dumps are not something to hand around willy nilly. If you're serious/paranoid about personal security and privacy always say no to even partial copies of your RAM being sent to anyone you don't trustbetterthan your own dear old sainted grey haired mother AND any gods or messiahs or prophets you believe in combined. It will almost certainly contain certain login details, passwords, encryption keys etc, etc... Especially if it's anything to do with a web browser or the core OS. Check EVERY setting on every app and component of the OS no matter the OS, program, or the supposed overriding philosophy of the devs and "sponsors." One persons reasonable to share bit of info is another's major privacy invasion. Even amongst the security paranoid.EDIT:And on any *nix details about your filesystem can tell people a lot. Remember everything is a file so the files and their layout are everything.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 07:23:50 am
content: Is it possible to set a computer so that nothing goes out of any ports unless you specifically send a request such as a dns look up.

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 08:26:10 am
content: Microsoftnow calls every program an "app" which is gutter language for "application". Programs no longer exist in the Brave New World of Windows 10. The dumbed down American media will be now be calling everything an app and the proletariat drones around the world will simply do as they have been instructed without thinking. Big Brother is Watching You.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 08:42:06 am
content: Quote from: VK3DRB on August 24, 2015, 08:26:10 amI though I was the only one who despised the use of the term "App". It's like people are too stupid and lazy to spell the word "Application".

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 09:00:07 am
content: Quote from: G7PSK on August 24, 2015, 07:23:50 amThat would require a gatekeeper tool for the TCP/IP stack and would make anything network related cumbersome and awful. It would also cause timeout issues for some stuff. A better solution would be to use a dedicated firewall (hardware appliance) with rules for limiting internet access. But that isn't bulletproof either. One can hide data even in a DNS request.

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 10:10:38 am
content: Quote from: Mechanical Menace on August 24, 2015, 03:23:23 amWindows 10 steals your passwords outright, and you don't need to wait for anything like a crash, just switch it on and it's logging your passwords and sending them to microsoft. Here it says so.http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/preview-privacy-statementQuoteThey use the word 'may' because it has a double meaning. They HOPE you think it means, 'MAYbe' we will, maybe we won't. What it does mean in this case is may, as in "MAY" we steal your passwords, check this box and agree. And you say "yes, you MAY". Yes you may collect my data, my personal details, my files, my everything, you may.I say NO! YOUMAYNOT !!! Because I dumped windows for linux long ago and have never looked back. And it has been AWESOME! !

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 12:53:00 pm
content: Quote from: TheElectricChicken on August 24, 2015, 10:10:38 amThat is the privacy statement for the pre-release program, as stated at the beginning of the statement.The correct one ishttps://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement/default.aspxand when you go to "Windows", "learn more" and "Input Personalization" you'll find all the details about what is collected and also following sentence: "You can turn off Input Personalization at any time.". If you don't like it, you can disable it.

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 02:04:13 pm
content: Quote from: madires on August 24, 2015, 12:53:00 pmYes, I am sure you're right about which is which.I am also sure that, IF YOU KNEW, which MOST people won't, then you could disable it. However, the only safe way to disable windows 10 spyware is to follow the following stepshttps://www.google.com.au/search?q=destroy+computer&tbm=ischQuote from: mojo-chan on August 24, 2015, 12:47:57 pmWhich is great for me because I do not use either.QuoteFor people who work for Microsoft media department no proof is possible, no matter how red handed and caught in the act they are. If it is their job to deny, that is what they do. Plenty of professional liars out there. Here is one.They are well paid and it is their job to sit there and no matter what proof is provided it is their job to deny it. Considering I'm quoting Microsoft's own license they wrote and they published, that's enough for anyone who is not paid to be LA-LA.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 05:41:00 pm
content: I have solved the problem. Just ordered a new hammer and chisel plus forty tons of stone slabs now whoever trys to steal my data in future will need a forklift truck and pat me a visit in person.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 06:25:04 pm
content: Just as disturbing as the privacy concerns is how Windows 10 is another step for Microsoft toward taking control of the PC away from the user and putting them in charge.Windows 10 has added locking Windows Update and blocking installation of software. If this is allowed to continue the way Microsoft wants, a PC will eventually be no more useful than an X-box.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 12:43:49 am
content: Wilfred,My roomate built a new PC a couple months back, and a couple weeks upgraded to windows 10. I have not done any research, except for this post, on Windows 10. My roomate says his games are definately running faster and better on it (He plays EvE Online like a job). So, I just ordered up a new PC and waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Since he said the games run smoother on it, I bought windows 10. I figured if I don't like it, I can remove it, but then again, Microsoft I'm sure will fade out any versions previous to Windows 10, thus any games now and future games will be updated to run on windows 10+ only. So, I better get used to it. I was concerned with all the stories I have heard, and Read a link that says only some features (like alot of social media stuff) will have to have a yearly subscription through Microsoft to keep using that feature. But the basic windows 10 OS should work forever and is updated.BUT, i stumbled on this thread and got real scared about the security and privacy thing of Microsoft (and possibly UncleSamuel) watching what I am doing and monitoring the programs I use. That is NONE of their business!Thank you Wilfred for posting that video. When I set up my PC, that is the VERY first thing I am doing before I load on ANY Movies, Programs, or Music.

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 03:19:14 am
content: Quote from: Halcyon on August 24, 2015, 08:42:06 amAnother one I really dislike... "folders" instead of "directories". And hackers being branded as crooks.

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 03:28:21 am
content: GOOD NEWS EVERYONE, M$ decided to backport all the spying back to 7 and 8!http://www.hakspek.com/security/updates-make-windows-7-and-8-spy-on-you-like-windows-10/

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 03:54:31 am
content: When you have a huge user group the best way to ensure over-all happiness is to observe usage. It surprises me that people are surprised they're being 'spied on'. So what if Microsoft knows that I'm one of those weird people that uses æåø even though my OS and Keyboard setup is English? I'm just a tiny dot in the "big data" space. If something were to happen, and I'm suddenly not anonymous because of some trial against me or the like - my computer showing activity on f.ex this forum is not proof of me sitting at my computer.Try setting up a proxy (with wireshark for instance, maybe fiddler 2 can do it too) and check traffic from an iOS or Android device.Want privacy? Compile your own linux, build your own phone (those with two cans and a string) and store your money in your couch

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 04:08:33 am
content: Welcome to the flock. Sorry I cannot join you. I have a brain and self-respect (a little, at least).

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 08:57:42 am
content: Quote from: alexanderbrevig on August 25, 2015, 03:54:31 amThe day after black monday on the stock markets and you're being sarcastic about investing in cash.

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 09:43:21 am
content: Quote from: TheElectricChicken on August 25, 2015, 08:57:42 amInvesting in cash sure is much riskier than assured rent on an account. It kind of was funny that I happened to time it with an anomaly but those things happen.I wrote the post 6am with no sleep (still got no sleep :p ) and I'd probably word things differently if I were 100% present and awake.My point was just that I think the whole rage about Microsoft spying is biased at best. They all do it. If you don't like it then don't join the flocks.Quote from: rdl on August 25, 2015, 04:08:33 amNice, lucky youAs Adam Savage said; "I reject your reality and substitute my own" - we all do it.

author: Halcyon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 09:56:39 am
content: Best off just blocking the Microsoft "telemetry" servers at your firewall/router. See:http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r30222844-Stop-Windows-10-From-Spying-On-You-36-DNS-Addresses-to-host-fileNo doubt the list will grow, but it's a start.I do the same thing for Adobe product activation servers. ;-)

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 10:34:13 am
content: Quote from: alexanderbrevig on August 25, 2015, 09:43:21 amLinux mint is not a microsoft keyboard logger or microsoft listening device like windows 10 is. It doesn't steal your files either. It doesn't report all about your network like w10 does. They don't all do it. I won't join a flock of Dodos.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 08:51:15 pm
content: I'm pretty sure the only way to totally block microsoft now is to just stop using any of their products. It won't be too hard for me, because the only microsoft anything I've used is windows, but only up to win 7, and always with as many services as possible shut down.

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 09:00:10 pm
content: Looks like Microsoft should pass out lots of aluminum foil along with their windows 10 roll-out. The demand is so strong.

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 09:04:25 pm
content: Alfoil if you think they won't scam you, Alfoil if you think hackers won't reap the benefit of all your personal details. If windows can collect and sample everything you do AS STANDARD according to Microsoft themselves, then how easy is it for hackers to just divert or eavesdrop on all that ? HA ! Forget windowstakes 5 minutes to search the web for, or just ask on a forum, which free Linux package works better than a windows package if it's not already built in. Commercial stuff costs what $50 ? So if saving money is money you don't need to earn, at $50 for 5 minutes each, that's what $600 per hour. Hey, I must have a really good job or something at that rate. I must have a PhD to get $600 an hour. That's almost as much as those scrap metal collectors with a PhD who get $1200 an hour. WooHoo!OpenOffice VLC GIMP Firefox Transmission Audacity Brasero Thunderbird Pingus Blender Frozenbubble Arduino IDEsome names you know some you don't. You don't know some names because you don't pay $600 an hour for the advertising in the media. You keep the $600 an hour in your pocket for a sweet not windows computer.

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 09:10:52 pm
content: I just installed Windows 10 and tinfoil is coming out of my Printer and this appeared on the screen

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 05:41:53 am
content: I'm so sick of everything being designed to spy on us now days. It's bad enough what the NSA and other web companies are doing, but when this stuff starts migrating towards tracking what you do on your own PC, that is WAY over the line. So glad I made the switch to Linux years ago. Now let's hope there are enough people auditing the Linux code as it would be ignorant to think it's 100% safe to use. NSA could easily get Linus or other kernel dev to slip something in at gun point or through blackmail. Those guys would not voluntarily do such thing but they could be forced.Knowing the type of corruption in the government I like to imagine the worse and just assume it could happen. Better safe than sorry.Though the main concern is not whether or not the data is used against you but the fact that it is available for that. If it's not Microsoft or the NSA, it will be anybody else who eventually gets ahold of it when their servers get hacked. 99% chance nothing happens, but that 1% is still a risk I'm not willing to take. I have nothing to hide but companies/government still have no business spying on me.Allahu Akbar! Hi NSA!

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 08:28:56 pm
content: Software spying is a pretty big issue these days and it's a somewhat polarizing topic. One person's definition of spying is another's "you can't avoid it, it's just the way it is". It's one thing to be subjected to it by using various (most) web sites, but something else entirely when your operating system starts doing it.Now that Microsoft has made attempts to "update" Windows 7 and 8 to the same level of spying capability as Windows 10, I'm pretty sure I'll be saying goodbye to Microsoft.

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 08:40:44 pm
content: Quote from: rdl on August 26, 2015, 08:28:56 pmhttp://www.computerworld.com/article/2475633/mobile-security/is-your-mac-spying-on-you-.htmlI am so glad I made the choice to go Linux just a few years ago. The freedom from activation headaches, the freedom from my computer mugging me and taking everything from my wallet (both cash and ID). Every new thing I learn on linux will last longer than any version of windows or mac OS ever will. Plus, as the knowledge compounds continually in a way that doesn't work for windows ( everything you learned about win95 is kind of useless now ) one day I could probably design my own linux OS distribution, spyware free freedom for everyone who wants it, and nobody can stop me. No permission required. Man, mind-blowing freedom.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 08:47:31 pm
content: Yeah people, stay away from Windows 10 and do not attempt to learn how to program for it or any Microsoft products so I don't have more competition if I ever need to get a new job.

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 10:56:40 pm
content: Quote from: rdl on August 26, 2015, 08:28:56 pmThedefinitionof spying involves the government and either an enemy or a competitor.I'm a programmer by trade and it surprises me that people react this way to technology they endorse by the fact they use it.Hate the filter bubble (like I do)? Fine! Use duckduckgo.comHate being "spied" on? Ok. Use torproject.org or write a Lynx nonwebstandard browser for use with your aluminium faraday crystal awesomeness.Sadly, most persons care more about their subjective reality than objective fact. For some realities and some facts - that includes me, as well as you. Deal with it.An operating system should help the average user get her job done.Who cares if you disagree?^how I feel reading most of this thread.Quote from: retrolefty on August 25, 2015, 09:00:10 pmI seem to remember your name/alias from somewhere... hmmm arduino forums anno 2010?

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 11:52:19 pm
content: Using a different web browser or an alternative search site will protect a user from their operating system collecting information about every single thing they do on their computer?QuoteSince I don't compete with Microsoft, I guess that makes them an enemy.

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2015, 01:23:42 am
content: QuoteYep. I kind of stop posting there when they last 'upgraded' the forum software last November, it really sucked in my opinion. Still read some posting there once in awhile but find the more wide ranging topics here more interesting.Lefty

author: TheElectricChicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2015, 03:08:43 am
content: Quote from: rdl on August 26, 2015, 11:52:19 pm

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2015, 04:01:52 am
content: Quote from: retrolefty on August 27, 2015, 01:23:42 amDing-ding-ding-ding-ding ...Rings anyone's bell?

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2015, 04:05:18 am
content: Quote from: TheElectricChicken on August 27, 2015, 03:08:43 amNice one, e-chicken! I wonder if can be added to this forum emoticons list.

author: knks
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2015, 04:32:14 am
content: Just use XP for all your online stuff. If you need W7/W8/W10 for gaming - install it on the separate PC.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2015, 06:01:30 am
content: Well, since Microsoft officially stopped supporting XP well over a year ago and no longer provides security updates for it, XP might not be the best choice for online stuff. Personally, I've switched to Linux for internet usage. Web browsers basically look and work the same no matter which OS they're used with. No version of Windows newer than 7 will be used here.

author: knks
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2015, 06:05:30 am
content: Security updates are for chickens