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

[Borg 386]

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

 

[OvenMaster]

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.

 

[Layback Bear]

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.

 

[OvenMaster]

:roflmao:

 

[scr]

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.

 

[Borg 386]

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

 

[GEWB]

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

Regards,
GEWB

 

[Ranger4]

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.

 

[Diosoth]

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.

 

[Iforgot]

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??

 

[Borg 386]

Lets wait and see what Enterprise version does...

They have a choice in the matter....at least for now....

Windows 10 Enterprise users can disable all data -- including telemetry data -- from being sent back to Microsoft. But the average Joe Customer doesn't get a say in the matter.

 

[Layback Bear]

Borg 386 I think you are correct.
As far as I know Enterprise still have the choice of using telemetry or not to use.

I just think that all users of W-10 should have the same choice.

 

[jonnyhillow]

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

Regards,
GEWB

Linux is what a lot of people i know are switching to or are already using.

 

[groze]

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.

I am assuming TPP refers to a law or regulation.

How would you be committing a crime? What if it conflicts with another law like H.I.P.P.A.?


Does Windows 10 Violate HIPPA

Even if a law is passed, I see enforcement as a problem because of programs that block windows 10 updates or prevent windows 10 being installed. At least it wouldn't apply to Linux systems and if it did, the free software foundation would have lawyers challenging it.


On a side note, please correct me if I am wrong. The EULA is a contract. So if you don't follow the contract your-in-breach-of-contract unless the contract violates state or federal laws/regulations.

 

[derekimo]

I am assuming TPP refers to a law or regulation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Pacific_Partnership

 

[groze]

I am assuming TPP refers to a law or regulation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Pacific_Partnership

Wow

Thank you for that information. I hardly ever watch the national news. I wasn't even aware of this. I may of heard it without realizing what is was. I read more about the TPP, some I think is just hype. Some of it actually looks good but there are some bad parts as well. That is just my opinion. Will have to see if the EFF, FSF & ACLU challenge the constitutionality of this agreement.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Top Secret

I am assuming TPP refers to a law or regulation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Pacific_Partnership

Wow

Thank you for that information. I hardly ever watch the national news. I wasn't even aware of this. I may of heard it without realizing what is was. I read more about the TPP, some I think is just hype. Some of it actually looks good but there are some bad parts as well. That is just my opinion. Will have to see if the EFF, FSF & ACLU challenge the constitutionality of this agreement.

You wouldn't have heard anything on the MSM (despite the negotiations taking many years) as the negotiations were basically "Top Secret".

Given that it is designed to entrench "Corporate Power" there was a vested interest in trying to suppress any reporting about it.
There were some reports about it on Freedom/Privacy forums (like EFF).
https://www.eff.org/search/site/tpp

Our MSM only mentioned it in passing a couple of weeks before it was signed.
The text has only just been released to the public and various groups are already complaining about how our sovereignty has been given away without our permission (i.e. no referendum).

You have to wonder what "incentives" were offered to the politicians (from the Left and Right) involved in these negotiations.

 

[Iforgot]

Lets wait and see what Enterprise version does...

They have a choice in the matter....at least for now....

Windows 10 Enterprise users can disable all data -- including telemetry data -- from being sent back to Microsoft. But the average Joe Customer doesn't get a say in the matter.

Just looked further into it..

Ok A package image used for network deployment.......

Has anyone thought of "slipsteaming" a version of win10?

Allan