Helpful tips for protecting your data
It is well known Microsoft collects information about people using their products, and without asking their permission to collect such data.
If you want to restrict Microsoft from only collecting the legally required information about you and what you do online, here are seven settings you should turn off right now.
These will not only protect your privacy but also change the performance of your computer.
Turn off voice clips. This is set so Microsoft can record your voice should you speak over the internet.
Set Diagnostics & Feedback to ‘Required’ only.
Turn ‘Tailored Experiences’ off.
Click the Delete button on Delete diagnostic data. This deletes data Microsoft may have already collected about you.
In General Privacy, you can turn off at least some of the adverts you see.
In Updates & Security, choose Advanced Options.
Turn ON Receive updates for other Microsoft products when updating Windows.
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Greg Spinolae
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You only need ONE “TIP” for protecting yourself from Microsoft malware and spyware.
ERASE ALL Microsoft products. Install Linux.
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jessica ayni
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I make 85 dollars each hour for working an online job at home. dso I never thought I can do it but my best friend makes 10000 bucks every month working this job and she recommended me to learn more about it.
The potential with this is endless…>>>>>>https://t.ly/eGAt
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Tom
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I did that over 5 years ago and never looked back. Linux POP.OS is most excellent…very happy with switching. No Microsoft, Apple or Google for me…all of them are spies and data sellers.
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Howdy
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This relates to windows NT version 10, yes (win 10 is not remotely modern)? The announced last micro$oft version that is now superseded by NT v11 (dubbed vista 2)
.
I still use win 7. Disabled win updates after 8 was released because updates to ‘legacy’ OS, even though still supported, were throttled and queued to the extent it was obviously a tactic to force moving to 8.
Win NT 8 was junk, but NT 10 is the suckyest excuse for an OS M$ has released to date
The ‘tips’ are useless. Microsoft runs telemetry on everything you do, letter writing and all. If you disable stupid cortana, she will be forced on you at the next update. Anything you do to protect yourself from this telemetry is actively blocked or reverted by micro$oft at every update. Know who you are dealing with.
Updates are automatic? You can easily stop them. Updates keep you safe? I wouldn’t count on it.
Windows defender (the built in protection tools) won’t get the latest virus definitions? Defender is a joke, replace it with a real protection tool, and they are free, so no excuse. Only possible problem, they can sometimes be too keen. Still vastly superior to win defender, even M$ said defender should not be counted on as a lone protection, but get a real AV
Check this out:
“The truth is that Microsoft Defender is closer than it’s ever been to being competitive with third-party internet security suites… but as my tests discovered, it’s still not good enough.”
https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/windows-defender-vs-antiviruses-is-defender-enough-for-you/
If you think I’m cherry picking, do some research. The benefit will be yours
I dropped AV products a long time ago and use a firewall on manual mode instead.
Some free products below that will help, and indeed, eradicate spying problems, but requires technical knowledge in some cases, and ongoing. How much value do you place on your own freedom and privacy?
O&O ShutUp10++ means you have full control over which comfort functions under Windows 10 and Windows 11 you wish to use, and you decide when the passing on of your data goes too far.
https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10
SimpleWall. Simple tool to configure Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) which can configure network activity on your computer.
https://github.com/henrypp/simplewall
I’ve used Simplewall, and debloater below. Requires knowledge of ‘stuff’.
Windows 10 Debloater Script
https://github.com/Sycnex/Windows10Debloater
Looks to be getting a bit dated.
Finally, as suggested by Greq, you could use Linux, and If you don’t do much more than basic computer things, you won’t look back. Delving deeper can be a steep learning curve.
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Jerry Krause
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Hi Howdy,
Have looked at Linux and found there are 25 varieties. We, my wife and I (both aged), “don’t do much more than basic computer things. I had recently bought an inexpensive windows machine which I am not using because of lack of basic knowledge (I have forgotten much of the little I once knew).
Any suggestions of what I might play with, on this newer inexpensive windows machine, by downloading one of these apparent versions of Linux.??? Or, would you suggest that I don’t try?
Have a good day, Jerry
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Arron
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Try linux mint, been using for 15 plus years, would never go back to Microsoft bs
Tons of advantages over windows
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Howdy
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Hi Jerry,
Things can go wrong, so a backup of your machine is suggested to an external hard drive or similar before you start.
Installing Linux alongside your windows should present no problems, but better safe than sorry.
First question is do you have access to an optical drive that can write to CD, DVD media? https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-a-cd-burner.htm
Otherwise, you need a memory key, otherwise known as a pendrive:
https://www.cleverfiles.com/howto/what-is-pen-drive.html
Windows can do most things same as Linux or MacOS, but windows is not efficient, and you are beholden to micro$oft, who do not have your best interests at heart.
Depending on the flavour you try, free applications are preinstalled. You can browse, run tools watch movies etc, including LibreOffice suite (microsoft office compatible) allready available if you’re a letter writer (has word compatability).
If you just want to discover, you can use the downloaded linux as a ‘live’ OS and see if you like it at all, as It loads up the complete desktop from the install medium first. You can see if It fits your liking. At this point, no change has been made to your machine.
If you decide to install linux, it can be installed alongside your existing windows installation or replace it. The option to do so will be presented to you during the install phase. For you, alongside is suggested. Once complete, as the computer starts, you get the option to boot your original win OS, or Linux. Best of both worlds.
My preference is a Ubuntu derivative, and if you are a musician, video editor or any other creative type, check out Ubuntu Studio: https://ubuntustudio.org/
Download a few ‘distros’ as they are called and have fun.
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Howdy
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I didn’t make it clear above that the links are not actual security products, they are ‘freedom of choice’ tools. An AV is still recommended for most.
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Jerry Krause
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Hi Howdy,
I have no idea what AV is!!! I googled AV and that didn’t help. An apparent problem I have observed is that it is the young people who are ‘hacking’ into big business and government computer systems. These brilliant young people are merely playing games with the computer. I am not accusing you of playing games because you are trying to communicate with me, an old person. And you come to PSI where, I suspect, there are very few young people who could appreciate your abilities. Nor can the more old people (I) here appreciate your abilities because we (I) don’t speak and read your language. But you obviously are trying to help me, and other computer ignorant people. So thank you for your efforts!!!
Have a good day, Jerry
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Howdy
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“I have no idea what AV is”
Hi Jerry.
Forgive my error, AV is anti-virus, which is usually anti-malware too. Any of the big anti-virus products will serve you well.
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Jerry Krause
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Hi Howdy and Aaron.
When I made my last comment I hadn’t read your comments so thanks again and I have decided to play around because I, an old person, do have lots of spare time.
Have a good day, Jerry
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Howdy
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Hi Jerry,
Arron’s suggestion of Linux Mint is likely a good starter for you.
There are 3 different desktop versions available on the site.
https://linuxmint.com/download.php
8 things that make Linux Mint better than Ubuntu for beginners
https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-vs-ubuntu/
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Zoe Phin
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You forgot WPD (site: wpd.app)
I use MX Linux (mxlinux.org) on my laptop.
There are just a few Windows apps I need for business purposes. So I have very cheap Windows-based refurbished workstations with VirtualBox-ed MXLinux installed in Seamless Mode.
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Howdy
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Hi Zoe,
Not heard of wpd, so tried It on win7. The settings revolve around group policy, which I consider not enough. All the group policy switches were on, but by my own actions, I know the functions are not actually working.
The block function is useful, and the blockfile recent, so could be a usefull addition in it’s own right as long as the file is maintained. It probably works best as an extra defence/privacy layer.
Finally, the tool can be killed easily from task manager, which is a definite no for me.
“So I have very cheap Windows-based refurbished workstations with VirtualBox-ed MXLinux installed in Seamless Mode.”
I would say similar, but reversed roles with Linux the host and my current OS, a VHD.
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schutzhund
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Checkpoint/ZoneAlarm Extreme Security
CKO
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