New
#21
Thanks for the replies!
Is it possible for apps to take screenshots of my screen and then upload them back to the app's author on the internet?
How can I prevent this?
Important Problem: How To Prevent App From Calling Home?
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New #22
New problem:
How can I prevent an app like 'OpenOffice' from connecting to the Internet?
I know it connects to the Internet because it tells me that there is a new update available.
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New #23
Hi, if you know the address or domain name it's connecting to then you can block that address/domain name using the Hosts file.
(Use e.g. Bluelife Hosts Editor). (assign it to ip address 127.0.0.1)
Or you can use a firewall rule- best and most straightforward.
How to Create Advanced Firewall Rules in the Windows Firewall
(This is 2012- there's probably a more up to date version)
- or see your own firewall rules if using a different program
Or if there is a specific file you can identify within the program's installation folder which is responsible for the request, you could try renaming that.
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New #24
I'm using the inbuilt Windows 10 Pro firewall and it's the most up to date version.
I'm looking at "Windows Defender Security Centre" now, but I don't see an option to block an app from contacting the Internet?
Thank you!
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New #25
Open 'Windows Defender Security Centre' and click on 'Firewall & network protection', then click the 'Allow an app through the firewall' link on that page. This opens the Control Panel at 'Allowed applications'. Click the 'Change settings' button and you will be able to tick or untick any app listed there.
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New #26
Thanks Bree!
I just searched through the list of apps in "Allowed applications" but I couldn't find the OpenOffice Writer app?
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New #27
More likely to be something to do with the Office suite, not just the Writer. Keep an 'Open' mind.
However, if you're afraid of automatic updates, note these comments (ok it's older, so you'd need to check the current approach) and the means of disabling a check:
How to stop automatic updating (View topic) Apache OpenOffice Community Forum
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New #28
I've searched the list of "Allowed apps and features" multiple times, but I can't see a mention for anything related to "OpenOffice" or "Writer" at all.
Is there another way I can block the app and be 100% sure it can't contact the Internet?
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New #29
The only reason I'm using OpenOffice Writer is because I was looking for an app that was free and an app I could trust.
Is there another app I can use that's free and an app I can store my notes in knowing for 100% sure that nobody else can read them?
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New #30
Blocking apps calling home is a bad idea they may call home for updates if there is a security flaw which would make it unsafe, some call home to check its licenced
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