Author Topic: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.  (Read 66529 times)

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Offline SeanB

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #25 on: August 23, 2015, 07:56:35 pm »
You can change the theme very easily...............

I tend to use the LTS releases. just for the stability. Had to print a page yesterday, so plugged in the printer ( HP P1102) and after 30 seconds of thinking it just worked. A lot better than installing it on a Windows machine, where you download a 180M "all in one driver and crapware" bundle, which has some rather annoying things it wants to install by default.

At least with the old distro I use at work ( old laptop, it is not worth upgrading and works as is) printing is simple, HP network printers all speak HPGL, and all have the same functionality both ways as to how they work. Print faster as well not using the print server but talk direct to the device.
 

Offline TheElectricChicken

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #26 on: August 24, 2015, 01:28:56 am »
Currently I'm testing Mint, but it lacks polish and their fondness for the color green is irritating.
You don't think "mint" was a clue?

touché I didn't think of that either. (the link between mint and green)
 

Offline rdl

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #27 on: August 24, 2015, 02:31:51 am »
Lol, the link between the color and the name was obvious. Sadly it's not a fresh minty green but more of a snot green. Not very attractive at all. None of the themes I tried seemed to be able to change that color, but I finally downloaded something that worked. The default install only came with one screensaver, which is more of screen burner (a giant clock with white digits on a black background that never move and no options).  As I said, lacks polish. At least it's (hopefully) not spying on me or stealing copies of my files.
 

Offline TheElectricChicken

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #28 on: August 24, 2015, 02:52:31 am »
Sadly it's not a fresh minty green but more of a snot green.

You should be a poet, or in advertising  :-DD

Quote
The default install only came with one screensaver, which is more of screen burner (a giant clock with white digits on a black background that never move and no options).  As I said, lacks polish. At least it's (hopefully) not spying on me or stealing copies of my files.

It won't steal your files as far as I know, however, because you have to download and install so many things, I think that the makers of each distro get a lot of information about how many people are installing the OS in the first place, and what files they install after that.

But yeah, they don't know who you actually are, that wouldn't be too easy for them because they don't ask you for personal detail in the first place.
 

Offline Mechanical Menace

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #29 on: August 24, 2015, 03:23:23 am »
But yeah, they don't know who you actually are, that wouldn't be too easy for them because they don't ask you for personal detail in the first place.

Except for say when they have a deal with Amazon, or have any sort of "phone home" in the case of a crash. Core dumps are not something to hand around willy nilly. If you're serious/paranoid about personal security and privacy always say no to even partial copies of your RAM being sent to anyone you don't trust better than your own dear old sainted grey haired mother AND any gods or messiahs or prophets you believe in combined. It will almost certainly contain certain login details, passwords, encryption keys etc, etc... Especially if it's anything to do with a web browser or the core OS. Check EVERY setting on every app and component of the OS no matter the OS, program, or the supposed overriding philosophy of the devs and "sponsors." One persons reasonable to share bit of info is another's major privacy invasion. Even amongst the security paranoid.

EDIT:And on any *nix details about your filesystem can tell people a lot. Remember everything is a file so the files and their layout are everything.
« Last Edit: August 24, 2015, 03:26:06 am by Mechanical Menace »
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Offline G7PSK

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #30 on: August 24, 2015, 07:23:50 am »
Is it possible to set a computer so that nothing goes out of any ports unless you specifically send a request such as a dns look up.
 

Offline VK3DRB

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #31 on: August 24, 2015, 08:26:10 am »
Microsoft  >:D now calls every program an "app" which is gutter language for "application". Programs no longer exist in the Brave New World of Windows 10. The dumbed down American media will be now be calling everything an app and the proletariat drones around the world will simply do as they have been instructed without thinking. Big Brother is Watching You 8).
 

Online Halcyon

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #32 on: August 24, 2015, 08:42:06 am »
Microsoft  >:D now calls every program an "app" which is gutter language for "application". Programs no longer exist in the Brave New World of Windows 10. The dumbed down American media will be now be calling everything an app and the proletariat drones around the world will simply do as they have been instructed without thinking. Big Brother is Watching You 8).
I though I was the only one who despised the use of the term "App". It's like people are too stupid and lazy to spell the word "Application".
 

Offline madires

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #33 on: August 24, 2015, 09:00:07 am »
Is it possible to set a computer so that nothing goes out of any ports unless you specifically send a request such as a dns look up.

That would require a gatekeeper tool for the TCP/IP stack and would make anything network related cumbersome and awful. It would also cause timeout issues for some stuff. A better solution would be to use a dedicated firewall (hardware appliance) with rules for limiting internet access. But that isn't bulletproof either. One can hide data even in a DNS request.
 

Offline TheElectricChicken

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #34 on: August 24, 2015, 10:10:38 am »
Except for say when they have a deal with Amazon, or have any sort of "phone home" in the case of a crash. Core dumps are not something to hand around willy nilly.

It will almost certainly contain certain login details, passwords, encryption keys etc, etc...

Windows 10 steals your passwords outright, and you don't need to wait for anything like a crash, just switch it on and it's logging your passwords and sending them to microsoft. Here it says so.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/preview-privacy-statement

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when you input text, [....] we may collect samples of your input

They use the word 'may' because it has a double meaning. They HOPE you think it means, 'MAYbe' we will, maybe we won't. What it does mean in this case is may, as in "MAY" we steal your passwords, check this box and agree. And you say "yes, you MAY". Yes you may collect my data, my personal details, my files, my everything, you may.

I say NO! YOU MAY NOT !!! Because I dumped windows for linux long ago and have never looked back. And it has been AWESOME! !  :-+

 

Offline madires

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #35 on: August 24, 2015, 12:53:00 pm »
Windows 10 steals your passwords outright, and you don't need to wait for anything like a crash, just switch it on and it's logging your passwords and sending them to microsoft. Here it says so.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/preview-privacy-statement

That is the privacy statement for the pre-release program, as stated at the beginning of the statement. :palm: The correct one is   
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement/default.aspx and when you go to "Windows", "learn more" and "
Input Personalization" you'll find all the details about what is collected and also following sentence: "You can turn off Input Personalization at any time.". If you don't like it, you can disable it.
 

Offline TheElectricChicken

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #36 on: August 24, 2015, 02:04:13 pm »
That is the privacy statement for the pre-release program, as stated at the beginning of the statement. :palm: The correct one is   
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacystatement/default.aspx and when you go to "Windows", "learn more" and "
Input Personalization" you'll find all the details about what is collected and also following sentence: "You can turn off Input Personalization at any time.". If you don't like it, you can disable it.

Yes, I am sure you're right about which is which.

I am also sure that, IF YOU KNEW, which MOST people won't, then you could disable it. However, the only safe way to disable windows 10 spyware is to follow the following steps https://www.google.com.au/search?q=destroy+computer&tbm=isch

Apple and Google both do the same thing when you use voice or handwriting input, the same as Microsoft.

Which is great for me because I do not use either.

Quote
Have you actually observed this [...]? Has anyone found where the data is stored [...]? It's just paranoid ranting [...]

For people who work for Microsoft media department no proof is possible, no matter how red handed and caught in the act they are. If it is their job to deny, that is what they do. Plenty of professional liars out there. Here is one.

They are well paid and it is their job to sit there and no matter what proof is provided it is their job to deny it. Considering I'm quoting Microsoft's own license they wrote and they published, that's enough for anyone who is not paid to be LA-LA.
 

Offline G7PSK

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #37 on: August 24, 2015, 05:41:00 pm »
I have solved the problem. Just ordered a new hammer and chisel plus forty tons of stone slabs now whoever trys to steal my data in future will need a forklift truck and pat me a visit in person. :-DD
 

Offline rdl

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #38 on: August 24, 2015, 06:25:04 pm »
Just as disturbing as the privacy concerns is how Windows 10 is another step for Microsoft toward taking control of the PC away from the user and putting them in charge.

Windows 10 has added locking Windows Update and blocking installation of software. If this is allowed to continue the way Microsoft wants, a PC will eventually be no more useful than an X-box.
 

Offline Falcon69

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #39 on: August 25, 2015, 12:43:49 am »
Wilfred,

My roomate built a new PC a couple months back, and a couple weeks upgraded to windows 10.  I have not done any research, except for this post, on Windows 10.  My roomate says his games are definately running faster and better on it (He plays EvE Online like a job). So, I just ordered up a new PC and waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Since he said the games run smoother on it, I bought windows 10.  I figured if I don't like it, I can remove it, but then again, Microsoft I'm sure will fade out any versions previous to Windows 10, thus any games now and future games will be updated to run on windows 10+ only. So, I better get used to it.  I was concerned with all the stories I have heard, and Read a link that says only some features (like alot of social media stuff) will have to have a yearly subscription through Microsoft to keep using that feature.  But the basic windows 10 OS should work forever and is updated.

BUT, i stumbled on this thread and got real scared about the security and privacy thing of Microsoft (and possibly UncleSamuel) watching what I am doing and monitoring the programs I use.  That is NONE of their business!

Thank you Wilfred for posting that video.  When I set up my PC, that is the VERY first thing I am doing before I load on ANY Movies, Programs, or Music.
 

Offline VK3DRB

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #40 on: August 25, 2015, 03:19:14 am »
Microsoft  >:D now calls every program an "app" which is gutter language for "application". Programs no longer exist in the Brave New World of Windows 10. The dumbed down American media will be now be calling everything an app and the proletariat drones around the world will simply do as they have been instructed without thinking. Big Brother is Watching You 8).
I though I was the only one who despised the use of the term "App". It's like people are too stupid and lazy to spell the word "Application".

Another one I really dislike... "folders" instead of "directories". And hackers being branded as crooks.
 

Offline Rasz

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #41 on: August 25, 2015, 03:28:21 am »
GOOD NEWS EVERYONE, M$ decided to backport all the spying back to 7 and 8!

http://www.hakspek.com/security/updates-make-windows-7-and-8-spy-on-you-like-windows-10/
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Offline alexanderbrevig

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #42 on: August 25, 2015, 03:54:31 am »
When you have a huge user group the best way to ensure over-all happiness is to observe usage. It surprises me that people are surprised they're being 'spied on'. So what if Microsoft knows that I'm one of those weird people that uses æåø even though my OS and Keyboard setup is English? I'm just a tiny dot in the "big data" space. If something were to happen, and I'm suddenly not anonymous because of some trial against me or the like - my computer showing activity on f.ex this forum is not proof of me sitting at my computer.


Try setting up a proxy (with wireshark for instance, maybe fiddler 2 can do it too) and check traffic from an iOS or Android device.

Want privacy? Compile your own linux, build your own phone (those with two cans and a string) and store your money in your couch  :-DD
 

Offline rdl

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #43 on: August 25, 2015, 04:08:33 am »
Welcome to the flock. Sorry I cannot join you. I have a brain and self-respect (a little, at least).
 

Offline TheElectricChicken

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #44 on: August 25, 2015, 08:57:42 am »
and store your money in your couch  :-DD

The day after black monday on the stock markets and you're being sarcastic about investing in cash.  :-+  :-+  :-+  :-+
 

Offline alexanderbrevig

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #45 on: August 25, 2015, 09:43:21 am »
The day after black monday on the stock markets and you're being sarcastic about investing in cash.  :-+  :-+  :-+  :-+
Investing in cash sure is much riskier than assured rent on an account. It kind of was funny that I happened to time it with an anomaly but those things happen.  :-DMM

I wrote the post 6am with no sleep (still got no sleep :p ) and I'd probably word things differently if I were 100% present and awake.
My point was just that I think the whole rage about Microsoft spying is biased at best. They all do it. If you don't like it then don't join the flocks.

I have a brain and self-respect (a little, at least).
Nice, lucky you  :-+

As Adam Savage said; "I reject your reality and substitute my own" - we all do it.
 

Online Halcyon

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #46 on: August 25, 2015, 09:56:39 am »
Best off just blocking the Microsoft "telemetry" servers at your firewall/router. See: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r30222844-Stop-Windows-10-From-Spying-On-You-36-DNS-Addresses-to-host-file

No doubt the list will grow, but it's a start.

I do the same thing for Adobe product activation servers. ;-)
« Last Edit: August 25, 2015, 09:58:29 am by Halcyon »
 

Offline TheElectricChicken

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #47 on: August 25, 2015, 10:34:13 am »
They all do it. If you don't like it then don't join the flock

Linux mint is not a microsoft keyboard logger or microsoft listening device like windows 10 is. It doesn't steal your files either. It doesn't report all about your network like w10 does. They don't all do it. I won't join a flock of Dodos.
 

Offline rdl

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #48 on: August 25, 2015, 08:51:15 pm »
I'm pretty sure the only way to totally block microsoft now is to just stop using any of their products. It won't be too hard for me, because the only microsoft anything I've used is windows, but only up to win 7, and always with as many services as possible shut down.
 

Offline retrolefty

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Re: Windows 10 security and privacy concerns.
« Reply #49 on: August 25, 2015, 09:00:10 pm »
Looks like Microsoft should pass out lots of aluminum foil along with their windows 10 roll-out. The demand is so strong.  :-DD
 


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