You might want to think again! Seems they have revamped their security defaults and how they handle information. As usual in practice with new software or a new car, you want to let someone else works out the new kinks! I look at Windows 10 as I did the upgrade to Vista from XP – I skipped it! I went from Microspft XP to Windows 7. I’m not ready to jump on the Microsoft Software bandwagon on Windows 10. Unfortunately some people don’t get the choice to say nay or yeah so here are some articles that may give you information you need especially if you are keen on your privacy.
This is from a Fox Tech news article… “MUST READ: Windows 10: The first 5 things you need to do immediately after you install it In our earlier article, we explained that Windows 10 includes a number of settings that track usage in different ways.” This article also goes on to share an excerpt from Microsoft’s Windows 10 privacy statement.
Finally, we will access, disclose and preserve personal data, including your content (such as the content of your emails, other private communications or files in private folders), when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary to: 1.comply with applicable law or respond to valid legal process, including from law enforcement or other government agencies; 2.protect our customers, for example to prevent spam or attempts to defraud users of the services, or to help prevent the loss of life or serious injury of anyone; 3.operate and maintain the security of our services, including to prevent or stop an attack on our computer systems or networks; or 4.protect the rights or property of Microsoft, including enforcing the terms governing the use of the services – however, if we receive information indicating that someone is using our services to traffic in stolen intellectual or physical property of Microsoft, we will not inspect a customer’s private content ourselves, but we may refer the matter to law enforcement.
Their comment to this ‘Whether or not you might be considered a “privacy nut,” this should alarm you at least a little. Windows 10 opts you into a number of iffy tracking features by default, and it’s up to you to go in and opt out.’
Sort of makes you think about installing it doesn’t it? For those of you upgrading rather than starting with a fresh Windows 10 machine, normally your update software package will consider your current settings and carry them over. Windows 10 doesn’t. You have to go in and make the choice to change all those settings to give yourself more privacy.
Even though it was linked above, here again in the link for the FIRST 5 THINGS YOU WANT TO DO AFTER INSTALLING WINDOWS 10: http://bgr.com/2015/07/30/windows-10-upgrade-installation-settings/
From Lifehacker it shows you how to install apps from the Windows Store without using a Microsoft account. This keeps Microsoft Corporation from associating all the data it collects about you with your identity.
Here’s an APP to install on your new Windows 10 (not promoting here just offering a link). DoNotSpy10 is the world’s first antispy tool for Windows 10. Its straight-forward user interface allows you to manage the following. http://pxc-coding.com/portfolio/donotspy10/
- Disable Telemetry
- Disable Biometrics
- Disable Handwriting Data Sharing
- Disable Handwriting Error Reporting
- Disable Application Telemetry
- Disable Inventory Collector
- Disable Steps Recorder
- Disable enabling Lock Screen Camera
- Disable and Reset Cortana
- Disable Location
- Disable Sensors
- Disable Web Search
- Disable Windows Media DRM Internet Access
- Defer Windows Upgrades
- Disable App Notifications
- Disable Password Reveal Button
- Disable and Reset Advertising ID
- Disable SmartScreen Filter for URLs
- Disable Sending Writing Info
- Disable Access to Language List
- Disable App Access to Location Info
- Disable App Access to Camera
- Disable App Access to Microphone
- Disable Getting to know me
- Disable App Access to Account Info
- Disable App Access to Calendar
- Disable App Access to Messages
- Disable App Access to Radios
- Disable Sync With Devices
- Disable Windows Feedback Requestes
- Disable Windows Update Sharing
- Disable Windows Update for other Products
- Disable WiFi Sense
- Disable Windows Defender
- Disable Automatic Windows Updates
- Disable OneDrive
- Disable Automatic Driver Update
MAC users yes you can have Windows 10 on your machines. Here is an article that Microsoft posted about issues with MAC OS and Windows 10 software. http://www.windowscentral.com/windows-10-problems-experience
Alright, I won’t be completely negative… here are some of the new features of Windows 10. http://bgr.com/2015/07/29/windows-10-features-top-5/
And here is a list of the new Apps you might want to consider for Windows: http://bgr.com/2015/08/11/windows-10-download-free-apps/
Then again if you haven’t updated from Microsoft XP or Vista yet (huh?) then you might want to read this as a way to get a FREE UPGRADE. The article says “Microsoft over the weekend relayed some good news for folks running older versions of Windows. It turns out that there will be a way for people still running Windows XP or Windows Vista to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Previously, it was believed that only Windows 7 and Windows 8 users would be eligible for the free upgrade.” Here’s another way for a FREE UPGRADE if the above doesn’t qualify you.
Just make sure you read and make your own choice and NOT just choose what someone gives you in software! Hope this helps.