Microsoft needs to fit Windows 10 with a data collection 'off switch'

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    Microsoft needs to fit Windows 10 with a data collection 'off switch'


    Posted: 04 Nov 2015
    Let's begin with the facts. With Windows 10 Microsoft has introduced a policy where the collection of basic data from machines running the operating system, data that it calls telemetry, is mandatory. Part of the deal of being allowed to run Windows 10 is handing this data over to Microsoft.

    No ifs, no buts.
    Getting out of this mess is easy. Here are three simple steps for Microsoft:

    1. Wind back the ego a few notches. Just because a system is running Windows 10 shouldn't mean that Microsoft feels it is entitled to end user telemetry. Period. Remember whose computer it is. Never lose sight of that.
    2. Build an off switch for the telemetry. This shouldn't be hard to do. Put the decision as to whether telemetry data is sent back to the Microsoft mothership in the hands of the user.
    3. Quit it with the heavy-handedness. What is it with all the "mandatory" stuff in Windows 10? Sheesh.
    Microsoft needs to fit Windows 10 with a data collection 'off switch' | ZDNet
    Borg 386's Avatar Posted By: Borg 386
    04 Nov 2015



  1. Posts : 757
    Win10 Pro 64-bit
       #1

    I'm thinking it's three-letter government agencies and PRISM putting pressure on encouraging Microsoft.
    There's no need for back doors when the front one is wide open because someone "asked" M$ to do it.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #2

    It's so simple to me, I really don't understand all the fuss about telemetry.

    All Microsoft would have to do is ask for permission.
    Some owners will give permission and some will not.

    That's it, very simple.
    Notify the owner of the computer and put a opt in method.
    I personally would opt in because their is nothing on my system that is a secret, well except my favorite porn sites. If Microsoft would ask nice I will share them also.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 757
    Win10 Pro 64-bit
       #3

      My Computer


  4. scr
    Posts : 366
    1. Windows 7 Home Premium sp1 - 64bit 2. Windows 7 Pro sp1 - 64bit
       #4

    It would have been nice to have an Off switch on Windows 7 for all things Windows 10.

    I guess I'm the stingy type I don't like to share anything I don't have to on my computer. I pay a pretty hefty price for my limited data and I'll decide when and how it's used, at least I try my best to.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 7,781
    Win 7 32 Home Premium, Win 7 64 Pro, Win 8.1, Win 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Well, I gave this a run. No probs so far with it.

    GWX Control Panel (previously named GWX Stopper) is a free program that you can use to do the following on Windows 7 and Windows 8:

    • Remove the "Get Windows 10" icon that appears in your notification area.
    • Prevent your Windows Update control panel from upgrading your computer to Windows 10.
    • Prevent your computer from secretly downloading Windows 10 installation files.
    • Detect and remove the hidden Windows 10 installation files if they're already on your PC.
    Ultimate Outsider: Using GWX Control Panel (formerly GWX Stopper) to Permanently Remove the 'Get Windows 10' Icon
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,030
    Linux Mint / XP / Win7 Home, Pro, Ultimate / Win8.1 / Win10
       #6

    I made my own switch - to Linux Mint for all online use and a lot of offline use, too.

    Regards,
    GEWB
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 9,746
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit sp1
       #7

    Borg 386 said:
    Well, I gave this a run. No probs so far with it.

    GWX Control Panel (previously named GWX Stopper) is a free program that you can use to do the following on Windows 7 and Windows 8:

    • Remove the "Get Windows 10" icon that appears in your notification area.
    • Prevent your Windows Update control panel from upgrading your computer to Windows 10.
    • Prevent your computer from secretly downloading Windows 10 installation files.
    • Detect and remove the hidden Windows 10 installation files if they're already on your PC.
    Ultimate Outsider: Using GWX Control Panel (formerly GWX Stopper) to Permanently Remove the 'Get Windows 10' Icon
    I downloaded & ran the GWX Control Panel program & it said I did not have Win 10 sitting on my computer & that I had everything disabled for it's update, which is a relief as I have a download limit each month & I don't want to be limited to dial up speed if I exceed it.

    It's an easy program to run & there is a detailed help & advice link to the writers website explaining all the meanings of the various things it can do.

    I will keep this program in my download directory for future use if necessary. It does not actually install on the computer as it just a run & see program with methods of fixing the Win 10 problem if needed.

    I have not had any problems with it either, so thanks Borg. :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 451
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #8

    I'll wager that Microsoft is waiting for TPP to go into effect to push anything, because once it does they can do what they please and if you try to circumvent it you'd be committing a crime bypassing forced updates, data collection, etc.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 173
    Win7 64
       #9

    Lets wait and see what Enterprise version does...
    I can't see "business" allowing this Telemetry.
    Could be very dangerous for private data.

    Maybe it's circumvented at the routers??
      My Computer


 
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