I started using Linux back in 1997. I ran Slackware and dual-booted with Windows 95. It really was hard back then so there was a big learning curve. Linux has come a long way since then so there is still a learning curve just not as steep.
It is also true that people that use Linux need to be familiar with the command line much more than with Windows.
Maybe learning to use Linux was not hard for you. However, demeaning people's opinions will make you no friends here.
"People, I just want to say, can't we all get along? Can't we all get along?" - Rodney King
The bolded would depend on the conversation. I have experience with windows command line and a bit with Linux. I don't find Linux that difficult other than having to learn some new navigation techniques and new commands. For those who are generally point and click and don't get under the hood, I agree. But the concept of difficulty is subjective.
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No. I came here only with the expectation of appropriate and available information regarding privacy concerns in Windows 10.
My response was perhaps a bit harsh. Apologies for that, but realistically, no one up to that point had actually addressed my questions.
My concerns were not only ignored, but discounted. I won't re-visit the argument of what data is collected and what it's used for, or the very real validity of my concerns. I will, however, point out that useful information is available, yet forsaken by many who have given up on the idea of doing whatever they can to limit data collection.
Instead, I'll point out that the kind of information I was looking for can be found in posts #18 (WXC) and #19 (Megahertz).
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Thanks. Good info. I have heard and read a bit on 'shutup'. I also know that a lot of the tracking can be shut off in Win 10 settings.
Are there any other suggestions you can provide? In example, are phone-home IP addresses available that can be added to software and HW firewalls? I get that we can't completely restrict the flow of data, but I'd like to do as much as is possible.
Again, thanks for the info. Much appreciated.
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Thanks, WXC. Great suggestions!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.
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Win 10 Home or pro to best manage privacy and security?
Hmmm...I guess everything I post within a certain time will all be tacked into one post. Odd.
OK. SO I've checked out a few Linux distros, but there are a lot of factors that make it impractical. Plus, I do like Windows (sans the mentioned issues).
So I guess win 10 is my next stop, particularly since time is limited to buy/download. I've been getting notices via the 3 browsers I use that they'll no longer provide updates for Win 7 usage, and Windows Defender will be dropping support as well.
So a few questions about Win 10:
1. I believe that one used to be able to manage (more) privacy settings via GPEdit (in Pro)? Is that still true?
2. Are there other advantages to going with pro (I don't use AD or Domains).
3. The win 8.1 machine is for my security IP cam system, whose software is compatible with win 10, so I won't have use for the License. Can I pay the upgrade price (with prod#) and do a clean install?
Thanks!
1. I believe that one used to be able to manage (more) privacy settings via GPEdit (in Pro)? Is that still true?
Yes along with other settings that Home doesn't have [and probably doesn't need].
2. Are there other advantages to going with pro (I don't use AD or Domains).
Not really but I only use a home Network consisting of a PoE Modem for Wireless DSL, Wireless Router with 8-port Switch and a few Wired and Wireless/Wi-Fi machines, NAS drive and 2 printers.
3. The win 8.1 machine is for my security IP cam system, whose software is compatible with win 10, so I won't have use for the License. Can I pay the upgrade price (with prod#) and do a clean install?
I never had to pay for Upgrading from Win7 or Win8.1 for OEM computers, just use the Media Creation Tool to start the download process for an .iso file to create the bootable DVD+/-R or DVD+R/DL disc and/or create the bootable USB 8GB drive. Win7 did require using the Product Key on the COA sticker but Win8 and Win8.1 had it built-into the motherboard. Haven't built a Custom Win8 or later machine yet. Only issue with Win8.1 is it goes out of support next month, have one client that will have to decide.
Thanks Berton. As to OEM computers, I built all my systems, so no OEM tags, and I intend to keep the Win7 product number to boot from for needed software that win 10 doesn't support. I may
Another Win 10 Pro positive is the ability to delay updates, which Home didn't used to have, but that may have changed.
I guess I'll try using my Win 8.1 pro key and see if they give it to me. I may even be able to find a win 7 pro/ultimate key that I no longer use.
Yes, Home now has exactly the same settings as Pro for pausing updates.
I've not tried Win 8/8.1 keys, but generally my experience is that a Win 7 key will not be accepted when you are asked for a key during a clean install. What you should do is skip entering a key when asked then choose the edition to install (home or Pro). After Windows is installed change the installed key to your Win 7 key. It should now be accepted and will activate Windows.I guess I'll try using my Win 8.1 pro key and see if they give it to me. I may even be able to find a win 7 pro/ultimate key that I no longer use.
First step is to read and understand privacy policy of anything you're using, that's something rarely who does.
When you do you'll understand what kinds of data is shared and only then you can think about how to prevent it.
The easiest methods is to block apps and services from accessing internet, but windows provides privacy options which you can fine tune to control what's shared so in most cases there is no need to resort to blocking programs.
In the end you may decide that sharing certain data is not a privacy issue at all, but for this you need to understand privacy policy.
Corporations such as MS surely won't violate their on privacy policy, it's easier and less risky for them to just make less restrictive policies than playing a criminal.
But ignorant people will fallaciously claim otherwise just because some other people say so to, without even trying to read PP.
I was resistant to upgrading to Win10 from 7. In fact, I just did it a day or two ago. Win7 was configured the way I wanted, I had tweaked it to my liking, and it did everything I wanted. The thing is, it was the only machine that I encountered on a regular basis that ran 7. Every other machine I encountered on a regular basis was 10+ so I sometimes would struggle with working on a 10 machine. Also, I began to encounter sites and apps a that would not run on my 7 machine. So out of necessity I recently upgraded.
Think of it this way... I could stay with my horse and buggy as it did every thing I wanted it to do and I knew how to use it and it was easy. But finding oats for my horse and buggy whips was becoming a pain. Not to mention disposing of the crap he produced. And wherever I wanted to go took me a long time to get there was posted usually "Not compatible with a horse and buggy." So I switched. Will I be happy? Dunno. But it still does what I want albeit with a new look. It does some things much more efficiently and its compatible with anywhere I go. The privacy issue? Meh. If you want total privacy live in a cave. Heck, you could not have a computer or iphone and never go online but your picture and image will still be taken almost anywhere you go. Just take reasonable precautions and don't do weird stuff (ok, a few weird things are fine) and live your life.
Linux? Wasn't he Charlie Brown's best friend?
Here is what you can try to see if it's "worthwhile". If you happen to have a spare HDD, what you can do is download Macrium Reflect for free (there is the paid version as well, but you won't need it for this), and create a clone of your system using an SATAIII to USB converter and externally connecting your spare HDD to your desktop/laptop. Once the cloning process is complete, replace your HDD and perform the Windows 10 upgrade. If you are happy with the results, then keep it. If not, you can always replace back with your original HDD as if nothing happened. Now, security wise, as this is your main concern, I think we can all ascertain that Windows 10 is more secure than Windows 7. The main advantage is that it comes with a well optimized and surprisingly efficient Windows Defender, which honestly was laughable back in the Windows 7 days. The improvements were so noticeable that at some point, Kaspersky Labs threated Microsoft with a lawsuit, as it was directly threatening its business. This is something I had read about some 3 years ago, mind you. Now, is Windows 10 completely secure? Definitely not, as there are always individuals who try and find workarounds, and are often successful to do so. The question is, why should you be targeted? Do you have a lot of loose information, private credentials that you should keep to yourself that are insecurely located on your system by any chance? If so, secure them, and remove them. Next, additional security. You're most likely using the more renowned browsers such as Google Chrome and Firefox. I highly suggest that you add the extension "MalwareBytes Browser guard". It is COMPLETELY free and automatically routs you away from any website that is even remotely suspicious. And third, have the Malwarebytes PC application itself installed on your system. The free version is more than enough if you're not too savvy of active/real-time defenses, but in case you are, it's 3.33$/month.
Anyways, going back to Windows 10, anything that may even remotely hint data sharing, location sharing during the installation (usually after the Windows 10 upgrade/installation is complete), disable them all (and yes you are given that choice).
I guess what I'm trying to say is, your question needs to be assessed with another question: Is what you have better than Windows 10?
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