Worth moving to Win 10?

MisterEd · 16 Nov 2022

RobbyK said:

What steep learning curve? Linox (most versions anyway) are no harder than windows. The folder structure is different, and partition are named differently. But other than that it is just like windows. So don't try to keep spreading that old tired lie. Before you talk about it, try it.

I used Linux and Windows at home for 12 years. It is true the basics are the same as Windows. However, using it is lot different than Windows. There is a steep learning curve.

For the last few years I have been using a couple of Raspberry Pis. The Raspberry Pi OS on them is based on Debian Linux. I am still learning to use them.

Forty years ago I had a TRS-80 Model I. Its O/S was TRSDOS. Now that was a hard operating system to use.

BTW, before I retired I was a Software Engineer for 20 years. I had a lot of experience using different operating systems.

MisterEd · 16 Nov 2022

idgat said:

Get a tin-foil hat, then.

Sorry, I was going to try to be helpful but with these misguided beliefs ... I'm done here.

NavyLCDR · 17 Nov 2022

The government now tracks bank accounts with more than $600 transactions in them so the tens of thousands of new IRS agents authorized to be hired can pour over the records. Having Microsoft keep track of how many times I click on an ad in Facebook is nothing.

tomdsr · 17 Nov 2022

msalton1 said:

The only solution I seem to be getting here is "don't worry about it" and" MS doesn't care about your personal data", but I think we all know that's not true. We all know that cell phones, windows, mac. Big Tech, SM, internet advertisers...they're all collecting our data. Do we really believe that it's for our benefit, or that they aren't benefiting from our data? Of course they are.

I think we've come to a point where too many have just given into the party line of these profiteers.

Am I to understand that unless one goes completely off the grid, there's no recourse other than to let our defenses down and let them have at it? No. There are solutions out there to be found.

I'm not trying to be rude, guys. I think y'all's help in these forums is invaluable, but I'd like to point out that I haven't yet received one answer to my question. Not one (unless I missed it?). The consensus seems to be that if I'm concerned about data collection, I should just stay off of the internet or just 'let it be'. I've been into computing since '93 and know that there are answers, even if it means just moving over to Linux.

The only helpful comment here was RobbyK's accurate comment regarding Linux.

Again, I'm not trying to be rude, and I'm very appreciative of the help y'all provide here, but 'staying off the internet' as the only viable answer isn't helpful at all, nor accurate. That being the case, I'm off to find some actual help.

I won't be marking this thread as solved.

I wish y'all well.

If you think linux is immune to data tracking and is a private OS, you got some learning to do

dalchina · 17 Nov 2022

If you're worried about 'telemetery' consider what happens to
- your emails
- any on-line storage (OneDrive, Google Drive etc etc)
- syncing between devices
- what your ISP knows about you
- what social media companies know about people who use them
Etc.

Do you use any of those? If you are concerned about Win 10 'privacy' you certainly shouldn't be!

The issues are far greater than MS monitoring devices so they can pick up problems, detect problems related to certain device types and so create safeguard holds for example.

Monitoring is an essential aspect of Q.A.

Sure, there are plenty of 3rd party tools around that claim to reduce or stop 'telemetry' - feel free to search for these tools.

Bear in mind - the more you tweak or change settings, the greater the risk of potentially breaking something.

I found I needed to make some adaptations to appearance, and use an excellent free 3rd party start menu, for example (which is capable, amongst many other things, of looking like Win 7's).

Stability? We're well past a period a couple of years ago or so when MS messed things up with bad updates. Win 10 is suported to Oct '25, and there will probably only now be updates for stability, security, compatibility purposes, and some more technical enhancements at most now.

Good luck!

cereberus · 17 Nov 2022

RobbyK said:

What steep learning curve? Linox (most versions anyway) are no harder than windows. The folder structure is different, and partition are named differently. But other than that it is just like windows. So don't try to keep spreading that old tired lie. Before you talk about it, try it.

What - if you want to run simple apps, Linux just about works bit fir anything significant you have to 9ftwn use Linux commands Stop spreading the tired old lie that Linux is easy.

idgat · 17 Nov 2022

The OP appears to have gone.

It appears s/he came here with preconceived misguided beliefs, that weren't going to change no matter what, and didn't like some of the home truths thrown back.

Pointless to continue this thread, I think we'll only be teaching grandmother to suck eggs, anyway.

WXC · 17 Nov 2022

msalton1 said:

Not sure if this should go in general, but posting here.

I'm still on Win 7 and am loathe to move to win10, but am experiencing driver and some app issues that are no longer supported. I'm also pondering moving to Linux, but would have to create a dual boot to accommodate some programs.

My problem with win 10 (aside from some needed app compatibility) is the privacy issues.

Have privacy conscious users developed ways to circumvent the privacy issues in win 10? Any other considerations I should be pondering?

From the little I've read about win 11, I think I'll pass.

Yes, this is pretty broad, but I'm at the beginning of the process...getting proper info, so I'm not sure exactly what questions I should be asking.

Thanks for any help.

Hi, Msalton1.

I understand and appreciate your privacy concern. The unfortunate reality is, it is with us and will only grow with time.

Personally, in your situation, I would upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10. It will be fully supported until October 14, 2025. Then you can make a decision on Win 11.

In my opinion, you are currently at more risk running an unsupported OS, than you would be with an upgrade.

There are a few things you can do, afterward.

#1/ Use a good AV of your choosing. I use Windows Security and Malwarebytes Premium. Keep them updated.

#2/ Harden your browser of choice. Take the time to go through all the setting, and set it as strict as possible. Ex. Don't allow it to save passwords or form information, just to mention a couple obvious things.

#3/ You can not stop Microsoft from gathering some necessary information, but you can set it to the bare minimum. Read up on it, and take your time.

#4/ Consider InPrivate browsing mode, what isn't saved, can't be harvested.

#5/ Lastly, also consider a private Search Engine. I personally use Startpage.

I'm confident there are a ton of other things you will think to do. But again, I encourage you to leave Win 7, and update to 10. When/if you decide to, keep it updated. Mind where and what you surf, and you will be as good as can be, considering.

I wish you the very best!

One last thing I might add, is I avoid cloud storage. EX. OneDrive. Although good for some (not dissing anyone who uses it), it's just not for me. Reason being, I have no idea who else may have access to it. Much like using a VPN... somewhere, someone may see/store info, in spite of all the guarantees.

Megahertz · 17 Nov 2022

MS still support Win 7 (not for general public) and I still use It, and mine is up to date.
The same way that Google tracks on everything you search, MS does with Edge, Bing, Win 10 etc. They do anonymously so not much to be worried.
To disable some Win 10 tracking features, use O&O ShutUp10++ – Free antispy tool for Windows 10 and 11

apps to use to tweak Win 10

RobbyK · 20 Nov 2022

cereberus said:

What - if you want to run simple apps, Linux just about works bit fir anything significant you have to 9ftwn use Linux commands Stip soreading the tired old lie that Linux is easy.

It's obvious your only going to keep repeating the same old tired stuff about how windows is better instead of being an adult and finding out the truth.