DoNotSpy10 - any feedback/experience?

Mystere said:

The problem is that most people who use this a) don't know what it actually does under the cover, and b) forget they ran it. so, later on they have problems with Windows 10, and then they blame the OS and come here looking for help. Since we don't know that they ran this tool, we spend a lot of effort trying to chase down the problem, which was their own doing.

Generally true of course, but are we seeing that specifically (yet) with these new "privacy" tools?

Victek said:

Generally true of course, but are we seeing that specifically (yet) with these new "privacy" tools?

Yes, we are.

Mystere said:

Yes, on at least one occasion in a thread both simrick and I were involved in. I'm sure simrick has had other cases as well.

Fair enough. The only Windows 10 privacy settings tool I'm familiar with is O&O ShutUp10. Here is a brief description/review:

ShutUp10: enhance Windows 10 privacy with ease

As stated this product is free, has no bundled adware, and doesn't require installation. It offers three levels of automated action: "recommended", "limited recommended" and "all settings"(which includes options that are stated as not recommended, such as turning off SmartScreen filter). It is also possible to toggle the items individually. Help is integrated into the app; simply clicking any item opens a description and explanation of how turning off the item will impact the system. This is as good as it gets. The app can't prevent users from turning off everything indiscriminately and then having problems.

Here is an article that describes various privacy settings:

Windows 10 Privacy FAQ: What you want to know about your personal data in the OS | Windows 10 content from SuperSite for Windows

Gary said:

You can due all of this yourself using the hosts file, there is not a need for a third party program that may have malware. That being said, the only one I would even think about using would be the one from O&O, they are a reputable company and have been around for years. But Microsoft sat this about privacy :Privacy is a fundamental human right, says Microsoft

I don't doubt your saying it can be done through the hosts file, but I think that is beyond the reach of many users. It is within the reach of many users to do a little research and download a safe software tool from a reputable site.

Regarding Microsoft's statement about privacy being a fundemental human right, they are specifically addressing what they feel are problems with current international agreements. I don't see that it has anything to do with the data mining they are implementing in Windows.

Gary said:

It is not that hard to edit your hosts file. If MS believes that Privacy is a Fundamental Human Right. Then this should apply to them as well as they are mining data from users. MS should practice what they preach.

Regarding implementing privacy tweaks via the host file is there a tutorial on how to do it? Of course it's not hard to edit the file; it's knowing what you're doing that's hard

Again regarding Microsoft and privacy policy there's a difference between what is legal and what you or I may prefer. There is a great deal of data mining being done by many corporations which is legal, and also excessive IMHO. For instance I've receive updates to the privacy policies of some credit cards where they clearly state that I'm unable to restrict data sharing with their "valued partners". They are obligated by law to tell me this, but not obligated to give me a choice.

Regarding Windows 10 specifically, if someone wants to restrict the information Microsoft gathers by default they only need to educate themselves and use available tools. Forget about trusting any third party to value your privacy as much as you do.