Microsoft Really Getting Sneaky On Windows 10

ThrashZone · 24 Dec 2015

Dang how long was I napping

Layback Bear · 24 Dec 2015

The Microsoft world has changed and as of now we can't do much about it.

When it comes to Windows 7 Updates the old days of just putting in on auto and trust Microsoft is over and gone.

Many people now have to learn to do their own homework so they can select the Windows Updates they want.
One must just do a little research on this forum and the internet to get a idea whether they want a Update or not.

Not installing any Windows 7 Updates in my opinion is double down dumb. (DDD)
Most Windows 7 offered Updates are needed and should be installed.
We all just have to do our homework before installing Updates.

I would also suggest checking other programs on your system to see if any needed updates are available.

I have never use auto update anything. I do all updates of everything manually. That way I know what is installed and when on my computers.

I know this will be a new experience to those who just booted a computer every now and then and let auto update Windows, Google, Firefox, Chrome, Adobe, and many more programs run in the background and do the updating.
The old (set it and forget it) days are gone in my opinion.
In my opinion it's time for many to become more knowledgeable about their computers and start doing such things manually. It's not hard to learn and keeping things updated really doesn't take much time to do.
I know that just about anybody can do updates manually because I do it several time a day.
Remember I only have 3 working brain cells and it take 2 cups of coffee to get them working.

MeOnMine · 25 Dec 2015

Hey LB.
I thought it read "3 Brian cells"

That reminded me of "What does DNA stand for"?

National Dyslexic Association.

AddRAM · 25 Dec 2015

Before the Preview of 10 and this whole debacle came along everything was honky dory, if you wanted to test out a new system you did it on your own terms.

I still don`t understand the logic behind MS giving away a free OS/upgrade whatever you want to call it.

I clearly remember the day when I turned on my system and it said your windows will now be upgraded.

Even knowing full well about Windows 10 and being an insider, I too was still snafooed, but that`s all in the past

or is it.

starchase · 25 Dec 2015

OvenMaster said:

michael diemer said:

I think it's best to choose "Never check for updates." Extreme times call for extreme measures. You need to go to the max in ensuring they do not take control of your computer. Do everything you can to protect yourself.

I must agree. I've checked manually for updates since XP in 2004 and I have never had a problem.
I'll check for updates on my schedule, not Microsoft's.

I thought I'd add my agreement here as well. I have both my PC's to never check, so I manually check every couple weeks and look to see what each one is about before I accept them for installation. I hear of these reports of Updates changing people's settings too often!

John

Berkey · 25 Dec 2015

Makes me wonder what MS will stoop to when they kick off their "big push" at the beginning of the year? I also wonder what things will be like once the free year upgrade is over? Will we be able to update in peace?

groze · 25 Dec 2015

My mother would never do any of this updating or backing up the computer. Not, that she couldn't do it. She, just wouldn't have the patience. I barely have the patience myself. Also, she is not into computers unlike me.

Alejandro85 · 25 Dec 2015

AddRAM said:

You are to read what every update does BEFORE you install it, we have been saying this for over a 1000 years.

We have been posting lists for Centuries.

While nice in theory, there are a few problems with this in real life.

First problem is that there is little or just nothing to read. Within the Windows Update screen there is a short description of the selected update, but almost always is too generic and just vague to address what problem or benefit really it does. Unless going to the MS website, google for that specific update and carefully read the description it's pretty much impossible to know what it's changing in the computer. And that has been that way for over 1000 years too

Add that to the fact that Microsoft is purposely being deceitful with those malicious updates. No one says something like "This patch will show advertisements for Windows 10, download and install it", but instead continue to say something vague along the lines of "This provides an upgrade to the update service" (don't remember the exact quote, but the idea is that). There is a reason why virus writers call them "CoolPicture.jpg.exe" instead of "ThisWillDestroyYourComputer.exe".

Then list. Yes, there have been for centuries maybe, but the main problem to them is that they're scattered all over the place, without a single "authoritative" place to look for reference. They invariably end up buried in the middle of a 40 pages long thread, typically outdated within weeks and maybe contradictory in some cases. Everyone agrees that KB3035583 is the main offender (that deploys the GWX malware), but for most others there are diverging experiences.
Add that to the fact that MS is constantly republishing those bad updates so that the become "un-ignored" and people have a chance to be hit by them anyways.

Bottom line, doing your homework is always a good step, I agree, but on this is very difficult mainly because of the lack of reliable sources of information to prevent the malicious updates. If one really wants to avoid them like the plague, running Windows Update today is like walking in mined terrain, possible but highly risky. Even knowledgeable people has the chance to fall victim of those if not very careful.

Layback Bear · 25 Dec 2015

I do agree Alejandro85, that finding enough information is close to impossible. The true source of the proper information would have to be Microsoft and they are not giving up much information.

Sometimes research brings little results no matter where one looks. At that point one has to roll the dice. Controlling what KB's are installed and when can help one figure out what KB caused a problem.
The average computer user will probably not go through the time to do such things and that is exactly what Microsoft depends on to spread their B/S.
As the old saying goes.
You throw enough B/S against the wall often enough some will have to stick.
It seem that is Microsoft new method of handing out Updates for Windows 7.
This method will entrap millions of unsuspecting users.

FD611V · 26 Dec 2015

After hours of searching and researching on how Windows 10 is sneaked into the updates to get downloaded. One has to go back and do some "old 2012 updates" we all preformed updates on our PC's. So, here's the research bit. When you read the update KB 3035583 on how it works, you will find there are several previous updates that has to be on your computer before it can be downloaded.

Here are those updates"
April 2014 update rollup for Windows RT. 8.1, Windows 8.1 & Windows Server 2012 RR (2919355). 2932096, 2937592, 2938439, 2934015, and 2959977.

I uninstalled all those above and set my computer to receive 'Automatic Updates." This morning I had 13 "new" updates and would you know... no KB3035583 is listed.