Is Microsoft into trojans or spyware? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 11:53:37 am
content: My PC has Windows 10 Home on it.Tonight just after I logged on Windows during booting up, the PC showed a pure blue background without any icon, pictures, logos etc. Just one word in the centre with a blue background, saying "Hi". No it wasn't Dave.A few seconds later "All of your files are left in exactly the same place"Then maybe 30 seconds later "We have added new features"Then maybe 30 seconds after that "We have removed aaaaa.exe and bbbbbb.exe because they will no longer run on this computer"It is Microsoft trying to tell me what is good for me in their typical vague unhelpful messages? I would expect if Microsoft was professional, they would at least have a Microsoft screen or logo accompanying the messages, at least to authenticate who it was from. The last dodgy update released by Microsoft was on 10th May. That was nine days ago.I don't know what features have been forced on me. I cannot run Control Panel to see what was installed. Clicking on it gets no response. Bitdefender and Malwarebytes picked up nothing. It is either Microsoft bullying its users into their way of thinking, the CIA up to dirty tricks, or some tosser in The People's Liberation Army hacking my machine.Has anyone else experienced this invasion or hack attack on their PC?

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 12:00:34 pm
content: You have malware on your machine ...

author: TopLoser
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 12:06:39 pm
content: Not malware - just a clumsy update by Microsofthttp://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-performance/error-all-your-files-are-right-where-you-left-them/02876766-3291-4e09-856f-e2f0eb34df9a?auth=1https://bobsullivan.net/cybercrime/technology-run-amok/watch-out-for-the-microsoft-windows-blue-screen-of-update/

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 12:25:44 pm
content: Quote from: TopLoser on May 19, 2016, 12:06:39 pmThanks. It looks like Microsoft, but many things are now not working on this machine properly. Right click the Windows 10 start icon and NONE of the functions respond. CTRL-ALT-DELETE does not bring up the task manager either.I suspect it might be Malware.

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 12:37:04 pm
content: Quote from: TopLoser on May 19, 2016, 12:06:39 pmIt's not malware, it's Microsoft updating the OS, some updates are mandatory.Users of Microsoft, Apple and Google operating systems need to keep something in mind.You don't own the operating system you simple lease it.MS Apple and Google can and do access your machine for many reasons.Read the end user license on these OSs and you will discover you have very little privacy or control over what goes on with those operating systems.

author: botcrusher
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 12:45:22 pm
content: Said update screen is petfectly fine. It means that you were pushed a new build of windows 10. I actually like this mechanism a lot more than what they used for updating 7, and I've gotten used to it since I'm running insider builds, which update like this rather frequently.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 12:46:36 pm
content: Quote from: TopLoser on May 19, 2016, 12:06:39 pmHa! Interesting. I never saw it here but if I did I would have thought malware. Bad user message.

author: botcrusher
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 12:51:43 pm
content: Clumsy update isn't really correct, perhaps they could put a faint windows 10 logo in the background, but this is the update mechanism for 10.Takes a lot longer to "update and patch" windows 7Than it does to upgrade the entire OS to a new build on 10.Anyways, when you see that, go make yourself a coffee, or check that phone notification that's been nagging you the last little while. Normally takes less than five minutes.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 01:58:19 pm
content: I find win 10 in general just looks ugly and "spammy". It reminds me of those fake AV programs.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 02:08:18 pm
content: Quote from: VK3DRB on May 19, 2016, 11:53:37 amYes, Windows 10 is spyware.Stick with Windows 7 or switch to Linux.

author: botcrusher
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 02:14:12 pm
content: -_-Sigh...I actually prefer 8/10 over 7. Persoanlly i find 7 to be rather solid, but a tad bloated.I've seen <50 megs of ram left on win 10 and the OS can still run smooth!

author: station240
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 02:57:01 pm
content: "all your files are right where you left them" this is true, however they forgot to add "Your programs on the other hand...."From the accounts I read, it uninstalls some antivirus programs, changes the default web browser to the microsoft one (and the same with media player apps), and screws around with some settings.For whatever crazy reason, it backs up everything, installs windows, then puts all your files/apps back.Honestly WTF Microsoft, did all the software engineers quit, so you let the work experience kids and immigrants write Windows 10. Do your programmers spend more time playing with their phones than they do writing code ?ps: Screw you Harvard Processor architecture, some of liked being above to write code to hot patch software.

author: botcrusher
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 03:26:42 pm
content: That's a bit harsh...

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 05:19:36 pm
content: If you must have Windows 10 you need to install Spybot anti beacon which is free in order to prevent Microsoft loging you key strokes and looking through all your files. I tried Win.10 three times now and on each occasion it ended up breaking my computers by installing microsofts latest drivers, something you don' t want on a Panasonic toughbook. It also disabled the start menue on my desktop one time so I could not even turn it off. I now have GWX control on both my computers. I will not try it again for at least five years now if at all.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 05:28:56 pm
content: Quote from: botcrusher on May 19, 2016, 02:14:12 pmThat is because the OS took it all as a precaution.Remember Microsoft did upgrade many Home users to Windows 10 automatically. And it keeps pushing its "install windows 10 now" application update to the front row, even if you've unticked and hid it. I should soon stop though, since it's stops being free. Or it will still install and take you ransom for money which is the new hype now.The fact that there are application like this means microsoft will lose some of it's SOHO userbase, which isn't where the profit margin is high anyways.https://www.grc.com/never10.htmhttp://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/2015/08/using-gwx-stopper-to-permanently-remove.html

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2016, 11:56:03 am
content: Yes, I think it now is a Microsoft update. Proven by the 19 GB that CCLEANER found of an unannounced Microsoft update. I'll have to hack the PC to get it to work properly.If you get a phone call from someone with an Indian accent saying he is from the Microsoft Help desk, it might just be Satya Nadella, the latestartist of Microsoft.Microsoft can go and get stuffedLinus is a viable choice.http://alternativeto.net/software/altium-designer/?platform=linux

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 20, 2016, 03:39:01 pm
content: Windows 10 is a virus, a trojan, and spyware. You cannot control what updates are forced on you. You have no control over your computer. As said before, Win7 or Linux or perhaps Mac.This has been posted in another thread, but if you want to stop receiving W10 "upgrade" spam or prevent W10 spyware files bing pushed to your W7 or W8 system, then use these:https://github.com/th3power/aegis-voatand/orhttp://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/GWX control panelorhttp://www.getblackbird.netalthough I have not used it yetor just get Linux Mint and give it a try. It works for most things most people want a computer for. I am still trying it.

author: suicidaleggroll
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2016, 05:40:38 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on May 20, 2016, 03:39:01 pm^ ThisJust this morning a coworker of mine was in the middle of writing some emails and doing other work on his Win 7 laptop, he left his office for about 15 minutes to do something else, and when he came back his machine was halfway through upgrading itself to Windows 10, unprompted.When it finally finished it asked him to agree to the terms and conditions, he declined, and the machine downgraded itself back to Windows 7. Two hours lost, all work he was in the middle of doing gone.

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 01:27:30 am
content: Quote from: suicidaleggroll on May 20, 2016, 05:40:38 pmIt reminds me of the time when I had to go to a 20 minute meeting. When I came back I found my machine had rebooted. Windows had decided to install and update and reboot automatically. I lost 4 hours worth of work. I had turned off the automatic updates flag in Windows months earlier, but the nincompoops at Microsoft decided to override that with a later update and not tell its victims.Lessons learnt:(1) Save your work regularly.(2) Never trust Microsoft.

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 01:41:46 am
content: I found why the machine was crippled. A legitimate shell extension from a utitilty interfered with the selection of the right-click short-cuts on the Windows start button.This post helped solve it...http://superuser.com/questions/947367/windows-10-start-right-click-context-menu-items-dont-openAnd this free tool helped me find the offending shell extension...http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview.htmlTo be honest if I had not found the post, I would have spent days trying to fix it. The post has over 74,000 views.Imagine if Microsoft no longer allowed Altium or some other important program to work with one of theirupdates. The user could lose a lot of money, his job or maybe be sued. Good luck trying to sue Microsoft.

author: botcrusher
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 03:34:54 am
content: What have we learned folks?The exact,Same,Freaking,Lesson that people have been learning simce the 80s.Save yer damn work!There is no excuse for leaving your computer long enough to miss the restart prompt because you forgot to save.Ctrl + S is magical.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 03:42:04 am
content: FTFY:Quote from: botcrusher on May 21, 2016, 03:34:54 amQuote

author: PartialDischarge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 04:09:15 am
content: You cant trust anything networked these days, not even encryption to store your personal files.Thats why im working on a project to securely store files in a usb with no encryption, using another method

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 11:35:02 am
content: If you bought a car, what right has the car dealer got to sneak into your garage and adversely modify the car's behaviour without telling you? It sounds preposterous, but that similar to what Microsoft is getting away with.To all you Windows fan boys, before you know it, Microsoft will be you mother, your father, your brother and your sister without you realising you were adopted.Just what do you think you are doing, Dave?

author: suicidaleggroll
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 01:03:06 pm
content: Quote from: botcrusher on May 21, 2016, 03:34:54 amThere is no excuse for using an OS that reverts user settings, reboots itself without notice, upgrades itself without notice, spies on its users, and on the whole, treats its users like they're incompetent.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 01:50:35 pm
content: Quote from: suicidaleggroll on May 20, 2016, 05:40:38 pmThis actually happened at the workplace yesterday morning. turns out that now if you have windows update activated (why would anybody with a sane mind do that anyway?) your computer will get updated to win10 automatically.And while win10 is gorgeous, very fast and very lightweight on its own, this is bullcrap. constantly looking for updates, constantly donwloading and uploading something. you don't update? your computer won't start.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 03:17:56 pm
content: The self updating is down to the Win 10 pop up being deceptive, it now reads upgrade now and upgrade later, if you just click the red cross to make it go away it automatically assumes that you want to upgrade later and dose so. You have to look for the faint blue/grey words saying no thanks or something along those lines.Windows 10 also has the habit of turning on your microphone and listening to every thing said even if you have disabled this feature it will revert next update, they are mining data for AI cortanana is just a front.

author: Tinkerer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 03:22:16 pm
content: Quote from: G7PSK on May 21, 2016, 03:17:56 pmI wonder, what happens if you remove the device driver, will it reinstall it?

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 03:32:54 pm
content: I wonder, what happens if you remove the device driver, will it reinstall it?That is the problem I had with Win !0 on my Panasonic Toughbook which uses special drivers for some things, after installing Win 10 somethings did not work so I installed the correct drivers, next time I boot or even just wake the computer the drivers have gone back to windows ones again. I have installed Win ten twice on the toughbook and every time this happens. The touch pad and screen drivers get changed the built in SD card reader gets changed and they stop working. The security settings also get changed and the computer gets used to send Win 10 to other computers even if you turn that off I found my upload band width used to the max by windows to the extent that a request to go to the EEVblog site took 8 minuets and I wont stand for that.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 04:15:31 pm
content: Quote from: VK3DRB on May 21, 2016, 11:35:02 amUnfortunately the analogy fails because Tesla is doing that to their cars too.

author: suicidaleggroll
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 04:18:57 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on May 21, 2016, 04:15:31 pmTesla doesn't push an update to the car while you're driving down the freeway, forcing you to pull over to the side of the road and sit there for two hours until it finishes before you can drive again.

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 09:18:42 pm
content: I'm on WinXP at work, and Win 7 on laptops. I'm using GRC's Never10 (instead of the GWX control panel) to prevent issues, and have gone to fully manual updates and wasting time scrutinizing every KB package before installing.I have started to take several Linux distros more seriously to see if I can function completely independently of Windows. I am pretty confident I can do all I need with open source apps which are available on Linux. I'm going to find a distro that has been pre-installed with all basic office and desktop publishing apps, and I bet I can fill in other gaps.If I can keep using Win7 safely, I will. Meanwhile I will do what I can to have a parallel system running Linux that I can fully migrate to if Microsoft ruins my Win7 installation.EDIT: By the way, I'm still using Office XP with the compatibility pack for opening the newer file formats. It still does everything I need. I guess that is the problem. Microsoft can't make any money if the software is good enough to work (with no subscription model) at buy once, use for the next 15 years. I also use Photoshop 7, does all I need.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2016, 10:33:26 pm
content: Pro tip:Look for theGPO's:No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installationsRe-prompt for restart with scheduled installations"Do not display 'Install Updates and Shut Down' option in Shut Down Windows dialog boxDo not adjust default option to 'Install Updates and Shut Down' in Shut Down Windows dialog boxAnd set them accordingly to prevent any future nagging for updates in Windows 7. Including the never asked for "Installing 50 updates, do not turn off computer".

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 03:55:53 am
content: "Is Microsoft into trojans or spyware?"A: Yes. Both, and worse.It's that simple.Watching the Win10 saga of horrors gradually awakening more people to the unpleasant truth about Microsoft is very amusing. Good to see, but by God, why does it take some people so long to get it?Here's some psychology reading about psychopaths:http://everist.org/archives/links/__Psychopaths.txtAlso read the list of common cognitive biases:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cognitive_biasesPsychopaths are generally very personable and skilled manipulators. On casual impression they seem like great people. To others who aren't able to recognize when they are being manipulated and falling into an abusive relationship, psychopaths continue to seem 'all good' even when they are doing terrible things to those around them. They manage to convince others that any problems are due to failings in themselves, that it's 'all your fault.'I encountered an example of this years ago, when someone very popular and influential in a social group I frequent, did something appallingly bad, that only I found out about. It happened that I had read a little on psychopaths, so recognized what was going on. I read up more, and realized this guy was definitely a psychopath and severely dangerous to the group. Years went by, a few others in the group came to realize something was wrong with that guy, but most were still under his almost magical spell and wouldn't hear a word against him.Finally... *finally* he slipped up, and did something in front of a whole bunch of others that was far beyond socially acceptable. Wish I'd been there to see it, but I heard about it later and saw the result. Suddenly the entire group recognized him for what he was - really a deeply evil person. Sudden moment of group enlightenment, putting odd past events together, re-interpretation in light of new awareness, etc. He was permanently expelled from our circle. But it took that extreme in-your-face event to do it.The power of normalcy bias, group-think, bandwaggon effect and other social herd thought patterns is very strong. Most people, being intrinsically well intentioned themselves, flatly refuse to believe in real evil in others. (In general, that tendency to interpret others' actions as if they thought and were motivated the same way as yourself is called 'projection' btw.)Now to Microsoft.I started out in electronics before the personal computer existed. Before microprocessors even. I worked in the first computer store in Australia, starting very soon after they opened. I'd been working around the corner in an electronics job as the first microprocessors were released. My first computer was an S-100 machine. My Apple II was the second one imported to Australia (I believe) right after they were released. I watched the start of Microsoft, collected early MS technical manuals and read widely on their corporate development, leading persons, and background.A lot of the public myths about Microsoft are false. They are fables constructed to make Bill Gates and the company look good. The 'simple hard-working boy genius Bill Gates who succeeded through his own efforts and some good luck' for instance. It's crap.Did you know Bill Gate's mother was a major shareholder and board member of IBM?Or that IBM ran several different development projects for a 'personal computer' and chose to market the worst one?Or that there's at least one clear case of the first PC having had features (that would cost nothing extra) removed at the design stage, purely as a deliberate crippling. (The original parallel port card was designed to be bi-directional. The manufactured design had *one* *track* removed, to make the card output-only.)It appears the choice of a segmented memory CPU as opposed to one with a sensible MMU was another deliberate cripple.And why?On one level, because IBM had vast investments in mainframe computer technology, while recognizing that small 'personal computers' had the potential to evolve rapidly in an open market, to quickly obsolete IBM's mainframe investments.On another level, because IBM is run by people who count themselves among the financial Elites. The *last* thing these people want to see, is empowerment of the masses with free and open information computing technology. This is something they will fight to the death. (And have been ever since.)So, IBM developed a 'personal computing' architecture that was deliberately optimized to be as bad as possible. Then, to ensure it was adopted as a worldwide standard base for future development, they made it freely copyable. Remember that at the time, IBM had advanced circuit board and IC packaging technology. Ultra-high density PCBs with 10+ layers, and flip-chip packages that would be near impossible to reverse engineer if IBM chose to include some in the PC design. Instead they used nothing but widely available chips, on plain 2 and 4-layer boards. And published the full schematics. There was also the PC BIOS - at that time just plain assembler-code, complete with IBM copyright message, held in easily read back EPROMs.Of course the early PCs were copied and extended, and produced in large numbers particularly in Asia. The clone machines even had the exact same BIOS code, byte for byte. I read some, even the "(C) IBM" text was intact in the clones. Amazing.But was there even one case where IBM sued for copyright violation? You'd think they would, if profit was their prime intention, wouldn't you?Nope. Not one. IBM seemed to be quite happy for as many companies, even big ones, to clone and extend their design. Because that's exactly what they wanted all along. Bwahahaha! Talk about poison seeds...Then there was the software. DOS, .BAT files, EDLIN, BASIC, segmented architecture workarounds...Ha ha ha! If you think this appalling crap was all just simple incompetence, then you are an idiot, or completely ignorant of other streams of computing language/OS development at the time.It could just faintly have been due to stupidity of the Microsoft/IBM crowd, though I don't believe it.Then Microsoft Windows came out.When I realized what they'd done, in particular with the Registry and intermingling of user-config and system-config data, and that this could only have been done with the deliberate intention of making installations impossible to clone to other machines with even slightly different hardware configurations, was when I gave up on system programming for PCs.That was really a brilliant move of Microsoft's. It set computing back massively, and is *still* crippling the potential.In general everything Microsoft does, has an underlying intention to cripple and undermine the social benefits of widespread cheap computing power. Of course they have to obfuscate this, by appearing to be delivering advancements. Also they are of course also out to make money, but this is balanced with their intent to shovel poisonous crap to the public. It's a tradeoff, and they are well practiced in application of the Hegelian Dialectic - when you want to do something you know will be unpopular and you don't want to be seen to be trying to do that, you manufacture some seemingly unrelated 'problem'. To which the natural solution appears to be to do what you originally intended. Thus you get what you want, while pretending it wasn't what you wanted. This is standard Game Theory, is used in politics all the time, and most people are too naive and immersed in their own affairs to notice it.Hence the Win7, 8, 10 sequence. Do a reasonably good OS to gain approval, then a really awful one, then bring out the 'solution to that mistake' - but which includes the evil things you wanted to do all along.On my primary machine I use a cut-down version of WinXP, mainly because (I hope) all the remote surveillance, backdoors and auto-update crap are removed. Also the system GUI is still reasonably un-obfuscated and direct, there's no 'protected system files' bullshit and the huge overheads, and the OS doesn't try (much) to lie to me about disk data structures. Not too much deliberate OS churn in support of MS's expiring 'certified windows professional' course fees income stream.Only recently I discovered that Win7 removed the ability to manually arrange icons in folders other than the desktop. Huh? On checking I found there's a registry patch to re-enable this. Get it? The code capability to manually arrange icons (something few but power users would want) is still there, but MS *added* code to disable that capability. On top of the abortion of having icon arrangements stored in obfuscated form deep, deep down in the registry, and get randomly deleted. As opposed to sensibly having such data stored in situ, in the relevant folders. Why wasn't it done that way originally? Because... the human brain deals best with information as visual arrangements. Allowing users to structure their own data, in their own folders, to appear as visual arrangements that never change unless they choose to change them, and allowing such arrangements to be easily backed-up and cloned to other machines, would be too user-empowering. So MS did it in a way that sabotages that. But not sabotaged enough, so in Win 7 the ability was deliberately, specifically disabled.Anyway, summary:Microsoft is the corporate equivalent of a psychopath; an evil-intentioned, manipulative and abusive character, but which markets itself well as benevolent, and proceeds via carefully planned series of acts that each appear 'OK', to push the public into a submissive, beaten-down abused dependency. In which they will accept any kind of abuse of their rights and destruction of their privacy and ability to act independently, all the while being convinced that any problems they encounter are somehow all their fault.Thin-client, subscription-model computing, enforced DRM, full-spectrum remote monitoring of all user activity, enforced 'updates', closed boot model disallowing anything but approved OS installs, etc, being examples of the kind of abusive and restrictive computing platform crippling that one would expect from a psychopath.If someone did these kinds of things directly to another person, they could be charged with mental cruelty, invasion of privacy and causing deliberate injury. But from Microsoft, most of us are conditioned to accept it.More reading material in folderhttp://everist.org/archives/links/__WinXP_info.txt__Win_Vista.txt__Win7_links.txt__Win8_links.txt__Win_10_info.txt__MS_Longhorn_links.txt__MS_Palladium_links.txt__UEFI_secure_boot_links.txt__xbox_bunnie_MS_links.txt

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 04:32:59 am
content: A bunch of hooey, in my opinion. Segmentation is IBM-speak for protected memory, and the CPU Intelwantedto make, the APX432, had especially fine-grained protection (an object-capability model). This type of architecture can be verified secure to Rainbow Book A2 level at least. It was the market that rejected that approach, and Intel is in the business of making money, so they just followed the market and made the 8086. It was a completely mainstream architecture in every way. Even the segmented addressing was a standard, mainstream technique, used on many other machines, like Zilog's Z8000.Microsoft's shady dealings are not any kind of secret; the history of the company is very well documented. It likes to shoot first and ask questions later, and that has led to large judgements and settlements (Digital Research, Stacker, Department of Justice, European Union). A company led by an autistic savant without any social intelligence did not operate itself in an ethical way: this too is widely written about, in books like "Microserfs" and others.

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 04:46:47 am
content: Most of what you say is correct. I am also a veteran from the pre-PC era. I was also an insider, working for IBM for 19 years.IBM did not choose the worst PC architecture on purpose. The reason they produced the PC was to fill the tiny market segment traditionally occupied by hackers (like you and me). At the time there were no standards in PC hardware or software around - the market was fragmented and Apples were still considered toys. Instead of marketing the PC to hackers, IBM skilfully marketed the PC to business and home users (The Charly Chaplin ads). With plenty of money behind them in advertising, the thing took off big time and the world at last had a "standard".Where IBM really screwed up was they released the schematic diagrams of the PC and did not protect the BIOS, with the intent of third parties making option cards. Big, BIG mistake. Opportunistic Asians simply copied the PC, making vast sums of cash; hence the term "IBM clone". Because IBM did not publish any bus timing standards, many of these shoddy clones had problems; hence the term "100% IBM compatible".The other monumental stuff-up was OS/2 versus Windows. IBM simply lacked any innovation with marketing. If they had given every university student a free copy of OS/2 Warp and if IBM were not so damned greedy with their high OS prices, the world might be different today. Most people are unaware Microsoft actually wrote most of OS/2 and in it there was an agreement that OS/2 could only run 16-bit applications in its Windows shell. This was one of the used-car-salesman Bill Gate's greatest achievements in conning IBM and its potentially biggest rival operating system into oblivion whilst making billions of dollars.IBM Australia did seek legal action of a clone reseller in Australia for producing a copied eight bar IBM style logo for their clones. And an employee could be disciplined or even fired for buying shares in Microsoft. In fact two employees in Perth were threatened with the sack for privately developing a low cost modem for the Commodore VIC 20. In my case I had to get written permission to be allowed to fix video recorders on the side because they contained microprocessors.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 05:18:04 am
content: Quote from: Jeroen3 on May 19, 2016, 05:28:56 pmFYI mine stop pushing. I used to get at least 6 times a day an error message because it could not upgrade. My guess is that MS tried 1,000 times. Thank god it has stopped, I tried every online method to stop the messages with no luck.I think we should consider us lucky. In the future they will have Windows installed in our brains (and pocketbook). I guess the good news is you do not have to worry about upgrading to Win 11 or any versions from now on.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 05:32:59 am
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on May 22, 2016, 03:55:53 amhttps://books.google.com/books?id=gy4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA15&pg=PA15&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false

author: Bryan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 05:52:29 am
content: Quote from: suicidaleggroll on May 21, 2016, 01:03:06 pmFor a second I thought you were describing government.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 06:14:56 am
content: Quote from: helius on May 22, 2016, 05:32:59 amFrom the article:"We sat down with IBM and settled rather than argue the case in court, said Letito.""Letito said there was no monetary settlement, that the issue was one of 'clearing the air,' and said that it will not affect any equipment the company has shipped. The company has agreed not to ship any other products containing the present version of BIOS."In other words, the kind of copyright non-prosecution you do when you want it on record for appearance that you did object (once.) But don't really care.If you can find one case where IBM *actually* sued for BIOS copyright infringement, for money, got a judgment and enforced payment, please show it.IBM, who certainly had a building or few full of lawyers.

author: MarvinTheMartian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 07:23:48 am
content: Hi TerraHertz, VK3DRB, et alI already harbour deep suspicions of MS (I'm using Win7 at the moment) especially with the constant pushing of the 'free' Win10 and with the heavy price of privacy (piracy?) issues in it's terms and conditions!But you guys are really scaring me now.Does anyone have recommendations for OS's and applications that arenotMS?I'm aware of Linux but have had no experience of it (or any other OS).There are certain applications that my wife would need to use (disability specific) that may not have versions for other OS's, so it may not be possible for her to switch OS's unless they can run a 'Windows shell' for those programs....running scared and don't know where to go...Maybe we should pack up and go back to Mars!

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 07:36:14 am
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on May 22, 2016, 06:14:56 amIBM hired plenty of lawyers. One example: In 1997, IBM ran a mock court case in New South Wales to determine if the Wangaratta employees could launch a class action against them if they sold the employees off to another company (which they did). They were protecting themselves legally from the employees prior to IBM committing an act of bastardy. The lack of loyalty is why most employees they days look after themselves first. And it is the likes of IBM who pull the trigger first. Loyalty should be a two way deal, not one way.Ultimately, Microsoft , like IBM, are loyal to one thing: shareholders. Most companies that I know of with shareholders are like that.Lincoln Electric in the USA is one exception.http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-au/company/Pages/company-history.aspx

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 07:55:31 am
content: After waiting 10 months, I am just about to start putting Win 10 on our PCs so I can lock in the free update before 29th July 2016, and then reverting back to Windows 7. Apparently, since November, you no longer have to do an upgrade - you can do a clean install using the Win7/8/8.1 key. So I can just attach a temporary hard drive, install and activate Windows 10 on it, and put the original Windows 7 back in.Has anyone tried this?Richard.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 01:07:38 pm
content: Win10 users have brought it up, you can google how to turn auto updates and some other items off.

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 02:41:16 pm
content: So I was at a school trip for 2 days.When I came back home I see the message "All of your files are left in exactly the same place".suddenly after a few seconds, Windows 10.what the fuck is wrong with my PC? he does his shit without even asking me? whats next? he will also design my circuits and send them to manufacturing himself?I never asked or did update my PC to windows 10, every time I got the small message I just clicked no or what ever button is there.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 03:18:11 pm
content: Quote from: ZeTeX on May 22, 2016, 02:41:16 pmWell that is the problem Microsoft have got really sly and if you just click the box to go away it makes the assumption that you want Windows 10 you have to look closely and find the options button then go through a comedy routine of clicking boxes saying things like are you sure you don't want 10 do mean it what really mean it no never install windows ten. Well they don't use the exact words but it is 4 or 5 separate boxes, i caught my wife yesterday as she was about to click the red cross on such a box and it was about five stages to stop the "upgrade"which has now gone to "recommended update" wont be long before it becomes an "essential update".

author: bitwelder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 04:15:18 pm
content: Quote from: ZeTeX on May 22, 2016, 02:41:16 pmQuick test, what button would you click in the picture here:in order to refuse the Win 10 upgrade?

author: timb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 04:20:38 pm
content: Quote from: bitwelder on May 22, 2016, 04:15:18 pmWhere it says "Click here to schedule or cancel upgrade."

author: PartialDischarge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 04:36:20 pm
content: Quote from: bitwelder on May 22, 2016, 04:15:18 pmThe reset button or the power switch. Then pour gasoline and light it up, best way to kill viruses

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 05:14:41 pm
content: I have tried several Ubuntu flavors on either a Live CD or booted off a USB stick. Also tried other Linux distributions booting to try them out. They all have the option to install to your hard drive and allow a dual boot system, or you can replace Windows entirely. So that may be a good easy way to play and learn on Linux before you take the dive.Downloading full ISO's and burning DVD's or writing to USB sticks is not that hard. Most distros now come with bundled apps and huge libraries that you can use to install more. You don't have to work in a command line shell if you don't want to. I think Linux has been getting easier and easier for noobs every year since I first encountered it almost 20 years ago.Plenty of articles abound on people who want to try Linux and not sure what to try first, like this onehttp://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-linux-distro-first-time-switchers-windows-mac/

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 05:39:18 pm
content: I can safely that most people would be happy with Ubuntu, Kubuntu, and more likely Linux Mint. There will be an adjustment period, but Mint is pretty easy to change to. If you are doing things like complicated video editing, music production, photo editing in a serious way, or some other more technical things, then the learning curve is a bit steeper if you already are using specific packages of software in Windows. All in all I would recommend Linux Mint.

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 05:39:42 pm
content: Quote from: bitwelder on May 22, 2016, 04:15:18 pmthe X button to exit, I didn't read it fully, but usually it will just keep pooing up those messages, not actually update it till I click to update it (thats at least how a normal person would do it, I guess Microsoft really force you to update).

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 06:00:39 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on May 22, 2016, 05:39:18 pmyeah, if it wasn't that even secretaries needed to use your business custom software which is probably only for windowsAlso the usual debate on wether OSS alternatives are as good/reliable and will actually saves you money

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 07:06:20 pm
content: If everyone stopped taking the MS cool aide, then this dilemma would stop.

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 07:09:47 pm
content: I want to install Ubuntu GNOME because it looks better then window 10, but everybody uses windows and it feels weird begin like that 1 that does not belong to anybody.As a person who uses his PC only for Firefox, some games, and electronic software (Kicad, LTspice) and CAD's, should I use Ubuntu?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 22, 2016, 07:13:14 pm
content: Quote from: ZeTeX on May 22, 2016, 07:09:47 pmI would use Linux Mint in pace of Ubuntu. Ubuntu has too many restrictions on codecs and has that silly GUI. Just my opinion.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 01:18:36 am
content: Some Win10-related funny pics/memes. I've been collecting them, mostly from 9gag.http://everist.org/temp/win10/

author: linux-works
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 02:07:51 am
content: funny comment on a forum that I frequent:https://soylentnews.org/breakingnews/comments.pl?sid=13675&cid=349106#commentwrap

author: AF6LJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 02:21:43 pm
content: Quote from: linux-works on May 23, 2016, 02:07:51 amThat's Cute

author: Refrigerator
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 02:38:36 pm
content: Windows Xp for the win.Would love if Microshaft tried to update my laptop from 2004 to Win10, althought it will never happen, but if it did i'd piss myself laughing.

author: botcrusher
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 02:45:54 pm
content: Windows XP was great until it became the great pyramid of patches.I have to say i quite like windows 10, but this does piss me off. It's a really $%&-tard move by Microsoft.Unfortunately, linux isn't realistic as an alternative. Some distros get close, but for the average end user, there's still too many things that require access to the terminal for relatively basic things in windows.I'll happily use it and do so on my portable and secondary machines, as well as my servers. But most people won't tolerate that kind of stuff.

author: hans
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 02:59:15 pm
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on May 23, 2016, 01:18:36 amTo all who is afraid to jump on the Linux bandwagon: just do it. Especially if you dont' like the direction Windows 10 is heading on. Let's face it: Windows 10 is a rolling release meaning it will probably take many years before Microsoft will ever reconsider a paid upgradepack or new release. In the meantime they will pay their bills with mass data mining. I don't like the amount of telemetry & shenanigans in Windows, it seems like new "scandals" appear every week.If you have a spare machine you just use for internet and word processing, install Linux Mint or Xubuntu and try it out. Mind that Linux does not always work the same as Windows, so I recommended not trying to use it like it is Windows. But once you discover some of the tricks in Linux, you will hate Windows for not having that.

author: MrSlack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 06:29:10 pm
content: Ahhahahhaha this is hilarious. Use Linux?A minor Linux kernel update has a high probability of shafting your graphics drivers or power management randomly from experience. I've seen this first hand with a financial company that rolled out updates to 200 desktops. Turns out intel graphics drivers in 3.10 were broken resulting in display corruption. Not picked up on testing due to a subtle difference between HD graphics on test and production systems.Despite the negative effects, windows 10 or macos are the best bet for the average user. You're driving a Prius now though.All computers and ecosystems have bad and good bits.

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 06:46:55 pm
content: I'm planning on going dual-boot for some period, to see how I survive Linux. I might boot into Linux for most stuff and rely on Windows when I need to do certain things which I haven't figured out how to do on Linux or can't yet be done. I am worried mainly about printer drivers, certain video editors and converters I'm using now, and other apps I will probably realize I miss once I am in Linux-land more full time.I think actually most users would be better suited in Linux than Windows, to be honest. Why? Because the majority of users probably use their machines for browsing the web, occasionally printing stuff, and working on basic word processing. Let's face it, apart from gaming, I would venture to say many people could do just well on a ChromeBook OS. Certainly, way more users could function just fine in a Linux-only environment like ChromeBook or even an Android-based OS, than we think.... Yet the majority would gladly pay much more for a Windows machine that is many times more powerful than they actually need.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 08:19:26 pm
content: I have used Linux in the past and quite liked it only problem was wireless drivers on laptops and the hoops I had to jump through when using the scanner on my Epson all in one also it is absolutely useless for specialities like the digitiser screen on Panasonic toughbooks.My mother in law who is 95 just fell foul of the Windows 10 update co screen and found herself with Windows 10 installed. I guess it is that type of user that Microsoft wants to trap, they seem hell bent on getting past the Billion instillation mark

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 10:00:14 pm
content: Quote from: Lightages on May 22, 2016, 05:39:18 pmAs I wait for a Mint 1.4 gb dvd iso to download.Any recommendations on how to get the iso installed on a thumb drive? Been years since I burned a CD or DVD and I do not have any blanks (and I use to burn 100's)I want to set up a dual boot on my Win 7 laptopthanks

author: suicidaleggroll
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 10:08:32 pm
content: Quote from: ez24 on May 23, 2016, 10:00:14 pmThere are many programs that will prepare a USB drive for you given an iso. Unetbootin, Universal USB Installer (UUI), Linux Live USB Creator (LiLi), etc.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2016, 11:52:13 pm
content: Quote from: suicidaleggroll on May 23, 2016, 10:08:32 pmthanks I will start with Unebootin (still downloading ha ha ha)

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2016, 01:16:24 am
content: I am going to Linux on my main desktop, but I have been evaluating both Mint and an Arch Linux based approach.Mint is a great solution as it will be solid and just about all Linux applications have Ubuntu installations. The negative I have found with Ubuntu is that packages for a particular version of Ubuntu/Mint tend to freeze. So I find myself using a version of SVN that is several versions behind the current release. It is always possible with open source programs like SVN to get the latest source and compile it, but from that point, it is up to me to keep the program updated - Ubuntu/Mint update managers will no longer help me. The only safe way to do major version updates in Ubuntu and Mint is to backup your data, do a clean install and reload your data. I always upgrade my Windows with a clean install anyway for version upgrades, but Linux updates do need more configuration time to get everything working again.I love Arch Linux as it is always running the latest versions of the kernel and applications. A fresh install of Arch is a big job, so I would go with Antergos instead. Once a Arch system is installed, there is never a need to do a version upgrade install again. But there are some big gotcha's. First, you have to keep it updated very regularly - if you do not update it for a few years and then try a big update in one go, something is going to break. Secondly, running the bleeding edge of everything is not going to be as solid as the Ubuntu/Mint approach. I have servers using Ubuntu 14.04 LTS and Arch linux. The Ubuntu is using kernel 3.13.0. Arch is using 4.5.5. The latest Linux kernel existing today is 4.6. Both servers were built at the same time. Third, in Arch, things will occasionally break just because of version changes in the applications and security settings. I am probably averaging about one major problem a year. I have had shared SMB (Windows) drives disappear due to the removal in legacy features in Samba updates. I have had services disappear from the network due to security changes that need firewall changes. This is a big problem for a business PC as any update can stop your work until you fix the issues. With Arch, I will have to run VMs of Ubuntu and maybe Centos just so I can run applications that only have Ubuntu or Redhat installs.If you are new to Linux, going to Mint is a no-brainer. Expect to do a major clean install every 2 to 3 years and Mint Backup/Restore tools are much more helpful here then Ubuntu.

author: bitwelder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 24, 2016, 06:08:28 pm
content: Quote from: ZeTeX on May 22, 2016, 05:39:42 pmApparently not anymore:https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/67367/upgradegate-microsofts-upgrade-deceptions-undermining-windows-10"Last week, Microsoft silently changed Get Windows 10 yet again. And this time, it has gone beyond the social engineering scheme that has been fooling people into inadvertently upgrading to Windows 10 for months. This time, it actually changed the behavior of the window that appears so that if you click the “Close” window box, you are actuallyagreeingto the upgrade. Without you knowing what just happened"

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 12:27:03 am
content: Personally I would click where it says to click to change the schedule or cancel the upgrade, but I try to read instructional screens rather than blindly click stuff....

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 07:21:37 am
content: The latest upgrade window dose not give you the option to not install windows !0 only to change the time of day or night, My wife has a computer which I had not put GWX control onto (partly just to see what happens) well I had to install GWX control today as she had the update window which will not take no for an answer, the options were agree upgrade now or later today or choose the time which turned out to be in the small hours of tonight nothing else was permitted.

author: imidis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 10:26:07 am
content: Geez, bad enough there was not way to disable it...

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 12:03:13 pm
content: I came to an office this morning and the receptionists are all complaining that Windows 10 has installed on their machines! And they have an IT support company helping them already for several months to avoid it!Anyways, I'm going to help them out. I'm waiting until Windows 10 finishes updating and will "degrade" back and install Never10 from GRC.https://www.grc.com/never10.htm. I've used GWX but find Never10 to be more along following official protocols for setting systems to not upgrade, according to Steve Gibson who wrote it (using Microsoft's own documented policies). It is also a tiny program as compared to GWX.By the way.... The people at this office reported they got a dialog box asking them to upgrade, and the options was "I'll Do It Another time" or something like that, and gave them an option to wait for 1 hour, 2 hours, 8 hours... something like that. They swear they did not see ANY option *NOT* to upgrade. They closed ("X") the dialog, and when it popped up again they tried to get rid of the nag every which way possible.... Seems like all clicks point to YES to upgrade.

author: botcrusher
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 12:46:12 pm
content: Well, obviously you're not on a domain. Domain machines don't ask you because the netadmin has to approve updates.Domains save lives!(I'm in a funny mood this morning...)

author: Iwanushka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 05:40:40 pm
content: If you have second gpu e.g. integrated in cpu + discrete amd/nvidia you can run windows in kvm with gpu passthrough and you will het around 90% GPU performance as on real windows, so you can use all 3d stuff in virtual machine

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 25, 2016, 06:54:32 pm
content: Quote from: Iwanushka on May 25, 2016, 05:40:40 pmThe issue is most games refuse to even START. They want to see a discrete graphics card.

author: Iwanushka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 12:25:57 am
content: Quote from: Red Squirrel on May 25, 2016, 06:54:32 pmthat's the point of this, Windows Virtual Machine gets direct access to the GPU, so it's the same as running windows on baremetal

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 12:45:54 pm
content: Here's an article on Forbes from 12 hours ago (as of this posting). Is it just me, or do you see an obvious spelling mistake?http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2016/05/25/microsoft-windows-10-upgrade-warningJust in case they change it, I have attached a screenshot.Perhaps they were using Windows 10 Spell-Checker?

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 01:30:26 pm
content: Quote from: edy on May 26, 2016, 12:45:54 pmAre canadian afraid of the dark?

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 01:43:52 pm
content: The real PITA is that MS says that Win10 is going to stay. No WIn11 which will fix all issues, like WIn7 for Vista. So it's time to make a decision. Staying with Win7 as long as possible and moving to another OS, or swallowing the very bitter pill? Not an easy decision, especially if you run some special windows-only software. Virtualization can help, as long as your software runs with Win7. It's a mess!

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 02:20:04 pm
content: Just because they aren't going to keep changing the version number (which is just the name, not the actual internal version number of the software) doesn't mean a damn thing - updates will keep coming, they just aren't going to play a silly marketing game and change the name of the OS any more. Apple has been OS X for how many years now? There are new versions all the time, but regardless of the version, the name of the operating system is OS X. So with Microsoft, it will be Windows 10, at least until some other marketing maven joins the executive team and convinces everyone this is a bad idea. But there will be new versions. Just because the name doesn't change doesn't mean the software will remain stagnant.ANd still "Fix all the issues" I love reading the tech rags, which have seemingly all devolved to the same total lack of actual technical reporting as places like CNET and so forth, all they do is post article after article of "issues" and make it sound like anyone running Windows 10 is having these problems. I have a 6 year old laptop I upgraded from 8.1 to 10, a 5 year old desktop I upgraded from 7 to 10, and two new desktop machines I built with 8.1 because that's what I own and then immediately (before installing any other software) upgraded to 10. All work fine, all have been receiving updates, and never have they had any of the fail to boot after some broken update issues that have been so harped upon by the "trade press" (I'm talking InfoWorld type publications). They all sync the same OneDrive account beautifully, so I can work on my model railroad CAD on the dual screen desktop, then pull up the plan on my laptop from some hotel room across the country, or work on an Arduino sketch on my workbench machine and then pull it up on the other desktop to make a change. Even better is that all my bookmarks sync across machines, no more "I knew I had this interesting site bookmarked, must have been on one of the other machines".

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2016, 07:07:55 pm
content: I don't think the most serious problems with Windows 10 have anything to do with broken updates or installation failures.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 06:43:30 am
content: Microsoft just made the X button the "yes please upgrade" button.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2016, 09:39:47 am
content: And more fun. The Anniversary Update (planned for end of July) requires 2GB RAM (current system requirement for Win10 is 1GB RAM). Also note that Win10 users only get security fixes when they run the latest version (feature update), as stated by the service policy. If you got a tablet with 1GB RAM and have upgraded to Win10 you can't install the Anniversary Update, and therefore you won't get any security fixes anymore, possibly.

author: Tinkerer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 12:29:59 am
content: Quote from: Jeroen3 on May 27, 2016, 06:43:30 amThey really did that?

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 07:50:40 am
content: Quote from: Tinkerer on May 28, 2016, 12:29:59 amhttps://youtu.be/kJ9KkVfLDno

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 09:21:23 am
content: Quote from: G7PSK on May 28, 2016, 07:50:40 amWhat the fuck is wrong with Microsoft? they are going full asshole on this one.

author: engineer_in_shorts
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 11:11:18 am
content: Quote from: Tinkerer on May 28, 2016, 12:29:59 amNo. Actually this box is just a notification that the upgrade is scheduled. So the X is just closing the notification and it's a msgbox just to make it clear to the user that it is still scheduled.

author: engineer_in_shorts
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 11:18:29 am
content: Quote from: G7PSK on May 28, 2016, 07:50:40 amTerrible blog, he doesn't even show the latest look of the GWX or what happens.

author: suicidaleggroll
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2016, 12:42:41 pm
content: Quote from: engineer_in_shorts on May 28, 2016, 11:11:18 amAnd that's better?So instead of just being a confusing dialog box intended to trick users into agreeing, after 10 months of the user saying "No", "No", "No", "I don't want it", "Leave me alone", "No", Microsoft has decided to say "Fuck you, we're going to install it anyway, here's a confusing dialog box that looks like another request, but actually it's just telling you that we're going against everything you've said and doing it anyway, good luck trying to stop it".I always thought this was a video of a bunch of asshole frat guys, turns out it's just Microsoft's Windows 10 department:http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=fdb_1287415182

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2016, 01:16:42 am
content: I just updated my father's computer to Windows 10 (from remote, using Teamviewer... as he lives 1000 miles away). He called me in a panic that he got this "Your Files have been encrypted" Virus and that he was being asked to send some Bitcoins. At that point.... I figured it was all over.... There was no way we would pay ransom and the computer was going to just be better off getting wiped clean of the infection and whatever files he had lost would just need to be restored from backup (Which he doesn't do).Anyways, I cleaned his machine up using Malwarebytes and did a thorough scanning with Avira.... Both found thousands of infected files which were eliminated. I figured, I may as well install Windows 10 because it's not my machine.And it is better than the Windows 8.1 garbage he was running before with the "Tiles" layout.NOTE: I noticed he had no "upgrade" path to Windows 10.... No Get Windows 10 icon, and Nothing in Windows Update! I had to actually go to the Windows 10 microsoft website and download their Windows 10 update utility to do it! Has anyone else noticed this on a Windows 8.1 installation?Windows 10 installed, even after several reboots I was still able to re-establish a connection with Teamviewer as soon as it booted, and finished scanning and all is clean. I tried opening some of the so-called "encrypted" files and they worked!That makes no sense..... Perhaps he was infected with something else? Or maybe he was confused by a pop-up that showed up on his screen that was spoofing the same type of virus? Anyways, we dodged that bullet....So yeah... Windows 10, to replace Windows 8.1. If he was Windows 7, I would probably not have upgraded him. But seeing he was on Windows 8.1 and we had actually installed 3rd-party utilities to remove the tile interface and make it look more like class Windows with the Start menu, I'm actually kind of liking Windows 10 layout.We'll see how long he stays virus free though. I keep telling him to be careful not to open attachments from his buddy who sends him jokes through email, but he does not listen!

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2016, 04:32:40 am
content: You've run malwarebytes, that would have removed the upgrade malware.

author: MrSlack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2016, 09:22:52 am
content: Quote from: edy on May 31, 2016, 01:16:42 amThis is why I get non tech savvy people to buy Chromebooks these days. They can't screw them up however hard they try. If they manage to bust the hardware, I tell them to go buy another one and just log into it. Problem solved. While I'm no fan of "the cloud" as such, for some people it's better for them than letting them be in charge of their own data and devices.

author: edy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2016, 05:55:36 pm
content: Quote from: MrSlack on May 31, 2016, 09:22:52 amYes, when he called me and told me his computer said "I encrypted your file, pay me Bitcoins"... I immediately thought he was completely foobared. I told him to buy a Chromebook while I figure out how to get his computer out of this mess from a remote connection. I didn't think I would be able to get in remotely, and even then I didn't think his files would make it through in a readable format.Anyways, before he had a chance to buy anything, I got in and fixed it up. NOW... I was really interested in putting some Linux version on his machine, and I may still set up a dual-boot system just to be on the safe side. If he gets in trouble again, he could boot into Linux and away he goes. But I cannot trust he'll know what to do with a Linux machine. I would have to constantly manage it from remote, and get questions all day long. So Windows 10 it is for now.... Until the next crisis. Meanwhile, if he is mostly cloud-based I would ask him to pick up a Chromebook anyways just to have in case.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2016, 06:04:07 pm
content: Quote from: edy on May 31, 2016, 01:16:42 amDid you setup your Dad's account as a guest/standard user or with full administrative? Before I switched a relative to guest/standard, I would have to re-install Windows every 6 months due to viruses despite best practices (firewall, AV, etc). Ever since limiting access, I have had no problems since then. I also installed an adblocker as he is somewhat gullible.I know when I use my local public library computers, they have Windows locked down. I'm not a Windows expert, but I wonder if you can lock down certain functions?As for Linux, I use Lubuntu and spend 95% of my time using a browser. If your Dad mainly uses a browser, making the switch to Linux will require minimal, but some training.

author: ZeTeX
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2016, 06:26:56 pm
content: Quote from: edy on May 31, 2016, 01:16:42 amJust install a good anti virus and a good firewall that is setup correctly, also a couple of ad blockers to Firefox would not hurt.

author: MrSlack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2016, 07:59:43 pm
content: Never enough. Prevention is better than cure here.

author: GEuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 04:00:24 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on May 31, 2016, 06:04:07 pmSame here , i looked into it (can't recall the software name though) and it's a propriety software they can use , it also does not allow anything to be kept or saved after a reboot and it will not allow anything to be altered after a first boot , it also is password protected at first boot and if one does not login it just loads up the protected environment base installation which cannot be fiddled with .If the Library does not let the Admins in there (out rural here) often one sees heaps of popups saying new drivers and updates are ready to be installed over and over again (by day) as no one has got in the computer and updated everything and as nothing is saved it repeats itself , its mildly annoying .

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 04:56:45 am
content: Came across a bit of Microsoft fun yesterday...I've been having some hassles with the Microsoft Update process running one of my CPU cores flat out - and doing absolutely nothing. I haven't had any updates for a couple of weeks, so I was keen to sort it out.Anyway, yesterday I finally was able to get into Windows Update and decided to test the waters by doing a manual update and only selecting ONE of the 'important' updates (there were 14) and see how that went. I was not going to do any 'optional' updates.However, as I was about to click on the 'let's go' button, I noticed it said there was 1 important and 1 optional update selected.I stepped back to check the 'optional' updates and found the optional Win 10 update had been selected for me.That was unchecked really quickly.Now I'm really wondering if I want to risk doing any more updates ever again.

author: PartialDischarge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 08:13:11 am
content: To sum it up, answering to the original post question "Is Microsoft into trojans or spyware?", the answer is clear, "No, Microsoft is the trojan"

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 12:00:32 pm
content: Quote from: MasterTech on June 01, 2016, 08:13:11 amYes, I get a pop-up every few days saying "Your Microsoft Office is out of date. Click here for a 50% discount on an update". I did not ask for the pop-up, but the telemarketer who runs Microsoft seems to think I did.Why would I want to upgrade, when it will just contain even more bugs than the bug-infested 2010 version? Plus they dictate a poor interpretation of a intuitive user experience.So, what next?"You agreed to the terms and conditions of the free Windows 11 license. As a result Microsoft has deducted $299 from your bank account for the latest Office upgrade which includes a free download from iTunes of the Justin Bieber Christmas Album."

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 12:27:39 pm
content: Quote from: VK3DRB on June 01, 2016, 12:00:32 pmWe have made Bing your default homepage and search engine!

author: GEuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 01:10:08 pm
content: Basichttp://www.bing.com/?rb=0

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 04:32:56 pm
content: Quote from: VK3DRB on June 01, 2016, 12:00:32 pmIt will delete the software you didn't pay your annual subscription fee for.

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 05:19:27 pm
content: There is quite a lot of Skylake hardware with Win7, 8.1 drivers, and Microsoft has agreed to extend full Win7 support for Skylake an extra year till 2018. There will still be security updates till the end of Win7 in Jan 2020, so I am happy to use Skylake for new Win7 systems. The successor to Skylake will be Win10 only.

author: lilos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2016, 10:37:20 pm
content: https://libreboot.org/faq/#intelmeNot only windows 10 is spying intel use ME ARC processor core !Introduced in June 2006 in Intel's 965 Express Chipset Family of (Graphics and) Memory Controller Hubs, or (G)MCHs, and the ICH8 I/O Controller Family, the Intel Management Engine (ME) is a separate computing environment physically located in the (G)MCH chip. In Q3 2009, the first generation of Intel Core i3/i5/i7 (Nehalem) CPUs and the 5 Series Chipset family of Platform Controller Hubs, or PCHs, brought a more tightly integrated ME (now at version 6.0) inside the PCH chip, which itself replaced the ICH. Thus, the ME is present on all Intel desktop, mobile (laptop), and server systems since mid 2006.The ME consists of an ARC processor core (replaced with other processor cores in later generations of the ME), code and data caches, a timer, and a secure internal bus to which additional devices are connected, including a cryptography engine, internal ROM and RAM, memory controllers, and a direct memory access (DMA) engine to access the host operating system's memory as well as to reserve a region of protected external memory to supplement the ME's limited internal RAM. The ME also has network access with its own MAC address through an Intel Gigabit Ethernet Controller. Its boot program, stored on the internal ROM, loads a firmware "manifest" from the PC's SPI flash chip. This manifest is signed with a strong cryptographic key, which differs between versions of the ME firmware. If the manifest isn't signed by a specific Intel key, the boot ROM won't load and execute the firmware and the ME processor core will be halted.The ME firmware is compressed and consists of modules that are listed in the manifest along with secure cryptographic hashes of their contents. One module is the operating system kernel, which is based on a proprietary real-time operating system (RTOS) kernel called "ThreadX". The developer, Express Logic, sells licenses and source code for ThreadX. Customers such as Intel are forbidden from disclosing or sublicensing the ThreadX source code. Another module is the Dynamic Application Loader (DAL), which consists of a Java virtual machine and set of preinstalled Java classes for cryptography, secure storage, etc. The DAL module can load and execute additional ME modules from the PC's HDD or SSD. The ME firmware also includes a number of native application modules within its flash memory space, including Intel Active Management Technology (AMT), an implementation of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), Intel Boot Guard, and audio and video DRM systems.The Active Management Technology (AMT) application, part of the Intel "vPro" brand, is a Web server and application code that enables remote users to power on, power off, view information about, and otherwise manage the PC. It can be used remotely even while the PC is powered off (via Wake-on-Lan). Traffic is encrypted using SSL/TLS libraries, but recall that all of the major SSL/TLS implementations have had highly publicized vulnerabilities. The AMT application itself has known vulnerabilities, which have been exploited to develop rootkits and keyloggers and covertly gain encrypted access to the management features of a PC. Remember that the ME has full access to the PC's RAM. This means that an attacker exploiting any of these vulnerabilities may gain access to everything on the PC as it runs: all open files, all running applications, all keys pressed, and more.Intel Boot Guard is an ME application introduced in Q2 2013 with ME firmware version 9.0 on 4th Generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 (Haswell) CPUs. It allows a PC OEM to generate an asymmetric cryptographic keypair, install the public key in the CPU, and prevent the CPU from executing boot firmware that isn't signed with their private key. This means that coreboot and libreboot are impossible to port to such PCs, without the OEM's private signing key. Note that systems assembled from separately purchased mainboard and CPU parts are unaffected, since the vendor of the mainboard (on which the boot firmware is stored) can't possibly affect the public key stored on the CPU.ME firmware versions 4.0 and later (Intel 4 Series and later chipsets) include an ME application for audio and video DRM called "Protected Audio Video Path" (PAVP). The ME receives from the host operating system an encrypted media stream and encrypted key, decrypts the key, and sends the encrypted media decrypted key to the GPU, which then decrypts the media. PAVP is also used by another ME application to draw an authentication PIN pad directly onto the screen. In this usage, the PAVP application directly controls the graphics that appear on the PC's screen in a way that the host OS cannot detect. ME firmware version 7.0 on PCHs with 2nd Generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 (Sandy Bridge) CPUs replaces PAVP with a similar DRM application called "Intel Insider". Like the AMT application, these DRM applications, which in themselves are defective by design, demonstrate the omnipotent capabilities of the ME: this hardware and its proprietary firmware can access and control everything that is in RAM and even everything that is shown on the screen.The Intel Management Engine with its proprietary firmware has complete access to and control over the PC: it can power on or shut down the PC, read all open files, examine all running applications, track all keys pressed and mouse movements, and even capture or display images on the screen. And it has a network interface that is demonstrably insecure, which can allow an attacker on the network to inject rootkits that completely compromise the PC and can report to the attacker all activities performed on the PC. It is a threat to freedom, security, and privacy that can't be ignored.Before version 6.0 (that is, on systems from 2008/2009 and earlier), the ME can be disabled by setting a couple of values in the SPI flash memory. The ME firmware can then be removed entirely from the flash memory space. libreboot does this on the Intel 4 Series systems that it supports, such as the Libreboot X200 and Libreboot T400. ME firmware versions 6.0 and later, which are found on all systems with an Intel Core i3/i5/i7 CPU and a PCH, include "ME Ingition" firmware that performs some hardware initialization and power management. If the ME's boot ROM does not find in the SPI flash memory an ME firmware manifest with a valid Intel signature, the whole PC will shut down after 30 minutes.Due to the signature verification, developing free replacement firmware for the ME is basically impossible. The only entity capable of replacing the ME firmware is Intel. As previously stated, the ME firmware includes proprietary code licensed from third parties, so Intel couldn't release the source code even if they wanted to. And even if they developed completely new ME firmware without third-party proprietary code and released its source code, the ME's boot ROM would reject any modified firmware that isn't signed by Intel. Thus, the ME firmware is both hopelessly proprietary and "tivoized".In summary, the Intel Management Engine and its applications are a backdoor with total access to and control over the rest of the PC. The ME is a threat to freedom, security, and privacy, and the libreboot project strongly recommends avoiding it entirely. Since recent versions of it can't be removed, this means avoiding all recent generations of Intel hardware.More information about the Management Engine can be found on various Web sites, including me.bios.io, unhuffme, coreboot wiki, and Wikipedia. The book Platform Embedded Security Technology Revealed describes in great detail the ME's hardware architecture and firmware application modules.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 03:17:36 am
content: Sorry lilos, but your post is unreadable. I know English is not your first language, but you need to break things up a bit so people can read it.

author: GEuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 03:43:13 am
content: It is called a "Wall of text" lilos .

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 04:54:33 am
content: *Lilos has been spawned*Lilos casts "great wall of text"*all players within 10 tiles take 200 damage

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 05:25:50 am
content: Not sure what a bootloader has to do with monitoring, but monitoring *IS* a real issue. Look at North Korea, do we want to become like that? We have to fight this ridiculous amount of monitoring and not accept it or we will turn into NK too. The government always wants to regulate and control the people and keep pushing a bit at a time. Just look at how they can seize stuff at will, or how they are talking about making encryption illegal etc. Or look at stuff that's already been passed like the DMCA and patriot act. These are all things that undermine our freedoms. I refuse to use an OS like Windows that will facilitate these organizations at collecting data on my activities. Not too much I can do about online activities but I at least want my offline ones to be private.

author: lilos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 06:00:30 am
content: QuoteIs now ok ?Just wanted to share what i found and all this is form FSF ( Free Software Foundation ) -->http://www.fsf.org/,and their project to free people from proprietary bios -->https://libreboot.org/faq/#intelmeHere is Talos OpenPower 8 CPU Secure Workstation one FSF recommended computer.http://www.iot-dev.net/full.php?ar=5

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 11:04:07 am
content: lilos it's sad isn't it? You post a reveal of irremovable spyware and DRM enforcement crap being built into the fundamental architecture of modern PCs, in ways that should be absolutely and unequivocally unacceptable to everyone who learns of them. What should be 'enraged mob with pitchforks and firebrands' stuff, resulting in Intel/Microsoft execs being hunted down and killed. Yet all most readers have to say is complaints about the text formatting.This civilization is hopelessly doomed.

author: lilos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 12:31:06 pm
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on June 02, 2016, 11:04:07 amI completely agree with you TerraHertz!

author: botcrusher
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 01:21:19 pm
content: Good post!It's all perfectly legible and understandable to me, but i am a bit of a computer nut.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 05:54:16 pm
content: lilos:Please don't take my criticism of the way you posted the text as a rejection of your contribution to the subject. Thank you for sharing the information. It certainly helps everyone understand the problem we face with big corporations taking more control over the wealth of the world.

author: KE5FX
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2016, 06:22:24 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on June 02, 2016, 05:11:21 amNot caring about privacy because you have nothing to hide is like not caring about free speech because you have nothing to say.-- attributed to Snowden, but I'm not sure it's original with him.

author: GEuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2016, 01:58:22 am
content: Quote from: lilos on June 02, 2016, 06:00:30 amIt was ok in the first place , i also found it hard to read to pull out what the words actually were saying , it's just the formatting .

author: lilos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2016, 12:41:56 am
content: https://github.com/zamaudio/intelmetoolThis tool by Damien Zammit can query the status of the ME on your system. It uses the MEI (ME interface, previously called HECI) a bidirectional PCI interface between the host cpu and the ME cpu.You need linux to compile it and tun it it is very simple information tool so you can know is ME is active on your pc!I have one laptop that is intel core i5 and here is my output:./intelmetoolBad news, you have a `HM55 Chipset LPC Interface Controller` so you have ME hardware on board and it is very difficult to remove, continuing...RCBA at 0xfed1c000MEI not hidden on PCI, checking if visibleMEI found: [8086:3b64] 5 Series/3400 Series Chipset HECI ControllerME Status : 0x245ME Status 2 : 0x60000000ME: FW Partition Table : OKME: Bringup Loader Failure : NOME: Firmware Init Complete : YESME: Manufacturing Mode : NOME: Boot Options Present : NOME: Update In Progress : NOME: Current Working State : NormalME: Current Operation State : M0 with UMAME: Current Operation Mode : NormalME: Error Code : No ErrorME: Progress Phase : Host CommunicationME: Power Management Event : Clean Moff->Mx wakeME: Progress Phase State : Host communication establishedPCI READ  : 0x000000bcME: Extend SHA-256: 7aa32b527fe97b0374f01427d2fd18b93da7e88bddbc586038f67210c377d411ME seems okay on this boardWRITE  : CB: 0x80040007WRITE  : CB: 0x000002ffME: timeout waiting for data: expected 8, available 0ME: GET FW VERSION message failedWRITE  : CB: 0x80080007WRITE  : CB: 0x00000203WRITE  : CB: 0x00000000ME: timeout waiting for data: expected 5, available 0ME: GET FWCAPS message failedexitingFor people that want method to be on safe side use usb to Ethernet adapters it is know that they don`t have DMA access so ME can`t access it.This is in case we are on Linux computer for windows no one knows what happens in windows kernel

author: Artlav
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2016, 02:39:57 pm
content: Random question.If Windows 10 is really that bad and virulent, then where are all the lawsuits and protests?I've seen a lot of boiling compost on the internet about it, but yet to notice any action being taken.Not even rotten tomatoes tossed at the MS people.

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2016, 03:03:55 pm
content: Quote from: Artlav on June 04, 2016, 02:39:57 pmA German consumer protection organization already sent a cease and desist letter to MS regarding the enforced update. I assume MS won't comply and we'll see a lawsuit.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2016, 03:27:48 pm
content: I can see the EU taking MS to court over the enforced installation of the edge browser, Bing and Cortana. They were fined heavily in the past over IE and it being the default browser. Google have just been fined billions over far less with their search results.

author: rrinker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2016, 03:33:17 pm
content: Damned if they do, damned if they don't. AOL/Netscape sued MS over IE being included DESPITE there ALSO being an AOL icon placed on the desktop of a new install of Windows 95. 90% of the morons out there never patch their systems, and end up becoming part of huge botnets pushing crap every bit as bad as any alleged 'spying' Microsoft is doing. So now you pretty much HAVE to get updates (though there still is control). A bunch of years ago there was a major attach on SQL Server. You might remember that one. The patch that prevented the exploit was over a YEAR old at the time of the attack. There was also the infamous "Hacked by Chinese" attach on IIS servers. The patch blocking that exploit was also several months old by the time of the actual attack. I watched my logs and saw 3 different attempts on my personal server, all blocked because I had long since patched it. I was able to identify 3 different ISPs as the source of the attacks and 2 of them actually responded and cut off the source, the third one was actually within China so I didn't even bother trying to contact them.

author: Artlav
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2016, 05:48:39 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on June 04, 2016, 02:59:52 pmHm?Isn't it the geeks that just take 5 minutes to wrap the head around whatever new stuff is tossed their way, while it's the workhorse majority that screams bloody murder when their work process gets disrupted by the buttons changing colours and like?I'm still getting regularly harassed by friends and relatives over such things, from WinXP's Outlook Express 6.0 not being able to support the TLS yandex mail now uses, up to removing the "Win 10 update ransomware".

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2016, 07:41:42 pm
content: We are not the majority of the population.https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=nlSee 11 minutes.It's a great talk anyway.

author: lilos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 06:01:30 pm
content: European Parliament continues to promote open source!The European Parliament is continuing to emphasise the importance of free and open source software. In resolutions adopted in March and April, on a thriving data-driven economy and on gender equality and empowering women in the digital age respectively, the Parliament stresses there is a role for free and open source software.Full article here:http://www.iot-dev.net/full.php?ar=35

author: imidis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 06, 2016, 07:21:43 pm
content: If they have to go to this lever to attempt to reach their target goal, this is pretty poor.

author: lilos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2016, 01:04:31 am
content: Intel & ME, and why we should get rid of ME - FSF official statement!http://www.fsf.org/blogs/licensing/intel-me-and-why-we-should-get-rid-of-me

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2016, 07:28:03 am
content: Quote from: lilos on June 11, 2016, 01:04:31 amIs AMD or any other processor manufacturer any better, should we be looking for non Intel based hardware.

author: lilos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2016, 07:04:27 pm
content: Yes some board do not have ME.This is libre boot compatible list:Desktops (AMD, Intel, x86)Gigabyte GA-G41M-ES2L motherboardIntel D510MO motherboardASUS KCMA-D8 motherboardServers/workstations (AMD, x86)ASUS KFSN4-DRE motherboardASUS KGPE-D16 motherboardLaptops (ARM)ASUS Chromebook C201Laptops (Intel, x86)Lenovo ThinkPad X60/X60sLenovo ThinkPad X60 TabletLenovo ThinkPad T60 (there are exceptions. see link)Lenovo ThinkPad X200Lenovo ThinkPad R400Lenovo ThinkPad T400Lenovo ThinkPad T500Apple MacBook1,1Apple MacBook2,1and another good from coreboot are:Lenovo LENOVO G505S ( this is my favorite )ASUS F2A85-Mthis have some blobs for usd video firmware but are safe and also are amd boards most good one for laptop and desctop.Aslo i think all old nvidia chipset are good:like 9400m 320m also.coreboot can be ported to many more boards. But not posible to i7 and new.Also we must not forger routers!TP-LINK-wdr4300 is my best favorite for libre router it is only 50 usdMake secure Iot gateway with LibreCMC and TP-LINK-wdr4300 - how tohttp://www.iot-dev.net/ar1p1.html

author: R005T3r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2016, 08:46:03 pm
content: I hate windows 10, I'm so glad I've switched to linux It's simply not worth it, I don't even consider it a solution anymore else.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2016, 11:33:24 pm
content: The Intel Management Engine insanity is getting a little more public exposure, which is nice to see.https://boingboing.net/2016/06/15/intel-x86-processors-ship-with.htmlIntel x86s hide another CPU that can take over your machine (you can't audit it)Recent Intel x86 processors implement a secret, powerful control mechanism that runs on a separate chip that no one is allowed to audit or examine. When these are eventually compromised, they'll expose all affected systems to nearly unkillable, undetectable rootkit attacks.

author: R005T3r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2016, 09:03:54 am
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on June 17, 2016, 11:33:24 pmyou already know the solution to this problem: you keep a powerful computer completely out of the net, and you use another little one to surf the net. Nobody will ever care about it. And, NO: computers cannot communicate via speakers or via pci-express antennas or other crap like that. If you also suspect that this may happen, well, consider a faraday cage.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2016, 11:18:51 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on June 17, 2016, 11:44:31 pmtrue, but those others are things that require both somebody to monitor them and cost something in both effort and physical people. This is something that can be activated remotely, so it will not be long before somebody will figure out how to turn it on and simply scan whole subnets trying to find them, activate them and then simply downloading all the data to analyse. Not Govt, more like those looking to either make a darkweb botnet ( undetectable as well, no malware to find on the machine) or looking to grab login credentials for online banks for some quick regular income from compromised accounts.Once you can no longer trust the hardware your software runs on all security software is as good as useless.

author: lilos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2016, 09:12:39 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on June 17, 2016, 11:44:31 pmNo just ignore them! There is is many other computer you can run free and also software that are free.https://www.asus.com/Commercial-Servers-Workstations/KCMAD8/good asus mainboad with coreboot and libreboot support and is not slow !Who need to use windows anymore ?

author: lilos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2016, 04:42:02 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on June 20, 2016, 12:54:49 pmAMD Zen is not clear is will support coreboot.

author: lilos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2016, 07:12:11 pm
content: Interesting Video about x86 ISA!https://static2.rpteng.com/TALOS/assets/talos_openpower_beyond_x86_nr.mp4https://secure.raptorengineering.com/TALOS/op_twbx86.php

author: Howardlong
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2016, 09:18:30 pm
content: Ten grand payout after unauthorised Windows 10 automatic upgrade bricked PC:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-36640464

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2016, 10:51:05 am
content: Quote from: Howardlong on June 27, 2016, 09:18:30 pmQuoteno wonder she won the suit

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2016, 11:58:14 am
content: Here's an entertaining slideshow of investigation of the Intel Management Engine internals:http://www.slideshare.net/codeblue_jp/igor-skochinsky-enpubSecret of Intel Management Engine by Igor Skochinsky (mod on reddit.com/r/ReverseEngineering/ )But it can only be downloaded as a file if logged into linkedin... urrgh.Nevermind, here it is as a pdf:http://documents.tips/download/link/secret-of-intel-management-engine-by-igor-skochinskyI came upon that viahttps://www.superstation95.com/index.php/world/1593(Hal Turner's new site.)Very hyperbolic prose there. But I completely agree with his views on this. Except that while the ME insanity _should_ mean the end of Intel, it likely won't. Because most people are just too numb to care.Until someone cracks those keys, and suddenly all PCs with recent Intel CPUs get permanently bricked.Edit: see alsohttp://hackaday.com/2016/01/22/the-trouble-with-intels-management-engine/

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2016, 12:14:15 am
content: Intel ME is designed to be used in corporate IT environments to provide remote control of a system that's turned off or in a pre-OS state.It isn't normally included in home PCs and can almost always be disabled in the bios.

author: lilos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2016, 09:16:07 pm
content: Quote from: Stonent on July 07, 2016, 12:14:15 amNope not possible try to remove it from coreboot and pc will shutdown after some time.All modern mainboard rom firmware for arc processor ( or any maybe some new one .. why not fpga soft cpu .. ? ) must be included.

author: suicidaleggroll
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2016, 10:47:10 pm
content: Quote from: Stonent on July 07, 2016, 12:14:15 amIt sounds like you're referring to IPMI or similar. While that does essentially the same thing, IPMI is intended for consumer use and is only installed on workstation/server motherboards, meanwhile Intel ME is embedded into ALL Intel CPUs, is not designed for consumer use, and cannot be disabled.

author: GEuser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2016, 12:12:44 pm
content: Just came across thishttp://www.bbc.com/news/technology-36824687"However, as Peter Bright at Ars Technica pointed out, demand for Windows 10 looks set to slow in the near future thanks to dwindling sales of PCs and because the Microsoft programme that lets people upgrade to the OS for free willstop at the end of this month."Soon I'll be able to turn on winupdate to see what happens

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 05:56:59 pm
content: Quote from: lilos on June 01, 2016, 10:37:20 pmNot to beat a dead horse, but it was only a matter of time that any code from any vendor (closed source or open) has a vulnerability.https://security-center.intel.com/advisory.aspx?intelid=INTEL-SA-00075&languageid=en-frIntel Active Management Technology, Intel Small Business Technology, and Intel Standard Manageability Escalation of PrivilegeSummary:There is an escalation of privilege vulnerability in Intel® Active Management Technology (AMT), Intel® Standard Manageability (ISM), and Intel® Small Business Technology versions firmware versions 6.x, 7.x, 8.x 9.x, 10.x, 11.0, 11.5, and 11.6 that can allow an unprivileged attacker to gain control of the manageability features provided by these products. This vulnerability does not exist on Intel-based consumer PCs.

author: Red Squirrel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 09:36:49 pm
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on May 02, 2017, 05:56:59 pmGreat....lol. I knew it was a matter of time but this is much earlier than I thought.Though perhaps this is good news, if someone figured out how to exploit it perhaps someone will figure out how to disable it... easily. (there are ways but they are quite convoluted)