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Links and Resources => Computer Forum => Topic started by: JimB on October 14, 2015, 10:18:46 AM

Title: Windows 10 & Privacy
Post by: JimB on October 14, 2015, 10:18:46 AM
If  you've purchased a computer with Windows 10 or are thinking about it, you might find these websites useful. If you're concerned at all about privacy it's my opinion that if you need to buy a computer you'd be better off buying a refurbed or used computer that still has Windows 7. Also if you're getting that annoying upgrade option harrassing you to "upgrade" to Windows 10 you might want to think twice.

Windows 10 uses the Internet a lot to support many of its features. The operating system also sports numerous knobs to twiddle that are supposed to disable most of these features and the potentially privacy-compromising connections that go with them.

Unfortunately for privacy advocates, these controls don't appear to be sufficient to completely prevent the operating system from going online and communicating with Microsoft's servers.
Source (http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/08/even-when-told-not-to-windows-10-just-cant-stop-talking-to-microsoft/)

https://fix10.isleaked.com/

https://www.privacytools.io/ (scroll down a tiny bit to read about Windows 10)
Title: Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
Post by: JimB on October 27, 2015, 12:39:13 PM
By default, a Windows 10 update will use your bandwidth to share files on your PC with other PCs. This walk-through shows how to disable that feature--or tone it down a bit. Source (http://www.techrepublic.com/article/windows-10-shares-your-files-with-the-internet-heres-how-to-turn-it-off/?tag=nl.e036&s_cid=e036&ttag=e036&ftag=TREa988f1c)
Title: Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
Post by: Richard Myers on October 28, 2015, 09:11:48 AM
Microsoft is following in the corrupt path of Google and Facebook.
Title: Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
Post by: JimB on November 02, 2015, 12:40:23 PM
Microsoft Admits Windows 10 Automatic Spying Cannot Be Stopped.

Speaking to PC World, Microsoft Corporate Vice President Joe Belfiore explained that Windows 10 is constantly tracking how it operates and how you are using it and sending that information back to Microsoft by default. More importantly he also confirmed that, despite offering some options to turn elements of tracking off, core data collection simply cannot be stopped
Source (http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/11/02/microsoft-confirms-unstoppable-windows-10-tracking/)
Title: Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
Post by: JimB on March 14, 2016, 06:49:32 AM
From Microsoft Windows 10 terms of service statement...

Finally, we will access, disclose and preserve personal data, including your content (such as the content of your emails, other private communications or files in private folders), when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary to: 1.comply with applicable law or respond to valid legal process, including from law enforcement or other government agencies; 2.protect our customers, for example to prevent spam or attempts to defraud users of the services, or to help prevent the loss of life or serious injury of anyone; 3.operate and maintain the security of our services, including to prevent or stop an attack on our computer systems or networks; or 4.protect the rights or property of Microsoft, including enforcing the terms governing the use of the services – however, if we receive information indicating that someone is using our services to traffic in stolen intellectual or physical property of Microsoft, we will not inspect a customer’s private content ourselves, but we may refer the matter to law enforcement. Source (http://bgr.com/2015/07/31/windows-10-upgrade-spying-how-to-opt-out/)

Keep in mind also that soon new computer hardware will only run Windows 10 and will not be able use older os'es.
Title: Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
Post by: Richard Myers on March 14, 2016, 08:32:55 AM
Does this mean they will not "access, disclose and preserve personal data, including your content (such as the content of your emails, other private communications or files in private folders)" unless there is a serious legal problem? Or are they going to preserve my personal data no matter what?  If they are going to keep my private email and my private information without reason, then we no longer have any privacy. Google has already violated this, now is Microsoft going to do the same?

Many, especially the young have no idea what this means. But, all ought to know by now how much corruption exists in the world. There are people and businesses that will take personal information and use it to harm others.  And, even if all at these computer companies were honest, what happens when when dishonest people hack into their system and gain access to private communications?   Businesses and governments are being harmed today because of this. Microsoft has no business keeping our private data in their possession unless illegal activities have been found. And, then the government and private companies can get a warrant to access private information.

Google and facebook have set the stage for great harm to be done to individuals, companies, and governments. I have not downloaded 10 and will not until I know I can use my computer without them keeping track of my personal correspondence and the work I do on my computer.
Title: Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
Post by: JimB on June 09, 2016, 07:48:37 AM
For those who hope to stay with Windows 7 you should know that you will continue to get security updates up until the year 2020. Here is a chart of the life cycle of Windows XX.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle
Title: Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
Post by: LindaRS on June 25, 2017, 02:01:00 PM
The time has finally come to replace my old dinosaur of a computer. So a trip today got me a new laptop. It is, of course, running Win10. No way around it, so before I set it up, I'm scouring the internet for information to make things as private as possible. Here are some links to the latest info on how MS has had to change some settings (the Swiss threatened a lawsuit) and changes to make in the computer settings. Because sooner or later, just like my old PCs, an old computer will need to be replaced and there's no going back to an earlier version of Windows unless you want a used computer.

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/5-privacy-settings-to-change-in-windows-10/ (https://www.cnet.com/how-to/5-privacy-settings-to-change-in-windows-10/)

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/01/11/microsofts_new_windows_telemetry_manager/ (https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/01/11/microsofts_new_windows_telemetry_manager/)

http://www.zdnet.com/article/take-control-of-your-privacy-in-windows-10/ (http://www.zdnet.com/article/take-control-of-your-privacy-in-windows-10/)

https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/21/windows-10-privacy-settings-still-worrying-european-watchdogs/ (https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/21/windows-10-privacy-settings-still-worrying-european-watchdogs/)

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2489212,00.asp (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2489212,00.asp)
Title: Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
Post by: LindaRS on June 25, 2017, 02:41:02 PM
A couple more that might be useful.

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/789450/Windows-10-Update-Delete-Data (http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/789450/Windows-10-Update-Delete-Data)

https://www.ghacks.net/2017/04/07/windows-10-creators-update-apps-uninstall/ (https://www.ghacks.net/2017/04/07/windows-10-creators-update-apps-uninstall/)
Title: Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
Post by: JimB on June 25, 2017, 03:21:23 PM
Linda, I didn't take time to look at all the links you provided. However, since it's been over a year since I provided links I'm sure yours are more updated to the current issues.

Title: Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
Post by: LindaRS on June 26, 2017, 02:54:57 PM
Well, I finally got the courage to set up this new PC. Since it's a laptop, I set it up beside my desktop and as each item came up that I was unsure about, I googled it. One of those things was "Windows Hello" which probably isn't so bad, except it seems to be a battery drain. So I blocked it and Cortana as well. I think I've upped my privacy as much as possible in Win10. Plus, here are a few more sites to check that helped me today.

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2016/dec/15/whats-the-best-way-to-set-up-a-windows-10-machine (https://www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2016/dec/15/whats-the-best-way-to-set-up-a-windows-10-machine)

https://www.adaware.com/blog/windows-10-privacy-five-important-settings-to-change (https://www.adaware.com/blog/windows-10-privacy-five-important-settings-to-change)

http://www.pcworld.com/article/3095284/windows/windows-10-upgrade-dont-use-express-settings-if-you-value-your-privacy.html (http://www.pcworld.com/article/3095284/windows/windows-10-upgrade-dont-use-express-settings-if-you-value-your-privacy.html)

http://www.zdnet.com/article/faq-how-to-manage-windows-10-updates/ (http://www.zdnet.com/article/faq-how-to-manage-windows-10-updates/)