Author Topic: Windows 10 & Privacy  (Read 11509 times)

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JimB

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Windows 10 & Privacy
« 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

https://fix10.isleaked.com/

https://www.privacytools.io/ (scroll down a tiny bit to read about Windows 10)
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JimB

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #1 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
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Richard Myers

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2015, 09:11:48 AM »
Microsoft is following in the corrupt path of Google and Facebook.
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JimB

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #3 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
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JimB

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #4 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

Keep in mind also that soon new computer hardware will only run Windows 10 and will not be able use older os'es.
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Richard Myers

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #5 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.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

JimB

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #6 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
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LindaRS

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #7 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.theregister.co.uk/2017/01/11/microsofts_new_windows_telemetry_manager/

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/

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2489212,00.asp
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LindaRS

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O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. Jeremiah  10:23-24

JimB

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #9 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.

By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

LindaRS

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #10 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.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.zdnet.com/article/faq-how-to-manage-windows-10-updates/
O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. Jeremiah  10:23-24

JimB

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #11 on: June 05, 2024, 09:50:07 AM »
Microsoft wants ALL of your data. Windows "Recall" is a new "feature" on the he new Windows 11+PC version of Windows.

Microsoft’s Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs come with quite a few new AI and machine learning-driven features, but the tentpole is Recall. Described by Microsoft as a comprehensive record of everything you do on your PC, the feature is pitched as a way to help users remember where they’ve been and to provide Windows extra contextual information that can help it better understand requests from and meet the needs of individual users. 

https://arstechnica.com/ai/2024/06/windows-recall-demands-an-extraordinary-level-of-trust-that-microsoft-hasnt-earned/

For years now I've been threatening to move to a Linux machine. My personal laptop is getting old in the tooth the good thing about it is that it can't be updated to the new Windows. It looks like I will purposely look for a newer computer that comes installed with Linux. Only bad thing about that is getting the EGW software to run on a linux box. Seems like I started a conversation about that years ago somewhere here on TRO.

If all you do is browse the internet, send email, compose word and pdf documents switching to linux is fairly easy. However, if you're big into Excel, video & photo editing switching will include a much larger learning curve.
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rahab

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #12 on: June 05, 2024, 04:30:58 PM »
They put a copilot on my windows 10 without my consent  and I was told there’s no way I can get rid of it  :-[

Richard Myers

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #13 on: June 27, 2024, 06:14:04 AM »
I think a good thing to consider is using an old computer to do those things that cannot be done easily on Linux. And, those things you do not want the world to know. I hate having to use a Google phone, but it has become a necessity. I use as few Google apps, but they build into the operating system so much that you cannot not use.

And, keep a newer computer offline except to upgrade some programs. But, that can allow Microsoft access to your computer even though you do not see it. How can we keep Microsoft off of our computer when we go online?
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

JimB

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #14 on: August 08, 2024, 12:06:04 PM »
it. How can we keep Microsoft off of our computer when we go online?

I'm not completely sure this can be done in absolute sense. However, there are some basic tools that you can use that will help.

Browser: there was a time when Firefox was my goto for privacy and it still can be with some work and knowing what addons to install. Now I use https://brave.com/  It does a very good job at keeping your online data secure and private. However, keep in mind that because it does its job so well that it might "break" some websites that you visit. With this browser you can also watch youtube without ads. And if you use it on your phone it will allow you to listen to youtube videos in the background.

When it comes to keeping your data safe from Microsoft there are some small things you can do. Consider looking the settings found in this online guide... https://beebom.com/change-windows-11-settings-protect-privacy/

Or you can use something like this app  https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10 which puts all the previous settings together so you don't have to go digging and find all the different options yourself.

Use some common sense though. If you disable your mic and camera it will be very hard to participate in a zoom or teams meeting.
By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

rahab

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Re: Windows 10 & Privacy
« Reply #15 on: August 08, 2024, 02:09:53 PM »
Thanks