Maybe such solutions do not mute everything, but they are still better than nothing, right?
^ Unfortunately that stuff doesn't work. Windows 10 telemetry IP addresses are "hardcoded" to bypass its own hosts file. The only real way of blocking it is from outside the OS itself (ie, you add the blacklist in your 2nd link to your router / another PC (not running W10) sitting between yours and your router as a proxy), then stay on top of the list adding any new ones after every single update...
Besides which, on top of W10 spyware stuff there's also the stuff in games no-one has mentioned. Steamworks uses telemetry (what you play, when, for how long, at what times, where you play them, what hardware you have, all linked to your personal details, etc). On top of that many games include their own internal telemetry inside the game itself (eg, Ubisoft's "DNA" tech). The only modern gaming PC's genuinely free of any telemetry are Windows 7 + full offline GOG games.
Well, the false illusion of security is often worse than an honest "no security". From what I've read the "hosts" file is completely ignored for internal OS operations, ie, Win10 telemetry. Windows 10 literally doesn't even look at it (or the Firewall rules) for its own direct to MS connections). When the OS "back-chatter" itself is operating at a lower level than what you are "permitted" to control (or even uses hidden services), then the only real solution is to block it from outside of the OS, ie, router firewall blacklist or intermediate proxy. (And even then ArsTechnica showed it will ignore "proxy" settings for some telemetry).Maybe such solutions do not mute everything, but they are still better than nothing, right?
Well, the false illusion of security is often worse than an honest "no security". From what I've read the "hosts" file is completely ignored for internal OS operations, ie, Win10 telemetry. Windows 10 literally doesn't even look at it (or the Firewall rules) for its own direct to MS connections). When the OS "back-chatter" itself is operating at a lower level than what you are "permitted" to control (or even uses hidden services), then the only real solution is to block it from outside of the OS, ie, router firewall blacklist or intermediate proxy. (And even then ArsTechnica showed it will ignore "proxy" settings for some telemetry).
Really, Mopetar is correct. Running Windows 10, buying Steam / uPlay / Origin with online DRM, playing Ubisoft Games with "DNA" telemetry built into the game, etc, with seemingly zero privacy concerns with that, then only complaining about a 4th layer of telemetry when it comes from a certain brand, is like watching a diabetic stuff himself with 9 sickly cream cakes, then refuse a 10th due to "sugar intake concerns" because it's specifically a green colored cake...
So, I assume you read the respective EULAs?Really, Mopetar is correct. Running Windows 10, buying Steam / uPlay / Origin with online DRM, playing Ubisoft Games with "DNA" telemetry built into the game, etc, with seemingly zero privacy concerns with that, then only complaining about a 4th layer of telemetry when it comes from a certain brand, is like watching a diabetic stuff himself with 9 sickly cream cakes, then refuse a 10th due to "sugar intake concerns" because it's specifically a green colored cake...
Reasons We Share Personal Data
We share your personal data with your consent or as necessary to complete any transaction or provide any product you have requested or authorized. We also share data with Microsoft-controlled affiliates and subsidiaries; with vendors working on our behalf; when required by law or to respond to legal process; to protect our customers; to protect lives; to maintain the security of our products; and to protect the rights or property of Microsoft.
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Valve may use personally identifiable information provided by users to send them information about Valve, including news about product updates, contests, events, and other promotional materials, but only if the users agree to receive such communications. Valve will not share any personally identifiable information with third parties for marketing purposes without your consent.
That is disgusting.
Between nvidia, razor, and Microsoft your PC may as well be a phone now with all the telemetry being sent out.
Wow, AMD should capitalize on this and issue a formal statement saying they do not, and will not collect telemetry information.
Dont forget this website you are posting this response. Unless you believe those user focused ads pop up by magic?
The school bully already beats me every day, so if he calls his friends to join him, there's no problem.Normally I'd complain about something like this, but if you're running Windows 10 for DX12, Microsoft is already collecting telemetry data, so it's not as if NV doing likewise is really going to matter that much more.
Anadtech.com main site looks to have 7 trackers and the forums have 5.
In Soviet America computer use you.The school bully already beats me every day, so if he calls his friends to join him, there's no problem.
NSA is already collecting my data, so if the Russian and the Chinese are doing the same, no problema!
Microsoft's Windows 10 is already collecting my data, so if every corporation in the world starts doing the same, why complain?
Looks like they just went one step further, and are now tying game codes from promotions to hardware and requiring GFE usage:
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/02/nvidia-game-codes-gfe-hardware
Yay, DRM... /s