Win10 a spyware and trojan horse?

[DustinBrowder]

http://winaero.com/blog/how-to-disable-telemetry-and-data-collection-in-windows-10/

You can't disable telemetry data in windows 10 on all but the enterprise edition.

In order to do so you have to create a new registry value and disable some services from running and starting up, there is no normal way to disable them!

Also all of the "apps" send all your data and there is no way to stop it, unless you basically uninstall all windows "apps".

So far I've been doing exactly that in my first day, removed all windows "apps", and have been modifying and registry and services to stop it from spying on me and sending all my data.

I'm yet to figure out how to prevent it from finding out my geodata and using it.

 

[Dahak]

No to make this come off the wrong way, as it is hard to do so in text form, but how is this any different than the information that is gathered from current smart phones?

While I agree that there should be easier ways to turn this off if someone so chooses to do so

 

[Ketchup]

If you do the upgrade from Windows 7, you don't need to use a live account. There is also nothing making you use any of the apps. I haven't used a single app, and can do everything I could do before.

Also, many sites that you visit collect data on you. Have for years. Have a smart phone? Your apps are probably collecting more data than Windows ever thought of.

 

[cmdrdredd]

If you do the upgrade from Windows 7, you don't need to use a live account. There is also nothing making you use any of the apps. I haven't used a single app, and can do everything I could do before.

Also, many sites that you visit collect data on you. Have for years. Have a smart phone? Your apps are probably collecting more data than Windows ever thought of.

Yep many games collect your contact information on smart phones.

 

[ninaholic37]

It's strange that you need to add a registry value and disable services. So just disabling the services isn't enough? Do they come back without the registry value? Or does that mean the spyware is ingrained deep inside of Windows?

edit: I guess that makes sense. The registry value is like the (hidden) menu option.

 

[rchunter]

http://winaero.com/blog/how-to-disable-telemetry-and-data-collection-in-windows-10/

You can't disable telemetry data in windows 10 on all but the enterprise edition.

In order to do so you have to create a new registry value and disable some services from running and starting up, there is no normal way to disable them!

Also all of the "apps" send all your data and there is no way to stop it, unless you basically uninstall all windows "apps".

So far I've been doing exactly that in my first day, removed all windows "apps", and have been modifying and registry and services to stop it from spying on me and sending all my data.

I'm yet to figure out how to prevent it from finding out my geodata and using it.

You can't disable cortana completely either. At least I haven't found a way. It's still using about 30mb of ram. I guess disable doesn't really mean disable in any of these settings. Oh, btw i've been "testing" windows 10 with the RTM enterprise version and the lowest it will let me set the telemetry settings is basic. It won't let me completely shut it off. So even with the enterprise version you have to use the registry hack to completely shut it off.

 

[lxskllr]

No to make this come off the wrong way, as it is hard to do so in text form, but how is this any different than the information that is gathered from current smart phones?

While I agree that there should be easier ways to turn this off if someone so chooses to do so

Accepting pratices like this shouldn't become routine. Because product x abuses its (nominal)customers, it shouldn't be accepted from product y.

Also, many people don't accept it from their phones, or at least take measures to reduce the affect. Phones are inherently tracking devices, but if one wants cell service, it's something that needs to be dealt with. Spyware is in no way necessary for an O/S to properly function, and I don't like the increasing incursions by modern proprietary O/Ss.

 

[SparkyJJO]

What really is so bad about the basic level though, really? Did anyone bother to look at what that does or did you just immediately kneejerk "THEY'RE WATCHING ME!!"

I can see where Enhanced and especially Full are questionable and you would want to avoid them. But basic is just the base functions of Windows and basic error reporting, and that's it. Big whoop-de-do.

 

[escrow4]

Accepting pratices like this shouldn't become routine. Because product x abuses its (nominal)customers, it shouldn't be accepted from product y.

Also, many people don't accept it from their phones, or at least take measures to reduce the affect. Phones are inherently tracking devices, but if one wants cell service, it's something that needs to be dealt with. Spyware is in no way necessary for an O/S to properly function, and I don't like the increasing incursions by modern proprietary O/Ss.

Phones are only inherently tracking devices once you get a "smart"phone that can be backdoored at will, collects everything about you even if you turn it off and malware apps can track precisely where you are and what you are doing with built in location and GPS.

A $10 dumbphone can be tracked via towers only. No apps, no GPS, no location, no wireless, no nothing but the sheer basics. Big difference. Think about it, all this tech and all of it is built to watch and control you and make money off you.

 

[rchunter]

What really is so bad about the basic level though, really? Did anyone bother to look at what that does or did you just immediately kneejerk "THEY'RE WATCHING ME!!"

I can see where Enhanced and especially Full are questionable and you would want to avoid them. But basic is just the base functions of Windows and basic error reporting, and that's it. Big whoop-de-do.

The big Whoop de do is that I don't want it on. It's just as simple as that. I should be able to disable it. I can't even really disable cortana. It still runs in the background. Disable should mean disable. I don't want MS collecting data on me. I will go back to 7 if I have to. Either way, this is probably only going on my gaming machine. All my other computers will continue to run v7.

 

[JEDIYoda]

http://winaero.com/blog/how-to-disab...in-windows-10/

You can't disable telemetry data in windows 10 on all but the enterprise edition.

In order to do so you have to create a new registry value and disable some services from running and starting up, there is no normal way to disable them!

Also all of the "apps" send all your data and there is no way to stop it, unless you basically uninstall all windows "apps".

So far I've been doing exactly that in my first day, removed all windows "apps", and have been modifying and registry and services to stop it from spying on me and sending all my data.

I'm yet to figure out how to prevent it from finding out my geodata and using it.

Your problem..not Microsofts!!

 

[Ketchup]

What makes you think no one ever collects data on you with 7? If you have ever been on the Internet, people are collecting data.

 

[rchunter]

What makes you think no one ever collects data on you with 7? If you have ever been on the Internet, people are collecting data.

I suppose this is directed at me...... I'm personally a lot more comfortable with 7 and what it's doing and not doing. 10 has a bunch of unknowns at this point. When I shut down features in 10 and they're not shutting off completely it makes me real suspicious.

 

[SparkyJJO]

The big Whoop de do is that I don't want it on. It's just as simple as that. I should be able to disable it. I can't even really disable cortana. It still runs in the background. Disable should mean disable. I don't want MS collecting data on me. I will go back to 7 if I have to. Either way, this is probably only going on my gaming machine. All my other computers will continue to run v7.

Again, basic does not collect data on you. Yes, enhanced and full does, and I don't blame anyone for wanting that turned off (I know I will). But basic collects data only on the core OS operation/errors, that's it.

But, you CAN disable it entirely if you really want to. Just disable the services as has been pointed out. Takes what, 30 seconds to do and a reboot? Not hard.

So yeah, big whoop.

 

[MWink]

I think this trend is absolutely disgusting. I don't find it acceptable in the smart phone realm either. I hate that companies now see their (usually paying) customers as a resource to be harvested and sold. Just because some companies do it doesn't mean it's okay for others. At this point I'm quite convinced I won't be upgrading to Windows 10. It's amazing how much software I'd love to BUY if it wasn't DRM encrusted and harvesting my information.

 

[Shehriazad]

And I always keep wondering what kind of dirty and illegal things people must be doing that they go on a rampage as soon as the smallest amount of data is collected.

And on the other hand most of those people use Facebook..a website that will not only use and abuse all the things you upload and say there...but even track your behaviours on other websites and on phones even gives itself access to your microphone and camera...but somehow that's totally cool.


Like...put that shit on basic and be done with it. Windows 10 "basic mode" feels like what Windows 7/8.1 error report is now. Sure, you can't completely turn it off anymore without going an extra mile now...but it's hardly something to get angry about.

Not to mention...anyone thinking that Microsoft HASN'T been collecting as much data as it possibly can since Win 7 and 8 is just a bit crazy in my eyes. I mean yea...it was just a lot less apparent back then and a lot could simply be turned off with a button...but let's be honest, the majority of people have no clue how to do anything other than pressing the power button and double clicking an .exe .


And my question remains...what kind of messed up stuff are some people doing that they have to outright fear Microsofts data collection...if you fear it so bad...then please go ahead and install Linux and only browse the deep web. But then again, CIA and FBI already put backdoors into your harddrives and ethernet ports that allow them to check you out anytime, so I suggest you start building your own hardware if you want to be truly protected.

 

[JujuFish]

The absolutely most idiotic argument I've ever heard regarding privacy is any variation of "why do you care, unless you have something to hide?"

 

[escrow4]

The absolutely most idiotic argument I've ever heard regarding privacy is any variation of "why do you care, unless you have something to hide?"

What do you have to hide? Nobody cares about your 6TB Sasha Grey collection. :whiste:

You are already in the system anyway. Used public health care? Private? Credit? Debit? Anything online? Gone outside? Phone? They are always watching. :ninja:

 

[Elixer]

Well, you could always block MS's servers at the router level, and that way, it can't phone home. Just make sure to activate it first.

 

[rchunter]

I think this trend is absolutely disgusting. I don't find it acceptable in the smart phone realm either. I hate that companies now see their (usually paying) customers as a resource to be harvested and sold. Just because some companies do it doesn't mean it's okay for others. At this point I'm quite convinced I won't be upgrading to Windows 10. It's amazing how much software I'd love to BUY if it wasn't DRM encrusted and harvesting my information.

Agree totally. It seems most don't care though. They get a free OS out of the deal so they're willing to roll over and make excuses for it.

 

[ninaholic37]

The absolutely most idiotic argument I've ever heard regarding privacy is any variation of "why do you care, unless you have something to hide?"

Yeah, it seems pretty obvious why people would have a problem with it. Do you like random neighbors or strangers reading through your garbage, or video taping your every move all day long through your window? I guess installing Windows 10 is like saying: "I'm ok with all of that snooping, because Microsoft is like a husband/wife to me! Come to bed with me now Microsoft my dear".

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

*pointless*

 

[VirtualLarry]

http://winaero.com/blog/how-to-disable-telemetry-and-data-collection-in-windows-10/

I notice that they mention a "Diagnostics Tracking Service" service - didn't MS just recently push that as an update to Win7 and 8.1 too? So they're spying all around, I guess.

 

[cmdrdredd]

What really is so bad about the basic level though, really? Did anyone bother to look at what that does or did you just immediately kneejerk "THEY'RE WATCHING ME!!"

I can see where Enhanced and especially Full are questionable and you would want to avoid them. But basic is just the base functions of Windows and basic error reporting, and that's it. Big whoop-de-do.

Basically it needs it for relevant info. Weather info for your location, syncing your contacts helps with birthday reminders and event calendars. Cortana would use it to give you reminders and other commands via voice. Little stuff like that wouldn't work unless they were able to put this info into an account for you and let the OS access it to provide this info. It's optional and during install you can opt out of it if you weren't going to use it.

 

[DustinBrowder]

And I always keep wondering what kind of dirty and illegal things people must be doing that they go on a rampage as soon as the smallest amount of data is collected.

And on the other hand most of those people use Facebook..a website that will not only use and abuse all the things you upload and say there...but even track your behaviours on other websites and on phones even gives itself access to your microphone and camera...but somehow that's totally cool.


Like...put that shit on basic and be done with it. Windows 10 "basic mode" feels like what Windows 7/8.1 error report is now. Sure, you can't completely turn it off anymore without going an extra mile now...but it's hardly something to get angry about.

Not to mention...anyone thinking that Microsoft HASN'T been collecting as much data as it possibly can since Win 7 and 8 is just a bit crazy in my eyes. I mean yea...it was just a lot less apparent back then and a lot could simply be turned off with a button...but let's be honest, the majority of people have no clue how to do anything other than pressing the power button and double clicking an .exe .


And my question remains...what kind of messed up stuff are some people doing that they have to outright fear Microsofts data collection...if you fear it so bad...then please go ahead and install Linux and only browse the deep web. But then again, CIA and FBI already put backdoors into your harddrives and ethernet ports that allow them to check you out anytime, so I suggest you start building your own hardware if you want to be truly protected.

This is the most absurd shill response ever and its been destroyed over and over and its still used as if it made sense.

Its like saying you have doors and sheets on the windows, you have something to hide.

Its like the old 17th century authoritarian rule of despots where not talking was taken as admission of guilt, its barbaric 17th century authoritarian rule.

Thanks god people have become a little bit smarter and conscious since then and we are not for the most part like that, where we hate our own freedoms and valuing privacy and human rights means we are guilty and slaves.

I'm sorry, but I own the microsoft OS, I paid money for it, it should work for me, not me working for it. It shouldn't be my master and collect data on me, especially when I don't want it to.

I should have options built in to disable ALL of the spying!