Microsoft to users: You'll download Windows 10, and you'll like it

Laith said:

I meant the edge data, yes. Of course they would mention it on the EULA, else they would get sued in an instant. But still it is pretty scary that they actually collect some data from you.

Mostly usage meaning which menus.... are used but will also use site info for functionality for instance I personally never used compatibility view lists from M$ but it is a default Alt+TB when edge or ie11... are open they download automatically where do you think those lists are generated
All browsers use them you just don't know it.

So, an update that is optional, (based on whether you are running a HP laptop or not), is sent out to all systems, what's wrong with that?

I'm sure if Microsoft checked to see what exact laptop you are using in order to only send to those using applicable laptops, we would not be inundated by irate users whining about another invasion of privacy, either users want to decide what is installed on their system or not.

groze said:

UsernameIssues said:

groze said:

I also find it odd to see an kb3107998 optional update on non Lenovo system

Did you install it?

No, I hid it. The way I understand that update is for Lenovo systems unless for some strange reason Microsoft thinks my all-in-one Dell is a Lenovo laptop.

According to Windows Update Catalog
KB3107998 replaces KB3045645.
(See my thread here for screenshots of the Windows Update Catalog.)

If you installed KB3045645, then you should probably install KB3107998.

If you did not install KB3045645, then you should definitely install KB3107998. Forcing a UAC prompt when customized SDB files are created sounds like a good thing to me. KB3107998 does more than just what that one sentence summary states. Just look at the list of files that it updates.

edit:
There are Windows Shim Database files (.SDB files). See Application Compatibility Database. Apps are allowed to silently change those files. KB3045645 is an optional update from March 2015 that prevents those silent changes. The UAC prompt will now appear. KB3107998 replaces KB3045645. From the looks of the files being updated, MS opted to change (improve?) how it monitors the SDB files.

SDB files are not only used to store application compatibility info, they are used by MS's Fix It tools (e.g. this one) to prevent harm from exploits until patches can be developed/tested/deployed.

KB3045645 and KB3107998 are optional. They don't address an security exploit - but it sure seems like a good idea to invoke the UAC prompt before you let an app change Shim Database files (.SDB files).

groze said:

Barman58 said:

So, an update that is optional, (based on whether you are running a HP laptop or not), is sent out to all systems, what's wrong with that?

Barman58,
Nothing is wrong with that. See, I always thought windows update scans your computer for updates and then list them. However, Microsoft may have changed things.


UsernameIssues

Are you saying that update is not just for Lenovo systems? If so, that is fine & would make more sense.

Yes, that is exactly what I'm saying. IMO, KB3107998 is of value - no matter the brand.

Lady Fitzgerald said:

Golden said:

Laith said:

Also one last thing i want to mention is Microsoft stealing data from your computer. I mean are they really serious? They can steal somebody's personal information and banking account. That itself is just insane, to believe that Microsoft really wants to do this to us. We are just innocent people that wants to have a functional computer without anyone spying on us etc. From my perspective Microsoft has taken this too far.

If you believe that, then you will believe anything

Read the EULA the next time you have an hour or three. MSpy admits they are uploading your data from your computer and you have to agree to it to use Win 10. They claim they are only going to use it to ferret out problems (and that's probably true) but what is to keep hackers, governments, etc. from accessing that data?

Then by definition it isn't theft.