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Windows 11 is collecting more user data than you know

windowsreport.com

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Re: Windows 11 is collecting more user data than you know

#61
post #49

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I mean is windows 10 collecting less data? I doubt it.

I remember seeing the same articles coming out when 10 came out. At the time there was also mention that they back ported the same collection schemes into win 7 updates.

They ruined windows 7 too? Damn it.

Re: Windows 11 is collecting more user data than you know

#62

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Pretty sure I can freely download Windows 11 too, and if my father passed me down his old laptop I could reinstall Windows on it. I get what you're saying, but MacOS isn't cost free. It's only sold bundled with Apple hardware, and you must buy both.

Hence the "technical" clause in my original comment. Nothing stops me if I want to go (hypothetically) Hackintosh my Thinkpad. Apple lets you download the recovery image right from their CDN and (hypothetically) it's a cakewalk to mount OpenCore on it with an EFI off Github. Apple sure didn't make it, but they also don't have an "Activate MacOS" popup after you partition your drive (at least, in my expe- erm, hypothe…

Malarkey.

MacOS comes with a Kext called "Don't Steal MacOS", also known as "DSMOS." If it detects you are running on unapproved hardware, it stops your boot and also echos this message to your logs:

"Your karma check for today: There once was a user that whined, his existing OS was so blind, he'd do better to pirate an OS that ran great, but found his hardware declined. Please don't steal Mac OS! Really, that's way uncool. (C) Apple Computer, Inc."

It's not just a simple detection either, but actually uses encryption to decrypt certain MacOS components after the verification check (namely, Finder, Dock, SystemUIServer, some others). Removing or bypassing DSMOS is required for all Hackintoshing tools, and it's actually a DMCA violation do that (see Apple vs. Psystar). Legally, removing it is the equivalent of removing or disabling Windows Activation, or using a Windows Activation crack tool.

The bypass is most often accomplished with the simulated, fake SMC. However, (again) legally, that qualifies as a DMCA circumvention tool by including the specific key that MacOS is looking for.

Re: Windows 11 is collecting more user data than you know

#63
post #41

I've got a macbook nearing end of life and frustration with apple (the company, not the hardware which I'm happy with) has been pushing me to consider windows. It's good to get these reminders of how smarmy Microsoft is. I think I'll probably grit my teeth and buy another mac

Any reasons not to consider Linux laptops? I have exactly the same predicament as you and feel like I'm finally ready to hop into the light side (Linux is by far the best desktop os these days).

I should have clarified, I have an ubuntu machine I use for development. I use MS office and video conferencing a lot as well though so I need another machine for that.

Re: Windows 11 is collecting more user data than you know

#64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Hence the "technical" clause in my original comment. Nothing stops me if I want to go (hypothetically) Hackintosh my Thinkpad. Apple lets you download the recovery image right from their CDN and (hypothetically) it's a cakewalk to mount OpenCore on it with an EFI off Github. Apple sure didn't make it, but they also don't have an "Activate MacOS" popup after you partition your drive (at least, in my expe- erm, hypothe…

Malarkey. MacOS comes with a Kext called "Don't Steal MacOS", also known as "DSMOS." If it detects you are running on unapproved hardware, it stops your boot and also echos this message to your logs: "Your karma check for today: There once was a user that whined, his existing OS was so blind, he'd do better to pirate an OS that ran great, but found his hardware declined. Please don't steal Mac OS! Really, that's way…

It's illegal, but all of the components required to make it are free. I don't know what to tell you, it's like saying that PS2 emulation is actually $200 because everyone needs to buy their own PS2 to dump the firmware from. Hypothetically, you're right! Technically though...

Re: Windows 11 is collecting more user data than you know

#65

I heard of this [0] software called O&O shutup that can disable all the calling home in Windows 11, does anyone have experience with it? I used to use privatezilla [1] in Windows 10 but I think they don't support Windows 11 yet. [0] https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10 [1] https://github.com/builtbybel/privatezilla

I've used shutup 10 on multiple machines and was pleased.

Re: Windows 11 is collecting more user data than you know

#66
post #16

I recently rebuilt my computer and figured I would just go with Windows 11 to have all the new features and compatibility. I have been seriously debating on reinstalling and going back to 10. Just yesterday "gaming services" just decided it no longer wanted to run. With the talk of how much data this thing collects it really makes me uneasy. Even though I only use it for gaming (I use my Mac for everything else)... I…

Search for Windows Ameliorated for a hassle free gaming/utility OS. No updates thus unsafe. Visual Studio proper works just fine. No idea bout office though.

Re: Windows 11 is collecting more user data than you know

#67
post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Go with Linux and don't look back. Preferably mint, which is quite similar to the Windows look. The only issue I've faced is MS Office, but that's what I have my Mac for.

Latest Mac (M2) hardware is just too good. My 2 year old desktop PC, which had top tier CPU, is now worse. It runs Linux but I can do the same stuff with Mac too. I even save with electricity bill by using Mac.

I agree too, but OP said he doesn't like Apple (for non technical reasons). I don't like them either, but M2 made me sell my soul to the devil.

Re: Windows 11 is collecting more user data than you know

#68
post #66
post #16

I recently rebuilt my computer and figured I would just go with Windows 11 to have all the new features and compatibility. I have been seriously debating on reinstalling and going back to 10. Just yesterday "gaming services" just decided it no longer wanted to run. With the talk of how much data this thing collects it really makes me uneasy. Even though I only use it for gaming (I use my Mac for everything else)... I…

Search for Windows Ameliorated for a hassle free gaming/utility OS. No updates thus unsafe. Visual Studio proper works just fine. No idea bout office though.

What do you mean, "No Updates thus unsafe". Wouldn't that be a major reason not to use it or am I misunderstanding?

I have heard of this before but I don't think I ever heard of it related to gaming. I will check it out though.

Re: Windows 11 is collecting more user data than you know

#70
post #2

> but you know the old adage, “If you are not paying for the product, then you are the product.” Isn't that a bit ironic considering Windows' two widely-regarded competitors (MacOS and Linux) technically cost nothing?

That's because with MacOS you pay for the software when you buy the hardware. Microsoft did not make hardware until a few years ago.

> with MacOS you pay for the software when you buy the hardware

By that logic the normal people are still in the clear, as most OEMs bundle a Windows license with the prebuilts they sell.

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