Slashdot Mirror


Microsoft To Enhance User Privacy Controls In Upcoming Windows 10 Update (hothardware.com)

MojoKid writes: When Microsoft first launched Windows 10, it was generally well-received but also came saddled with a number of privacy concerns. It has taken quite a while for Microsoft to respond to these concerns in a meaningful way, but the company is finally proving that it's taking things seriously by detailing some enhanced privacy features coming to a future Windows 10 build. Microsoft is launching what it calls a (web-based) privacy dashboard, which lets you configure anything and everything about information that might be sent to back to the mothership. You can turn all tracking off, or pick and choose, if certain criteria don't concern you too much, like location or health activity, for example. Also, for fresh installs, you'll be given more specific privacy options so that you can feel confident from the get-go about the information you're sending Redmond's way. If you do decide to send any information Microsoft's way, the company promises that it won't use your information for the sake of targeted advertising.

183 comments

  1. I call BS on a web-based console by swb · · Score: 4, Insightful

    If I'm using a web based console to change my local OS privacy settings, I'm guessing I'm telling some server that's already collecting the info just not to use the info it's already collecting.

    1. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by raind · · Score: 1

      Where's the registry hacks? Someone must have a list already.

      --
      Get up!
    2. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Quinn_Inuit · · Score: 1

      I was going to call BS, too, but only on the theory that they could change or revoke anything at any time if it's a cloud-based setting rather than something managed locally. Your theory is even more disturbing, though, so it's probably the one that's correct.

      --

      Stop learning! Only you can prevent esoterrorism.
    3. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

      If it's web based then no matter what your settings are your PC will be sending data to Microsoft. I also don't see anything in the article to suggest that users will be able to completely disable all of the built-in spyware.

      Even if Microsoft were to backtrack on Windows 10 and remove the spyware and adware and allow users to control their updates again, I will never use it. It's far too late for any of this and Microsoft has proven that they can't be trusted not to reintroduce all of it.

    4. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgKJMsJ-6XU

    5. Re: I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Indo-chimps at Monkeyshit Corp know better how to manage an outsourced privacy. Deal with it, you can train a H1B chimp to replace yourself from managing your sensitive data.

    6. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Zaelath · · Score: 3, Insightful

      The article says "(web-based)" including the "our interpretation parentheses" where as the screen shot looks decidedly the same as the existing FormerlyKnownAsMetro interface that the half the Windows 10 configuration options are in, locally.

      I suspect their interpretation is incorrect, but regardless people will be watching tcpdump/wireshark/etc to see what if any effect the settings have so it's not like they can fool everyone.

    7. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by infolation · · Score: 1

      Isn't that the PRISIM defence? Collect all the data, everywhere, all the time but don't actually look at it. Then get a warrant for just the bits you need. So you can claim the collection is 'a circumscribed, narrow system'?

    8. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      people will be watching tcpdump/wireshark/etc to see what if any effect the settings have

      Why would anyone who knows a thing about how computer networking works bother to do that? The settings are web-based. That means your computer is sending everything (equivalent to having spyware reporting set to maximum currently) and the web settings just tell Microsoft whether or not you want them to do anything with all of that data that is now stored on their server.

      This isn't a change that will provide more control over privacy, it is a change that will take away even more control over privacy.

    9. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Zaelath · · Score: 1

      If your (and their) assumption is correct the entire operation is pointless, where as I suggest the assumption is faulty, if you read the rest of the sentence you quoted....

      This looks like a local setting, not a "web-based" setting at all.

    10. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Yep. I originally said I'd consider upgrading my laptop&desktop to windows 10 when they removed all the malware and stopped forcing updates, but my new Mint laptop has been very good and MS has done nothing to convince me they should ever be trusted again, so I definitely don't see myself ever going back.

      t. exclusive windows user since 3.1

    11. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If I'm using a web based console to change my local OS privacy settings, I'm guessing I'm telling some server that's already collecting the info just not to use the info it's already collecting.

      Yep. Sophos Home AV, https://www.sophos.com/en-us/lp/sophos-home.aspx, is the same.

    12. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by NotInHere · · Score: 1

      Yeah they only need this so that they can properly calculate the price of the data they sell. People who have something to hide have more valuable data after all :)

    13. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And if you believe anything that Micro$haft tells you, you are one of the suckers born every minute that P.T. Barnum was talking about! M$ may get some of the sheeple to actually believe that they can disable the spyware in Win 10, but none of it will actually ever be disabled. How can the average Joe or Jane tell if any of it really is disabled? They can't!

      Besides, What happened to M$'s admission that they couldn't disable all of the tracking, even if they wanted to? Either they were lying then, or are lying now. I Think its more likely that they are lying now!!

    14. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by unixisc · · Score: 1

      If I'm using a web based console to change my local OS privacy settings, I'm guessing I'm telling some server that's already collecting the info just not to use the info it's already collecting.

      The only advantage of this that I can think of is that if you're getting your Windows on a new computer and don't wish to redo all the initialized settings but just pick up where you left off, then this OneDrive based settings would work well

      Otherwise it's just an ironic way of being flippant about the issue

    15. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      Or maybe it's not 1999 anymore and windows pulls local configuration settings from you Microsoft account so privacy settings that adjust for all you computers at once are best set there?

    16. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Cederic · · Score: 2

      I don't have a Microsoft account. I use a local account only.

    17. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I only use Window 8.1 Pro to play those games that are not ported to Linux yet. By using native installers (GOG) and Steam, a lot of my games are already running under Linux. I use Windows in a dual boot system, and all my data discs are (of course) ext4, and thus unreadable for Windows (no - I am not installing any drivers that allow Windows to read Ext4 format partitions). All my important work, banking stuff, e-mail and so on, is done on Linux Mint (LTS).

      So - The only thing that Microsoft can "collect" are my (partial) gaming habits. I think I can live with that.

    18. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Actually,+I+do+RTFA · · Score: 1

      I interpreted "web based" as HTML based and displayed through the browser. I've used (and designed) consoles submit forms to a local server for UIs before. They've tended to be for limited release, but it's an easy way for a programmer to separate the view out in a way designers can manipulate.

      --
      Your ad here. Ask me how!
    19. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The correct way of sharing settings is peer to peer among your networked devices, not via a third party storage service.

    20. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by swb · · Score: 1

      Yeah, it's common in third party software with "web consoles" but Microsoft very rarely does it. I can only really think of the certificate server web enrollment forms as the only example, and that's pretty much a train wreck of minimalism. It looks like 1999 and barely works.

    21. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This looks like a local setting, not a "web-based" setting at all.

      Whatever that is supposed to mean. I'm not sure how you are able to determine whether it's a local setting or a web setting from a screenshot, but the article clearly states it's a web-based setting.

    22. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Only morons store their settings online.

    23. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Did you actually read the comment you replied to? Zaelath said it looks like the Metro interface and may be a local option. We'll have to wait and see when the update is released. If its a local setting, then indeed people will be monitoring their packets to determine the efficacy of the new options.

    24. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Did you actually read the article or even the summary where it says the settings are web-based? Did you know that a web site can look like anything it wants? I take it you haven't seen any of Microsoft's sites because they all look like Metro.

    25. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      I'm not sure what they will do for local administration. Chances are the options will be there. The Microsoft account is nothing more than a multi device administration, and I'm just pointing out there's nothing BS about having a web interface configure devices just because web.

    26. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Zaelath · · Score: 1

      This is what their web-based privacy dashboard looks like https://account.microsoft.com/...

      Ars has a better story that makes it clear there are two parts, the dashboard above, and OS level system controls that disable certain types of data being sent in the first place:

      http://arstechnica.com/informa...

      Just because an article "clearly states" something doesn't make it gospel, unless you're watching Fox, then obviously I defer to your religious preferences.

    27. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Zaelath · · Score: 1

      Probably the same AC, but here's a better story: http://arstechnica.com/informa...

    28. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And? You haven't seen any of Microsoft's web applications, have you?

    29. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Zaelath · · Score: 1

      You clearly have some kind of reading disability.

    30. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, you do.

    31. Re:I call BS on a web-based console by JohnFen · · Score: 1

      I'm just pointing out there's nothing BS about having a web interface configure devices just because web.

      There is if using the web interface is the only way to configure. Relying on external servers for configuration is madness.

  2. How you play the sorry game by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    1. Transgress 100 meters
    2. Say you're sorry
    3. Backtrack 75 meters.
    4. Profit from more analytics gold than you know what to do with.

    This is the same way horrific laws are passed. First they propose something completely absurd, then "compromise" with something slightly less absurd.

    Eat shit Microsoft.

    1. Re:How you play the sorry game by omnichad · · Score: 1

      First they propose something completely absurd, then "compromise" with something slightly less absurd.

      Right, first we have the DMCA, but now it gets fixed with the TPP....wait a minute.

    2. Re:How you play the sorry game by Agripa · · Score: 1

      1. Ask your date to do her and her girlfriend.
      2. Negotiate down from there.

  3. Why Microsoft wins by phantomfive · · Score: 1, Informative

    When Microsoft can figure out what the customers want, they jump to give it to them (note: average users are not necessarily customers, businesses are).

    Remember when everyone was complaining about Microsoft's security issues? Microsoft actually did an admirable job cleaning up that leaky ship. They still have bugs, but compared to before, when running a Microsoft OS was basically an invitation to come inside.

    --
    "First they came for the slanderers and i said nothing."
    1. Re:Why Microsoft wins by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So your calling out half of America cause they did not want another war monger in office not to mention the list of scandals the Clinton's caused?
      or are you so left you think he will bring ww3?
       

    2. Re:Why Microsoft wins by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

      So your calling out half of America cause they did not want another war monger in office not to mention the list of scandals the Clinton's caused?
      or are you so left you think he will bring ww3?

      Are you so right-winged delusional that you forgot that Trump spent years proclaiming that Obama wasn't born in America, babbles over Mexico paying for some wall, demands an immediate repeal of healthcare reform, and can't find a non-racist to be Attorney General, is probably going to fill the swamp with putrid ooze, has not managed to show a shred of humility at only barely scraping together a technical victory in the electoral college, and will likely get us involved with a war just to distract us from his next horrendous personal failing being exposed?

    3. Re:Why Microsoft wins by lucm · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Remember when everyone was complaining about Microsoft's security issues? Microsoft actually did an admirable job cleaning up that leaky ship.

      This is true. And while I have no evidence to support it, I suspect that the whole telemetry stuff is meant to give them information about how the system behaves in various situations for engineering purposes, not ads. This impression is based in part on the fairly decent level of privacy in hotmail/outlook.com compared to other free mail providers like gmail or yahoo where they milk your inbox to tweak ads.

      Firefox has the same kind of telemetry features. Chrome too. And pretty much everything else. But when it comes from Microsoft people freak out first, ask questions later.

      This being said, once they started to push hard to have people use "Microsoft accounts" instead of local accounts to login on Windows it became obvious that something was changing so maybe they are truly a bunch of fuckers nowadays.

      --
      lucm, indeed.
    4. Re:Why Microsoft wins by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Microsoft wins because they engage in unfair business practices that result nearly every computer sold having windows installed on it at time of sale.

      Microsoft wins because of unethical business practices of stealing from / suing / funding FUD campaigns against competition.

      But, you are correct Microsoft won.

      There was some hope they would bleed enough money on their cloud offerings and silly phones that they would shrink/go away, but they seem to have stopped the hemorrhaging. I guess the hope is now that the prediction of the death of the PC comes to pass, but there are still SBCs and such available for hobbyists.

      Some companies deserve to die. Microsoft is one of them.

    5. Re:Why Microsoft wins by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 2

      Firefox has the same kind of telemetry features. Chrome too. And pretty much everything else. But when it comes from Microsoft people freak out first, ask questions later.

      Maybe that's because Firefox and Chrome don't try to trick and/or force you into upgrading. Ever.

      Maybe because the "X" or "Close" control in Firefox and Chrome never magically change what they do to mean "yes" instead of "no".

      --
      Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
    6. Re:Why Microsoft wins by lucm · · Score: 1

      Firefox has the same kind of telemetry features. Chrome too. And pretty much everything else. But when it comes from Microsoft people freak out first, ask questions later.

      Maybe that's because Firefox and Chrome don't try to trick and/or force you into upgrading. Ever.

      Maybe because the "X" or "Close" control in Firefox and Chrome never magically change what they do to mean "yes" instead of "no".

      You are right, but at the same time I can't help but wonder if those are not simply instances of "we know better" than truly tricking people for some nefarious goal.

      --
      lucm, indeed.
    7. Re: Why Microsoft wins by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      firefox is open source, you can see what tlemetry data is being sent and where. hardly a fair analogy. the whole issue with windows 10 is/was this: we don't and cannot know what is being sent and the average user cannot easily disable it.

    8. Re:Why Microsoft wins by donaldm · · Score: 1

      Firefox has the same kind of telemetry features. Chrome too. And pretty much everything else. But when it comes from Microsoft people freak out first, ask questions later.

      When an operating system like Microsoft Windows 10 has features that are specifically used for collecting data I think most people who are concerned about privacy have the right to be concerned. Applications like Firefox and Chrome which are web browsers can easily be configured not to infringe on your privacy and if you still don't trust them then it is a very easy matter to install and use a different application.

      I am well aware that it is possible to change your settings in Windows 10 (by default they are all turned on) to turn off many features that could be a privacy concern and I strongly suggest users do this. The problem you have is that Windows 10 has not just a simple "yes/no" change you have to go into the registry as well and while there are third-party applications that can make this easy you have to trust them as well. Even after all that there are still privacy concerns especially since some of the "off" settings can be turned back "on" with an update.

      If you look at the methods that Microsoft used for getting existing users to upgrade to Windows 10 and compare it to the definition of malware then Windows 10 ticks all the boxes.

      The only fix for having an operating system you don't trust is to use a different operating system.

      --
      There ain't no such thing as proprietary standards only proprietary formats. Standards are by definition open.
    9. Re:Why Microsoft wins by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      This being said, once they started to push hard to have people use "Microsoft accounts" instead of local accounts to login on Windows it became obvious that something was changing so maybe they are truly a bunch of fuckers nowadays.

      Yeah something changed. Microsoft realised that people don't use computers in isolation anymore and that account information, settings, and available files should travel with them across their dumb terminals. Microsoft realised that every vendor is offering something in the cloud and they need to as well.

      You can still run Windows without a Microsoft account, but like many systems you get a cost in functionality as a result.

    10. Re:Why Microsoft wins by Cederic · · Score: 2

      for engineering purposes, not ads

      While the engineering purposes are valid I'm fairly sure that Microsoft are happily exploiting the commercial value of that data too.

      They're pulling far too fucking much data for it to be purely engineering anyway.

    11. Re:Why Microsoft wins by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Maybe that's because Firefox and Chrome don't try to trick and/or force you into upgrading. Ever.

      Yeah, Chrome doesn't trick or force you. It automatically does it for you whenever you restart it, without asking.

      I am not sure I would want my operating system to do the same.

    12. Re:Why Microsoft wins by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Maybe because the "X" or "Close" control in Firefox and Chrome never magically change what they do to mean "yes" instead of "no".

      Firefox: Accidentally hit the "create bookmark" button or keyboard shortcut. A small dialog pops up.

      If you close the dialog, which can - unlike all other dialog - be closed by clicking outside it (and it's a small dialog in the corner), so easily closed without even noticing, you just created a bookmark.

      The cancel button is called "remove bookmark".

      Not related to telemetry, but an example of Firefox also doing the "close means yes" thing.

    13. Re:Why Microsoft wins by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Isn't Chrome constantly auto-updating in the background, nearly transparently, by default?

    14. Re:Why Microsoft wins by bytestorm · · Score: 1

      Repeating what A.C.s 1 & 3 said, Chrome is all about forcing you to upgrade. The Goog has an administrative background service which prevents you from ever receiving the UAC prompt because they update that frequently and they don't want to train users to blindly click through UACs that were not initiated by user action. Mozilla Firefox does this too. All of which would be better handled through Microsoft Store, Chocolatey, or some other unified package update interface.

    15. Re:Why Microsoft wins by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 1

      You are right, but at the same time I can't help but wonder if those are not simply instances of "we know better" than truly tricking people for some nefarious goal.

      I'm glad we agree. Now send me all your money, lucm. I promise it's not for anything nefarious, I just know better than you what to spend it on.

      --
      Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
    16. Re:Why Microsoft wins by lucm · · Score: 1

      for engineering purposes, not ads

      While the engineering purposes are valid I'm fairly sure that Microsoft are happily exploiting the commercial value of that data too.

      They're pulling far too fucking much data for it to be purely engineering anyway.

      Here's what their website says:

      To help us decide which services are working well and which need improvement, we pay attention to how people use Windows. We can spot patterns in the problems our customers have, understand the cause, and fix the issues quickly. We can also focus our resources on upgrading the things that people use the most, and to improve or even retire those that don’t get used. This data, collectively called ‘telemetry’, can also help us understand gaps in our services so that we can help people use Windows more effectively.

      When people choose to turn on location services, we get to improve our location services by collecting information about the location of mobile phone masts and WiFi access points. This information is stored in a database without data identifying the person or device from which it was collected.

      https://privacy.microsoft.com/...

      Now if your position is that they lie in their privacy statement this becomes a different matter.

      --
      lucm, indeed.
    17. Re:Why Microsoft wins by Cederic · · Score: 1

      How does my statement contradict the information you've pulled from their site?

      That quote at no point says, "We will not sell your data" and indeed explicitly says they'll use it to understand gaps in their services. That's a goatse sized gaping hole in any pretense about privacy.

    18. Re:Why Microsoft wins by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      1) My computers aren't dumb terminals. They are fully capable of operating without a mainframe or network connection.
      2) My computers aren't identical and therefore should not have identical settings. Each one has a place and a purpose which require different settings.
      3) When upgrading a system disk or entire computer, I restore a backup to the new drive/computer and carry on with the entire OS, applications, files and settings already in place. Restoring only settings would be more than worthless without the rest of it.
      4) I have a Windows PC and no Microsoft account. There is absolutely no cost in functionality.
      5) You are a shill and not a very good one at that.

      The only thing Microsoft realised is that they could get free QA by taking data and using up users' computer resource, electricity and bandwidth. They also realised that they could use that data for targeted ads and sell that data to other companies and/or governments.

    19. Re:Why Microsoft wins by lucm · · Score: 1

      Now send me all your money

      No that sounds like Apple, not Microsoft.

      --
      lucm, indeed.
    20. Re: Why Microsoft wins by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      very bitter tears
      they cry out to me again
      your power dwindles

    21. Re:Why Microsoft wins by erapert · · Score: 1

      I think you missed the point. Or dodged it.

    22. Re:Why Microsoft wins by JohnFen · · Score: 1

      I suspect that the whole telemetry stuff is meant to give them information about how the system behaves in various situations for engineering purposes, not ads.

      I don't really doubt this is the case. That doesn't make it OK, though.

      Firefox has the same kind of telemetry features. Chrome too. And pretty much everything else. But when it comes from Microsoft people freak out first, ask questions later.

      I don't use Chrome, but with Firefox, you can disable the telemetry. That's why I don't freak out about it: I just turn it off. Microsoft isn't giving us a "turn it off" option. That's why Microsoft is getting bashed over this.

  4. No more anal probing? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I wonder if maybe I can get my neighbors to fill in, if you know what I mean. I sure will miss that.

  5. Re:People should have zero expectation of privacy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    When you say people do you mean everybody or just those without the funds to sue you out of existence like Peter Thiel?

  6. Umm...no, they're not by El+Cubano · · Score: 3, Interesting

    but the company is finally proving that it's taking things seriously

    Not quite. Proof that they are taking things seriously would be disabling all the telemetry, phoning home, adware, crapware, etc., and making it strictly opt-in.

    For example, the first time you hit the start menu, it can show you a balloon: "Would you like to see customized content here? This would require sending blah-blah-blah to Microsoft." Then two clearly labeled buttons. One for "yes, phone home and show me ads" and another for "no, and don't show me this ever again." They could something similar in other places where they think there might be a benefit to the users.

    Microsoft is launching what it calls a (web-based) privacy dashboard, which lets you configure anything and everything about information that might be sent to back to the mothership. You can turn all tracking off...

    If it is on by default and the user has to log in to a Microsoft website to control/configure it, then Microsoft is demonstrating that they are willing to do only the bare minimum to appease the critics. How much do you want to bet that in order to even access the dashboard the user will have to have a Live account (giving MS even more of their personal information). The screenshot in the article doesn't look web-based to me, so perhaps a Live account won't be required, but either way the big problem is that they opt you in (likely against your will) and only if you are sufficiently determined can you opt out.

    Taking things seriously, indeed!

    1. Re:Umm...no, they're not by Gadget_Guy · · Score: 2

      For example, the first time you hit the start menu, it can show you a balloon: "Would you like to see customized content here?....They could something similar in other places where they think there might be a benefit to the users.

      God no! I hate it when you have to hunt around and try everything out when you set up a computer to make sure that you found all the settings. It's much better to have one single place that has all the configuration options. Given that you can set these options at install time, I fail to see how scattering the privacy settings all over the place makes it any more convenient or "proof that they are taking things seriously".

    2. Re:Umm...no, they're not by El+Cubano · · Score: 1

      Certainly the settings should be controlled from a single control panel application or something like that. However, I can see how it would be helpful (think when you first fire up a new application) for it point out new things. However, it should not nag and it should only be displayed once. Also, if you go into the central settings panel and turn everything fully off you should never even see the first prompt.

    3. Re:Umm...no, they're not by ZorroXXX · · Score: 2

      But there is no conflict there, the setting could be controlled both directly from the start menu and also from a central all privacy settings place.

      --
      When you are sure of something, you probably are wrong (search for "Unskilled and Unaware of It").
    4. Re:Umm...no, they're not by dyfet · · Score: 1

      After already taking your information hostage they grant you visitation rights...

      An actually honest, rather than knowingly deceptive, company would have put such settings on the local machine to prevent upload of telemetry & keystrokes in the first place, rather than remote on a web site to manage after the fact in a way that they can then arbitrarily change by policy and use the data later anyway if they so choose, or still can provide to dangerous "third parties" such as a Trump lead US govt, etc...

  7. The damage is done by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    There is no way I'm going to trust an OS that was released with mandatory "telemetry".

    1. Re:The damage is done by JohnFen · · Score: 1

      I hear you -- Microsoft has a long track record that justifies deep mistrust, and it's terribly hard to start trusting them now. Even if what they claim is true and you can stop Windows from phoning home entirely, the fact that they have jumped on this "constantly update" train means that you can't trust that Windows will always be so considerate.

    2. Re:The damage is done by LVSlushdat · · Score: 1

      and it's terribly hard to start trusting them now

      hehe I'd say it was damn fucking IMPOSSIBLE to start trusting them now... Anybody who DOES trust them is either naive or an idiot.. Sorry if you're either one of those.. I dealt with their bullshit for close to 20 years as a system admin.. When I retired, I decided I was DONE...

      --
      THANK YOU, Edward Snowden!! Americans owe you a debt of gratitude (whether they know it or not..)
  8. Re:People should have zero expectation of privacy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    People should have no expectation of privacy. Per Trump.

    I will never get enough of your salt. Omnomnomnom.

  9. What the fuck by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 3, Funny

    "Microsoft is launching what it calls a (web-based) privacy dashboard..."

    Why does it have to be web-based? Was it too fucking hard to build it into the Control Panel or Settings app?

    This sounds like horseshit to me, and I've heard enough horseshit in my life to be able to reliably identify it when I hear it.

    --
    Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
    1. Re:What the fuck by fahrbot-bot · · Score: 3, Interesting

      "Microsoft is launching what it calls a (web-based) privacy dashboard..."

      Why does it have to be web-based? Was it too fucking hard to build it into the Control Panel or Settings app?

      Because your system will still send all the data to the MS cloud, but they will only use that data based on your settings there. I imagine they will still save all the data so if you ever allow something to be used (or they change their policies) all the historical data will already be there (just a guess though). If they were *really* serious, then, yes, they would provide local controls to prevent said data from being uploaded in the first place.

      --
      It must have been something you assimilated. . . .
    2. Re:What the fuck by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 1

      Because your system will still send all the data to the MS cloud

      Yeah, I know. I probably should have indicated I was being sarcastic more clearly.

      As someone else here said, all the data is still being sent; by using the control panel you're just telling the server what data to (supposedly) ignore or pretend it isn't seeing.

      --
      Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
    3. Re:What the fuck by TheFakeTimCook · · Score: 1

      Because your system will still send all the data to the MS cloud

      Yeah, I know. I probably should have indicated I was being sarcastic more clearly.

      As someone else here said, all the data is still being sent; by using the control panel you're just telling the server what data to (supposedly) ignore or pretend it isn't seeing.

      There is absolutely no reason to make this a web-based "control" panel, other than to lie to the user about what is being sent.

      Hopefully, some people with packet-sniffers can do some "deep-packet-analysis" of their own, and (once again) expose MS for the bald-faced liars that they (once again) are.

    4. Re:What the fuck by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      Why does it have to be web-based?

      Because it's on a per login basis. Because one stop privacy shops are all the rage across companies. Because I want to do it once in one place not once on every damn device I own.

    5. Re:What the fuck by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 1

      Because it's on a per login basis. Because one stop privacy shops are all the rage across companies. Because I want to do it once in one place not once on every damn device I own.

      Horseshit detected.

      Just out of curiosity, how does Satya Nadella's dick taste? Is it every bit as delicious as the Microsoft Marketing team would have us believe?

      --
      Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
    6. Re:What the fuck by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      Horseshit detected.

      Probably. It's their implementation, no need to tell me. It's also common in pretty much every company focusing their efforts on anything web based or cloud based.

      Just out of curiosity, how does Satya Nadella's dick taste? Is it every bit as delicious as the Microsoft Marketing team would have us believe?

      Hmmm, JustAnotherOldGuy turns out to be a 12 year old boy struggling with puberty. Did not see that coming.

    7. Re:What the fuck by JustAnotherOldGuy · · Score: 1

      Did not see that coming.

      Guess you're not as smart as you pretend to be, eh?

      --
      Just cruising through this digital world at 33 1/3 rpm...
    8. Re:What the fuck by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      But on web-based system they can collect not just all the data, but also the user account details user had to create for that web page. Surely nobody believes when MS says that they just collected the data and will not sell that when user tells them not to. Anything that goes to internet stays there forever.

    9. Re:What the fuck by Zaelath · · Score: 1

      Better story here: http://arstechnica.com/informa...

      The screenshot was a future possible local settings panel, the "web-based privacy dashboard" is here https://account.microsoft.com/...

    10. Re:What the fuck by JohnFen · · Score: 1

      Because it's on a per login basis. Because one stop privacy shops are all the rage across companies. Because I want to do it once in one place not once on every damn device I own.

      That's a fine reason to have the option to control these things through the cloud. It is not a reason to make the use of the cloud mandatory.

  10. Updates? by nine-times · · Score: 3, Insightful

    This sounds like a good move. While they're giving users some control back, can we get back the ability to control when updates run?

    1. Re:Updates? by Anonymous+Brave+Guy · · Score: 1

      There was an announcement on that just recently as well. I don't have a link handy, but the reports I saw were talking about allowing Pro/Enterprise/Education users to defer updates for about a month and to choose not to apply driver updates at all. It didn't seem to include Home users, and it wasn't a reversion to allowing full, indefinite control over which individual updates to apply. Probably worth a Google if you're interested.

      --
      If you disagree, post your argument. (-1, Overrated) isn't your personal censorship tool for views you don't like.
    2. Re:Updates? by nine-times · · Score: 1

      Deferring particular updates to also be pushed down outside of my control doesn't really solve the issue. I want real control over what patches are applied, when they're installed, and when reboots happen.

    3. Re:Updates? by Anonymous+Brave+Guy · · Score: 1

      I agree. I was just mentioning it because you asked and might not have seen the other announcement...

      --
      If you disagree, post your argument. (-1, Overrated) isn't your personal censorship tool for views you don't like.
    4. Re: Updates? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sure, put the Windows Update and BITS services on a schedule. You can do that today.

    5. Re:Updates? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How is moving the privacy settings locally from the OS to a remote server a good move?

    6. Re:Updates? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Can we get a "don't ever reboot my computer without explicit permission" setting? Those pricks bit me just last night.

  11. and if you actually DO try to enhance your privacy by turkeydance · · Score: 1

    ...you made the list!

  12. Shocking example by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    I hope that I'm not the only one to find the sentence "... or pick and choose, if certain criteria don't concern you too much, like location or health activity, ..." a shocking display of a very sad state of affairs.

    Sharing location I can understand (even though I never do it myself and I hate websites that try to guess based on info from/about my ISP,. At least some websites indeed are more useful and easier to use if they know your location and I can even see a case for Microsoft services being tuned based on it. Bur why in the universe would anyone want MS to know about "health activity"? How can anyone even remotely consider that that might be a "less important issue" that may "not concern us too much"???

    1. Re:Shocking example by Gadget_Guy · · Score: 1

      My guess was that by "health activity" they mean the health of the computer (diagnostics), since there currently isn't any ability to track the user's health. Or maybe it is something that is only on the phone version of Windows. The iPhone has a health app which has privacy settings to allow apps to read and write the data. When you first run it asks for a bunch of personal information (which I won't tell them so I have no idea what it looks like after that point). Perhaps Windows Phone has the same thing.

    2. Re:Shocking example by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I thought in the same direction initially, but discarded that because of how it's worded.Badly worded, may be the better expression here...

  13. Nice advertisement by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    What a puff post.

    And here I thought the fake news was going to stop after the election.

  14. Re: People should have zero expectation of privacy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Ones support for Trump is inversely porpotional to the size of their genitalia. Chew on that twinkle toes.

  15. "Telemetry" is unacceptable by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Microsoft calls it "Telemetry". Everyone else calls it spyware. It's unacceptable.

    Also OP sounds a lot like a public relations weasel. Take this language: "Also, for fresh installs, you'll be given more specific privacy options so that you can feel confident from the get-go about the information you're sending Redmond's way. If you do decide to send any information Microsoft's way, the company promises that it won't use your information for the sake of targeted advertising."

    Microsoft's T&Cs are riddled with exclusions. No mention of that.

    Has Slashdot cut an advertising deal with Microsoft? It's coverage seems very soft these days.

  16. Well Received? by chipschap · · Score: 4, Insightful

    From TFS: "When Microsoft first launched Windows 10, it was generally well-received"

    By whom? I don't recall much in the way of rave reviews except from paid promotors. I do recall quite a few people saying they'll stay on Windows 7, thank you.

    1. Re:Well Received? by fahrbot-bot · · Score: 2

      From TFS: "When Microsoft first launched Windows 10, it was generally well-received"

      By whom?

      By Microsoft. They basically broke an arm jerking themselves off -- to borrow a phrase from Rick Sanchez -- congratulating themselves on how wonderful Win 10 was.

      --
      It must have been something you assimilated. . . .
    2. Re:Well Received? by Anonymous+Brave+Guy · · Score: 1

      The professional media seemed to be singing its praises in their reviews, with barely a mention of the concerns about updates and privacy that alarm the geek community.

      Among friends, family and professional colleagues, there are clear dividing lines in my experience. Some of my non-technical friends haven't had any problems with it and are generally positive about it. A few have had serious problems and think it's... well, something quite unpleasant. I don't know of any friend or family member with geek credentials who uses it. The only professional use of it that I've seen in person so far has been for evaluation purposes in corporate IT departments. Otherwise, the geeks and professional users I know have either kept Windows 7 or already use non-Windows systems anyway.

      --
      If you disagree, post your argument. (-1, Overrated) isn't your personal censorship tool for views you don't like.
    3. Re:Well Received? by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      . I do recall quite a few people saying they'll stay on Windows 7,

      I remember the same said about Vista, XP, 2000, ME, 98, .... I'm going to stop there. Back in the days of Windows 95 people actually bought OSes. These days people buy computers and live with the OS they have.

    4. Re:Well Received? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That's because you live in an echo chamber. Slashdot is an echo chamber. The minority that are up in arms about Microsoft collecting the same kind of info as every other OS and modern piece of software are very loud and it just takes one story to cascade a slew of headlines about Microsoft spying on you which gives you the false sense that this is a big deal.

      I work at a large software company (2000+ devs) and most of the engineers I know are fine with Windows 10. There are some guys who still code in vim and think Microsoft is inherently evil but they are far in the minority.

  17. NO. GOOD. ENOUGH. by Noishkel · · Score: 1, Insightful

    No Microsoft, this is NOT good enough. We've already TOLD YOU that this is not good enough. We do NOT accept your telemetry data tracking. We do NOT accept your control over updates. We do NOT accept your attempt to turn everything to another FREAKIN' app store WE DON'T WANT TO USE.

    STOP trying to BABY STEP us into OS choices that WE DO NOT WANT. Turn it off or be replaced by the next half way decent OS option. Many of us already 'broke' out update ability not mater how many times you try to reinstall it with a forced patch. We just disabled ALL updates and we're not going to STOP until you start listening.

  18. "Benevolent Authoritarian Dictatorship" by Rick+Schumann · · Score: 1

    That's the most polite term for what Miscreant-o-soft is trying to be now: Having (in their view, anyway) won the war, and (again, in their view) having subdued and subjugated the conquered, Miscreant-o-soft is now attempting to demonstrate to their new subjects that they are benevolent, that living under their rule won't be so bad, and to accomplish this utter and complete fiction, they're creating a (likely) false sense of 'choice' and 'privacy'.

    I call bullshit on the entire fiasco; prove to us that this is anything more than just Windows-dressing to lull people into a false sense of security.

  19. Re:NO. GOOD. ENOUGH. by Noishkel · · Score: 1

    And I missed a 'T' in the title. meh.

    This is why you don't Slashdot when you're pissed off. >,,>

  20. Enhanced Privacy Control = UI looks different by WaffleMonster · · Score: 1

    Still can't turn off data collection and cyber stalking options now reduced from three levels to two.

    Congratulations Microsoft! Way to innovate and respond to the needs of your customers.

  21. Invade privacy, then make update the un-invades? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This is pure marketing bullshit.

  22. Well received my ass by Snotnose · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I "upgraded" to Win10 because I was about to click on something when the "psst! Hey bud, wanna upgrade?" window appeared. It started upgrading and I was afraid to stop it.

    My opinions? The uptime is less than a week. It reboots whenever it wants without asking. Working on something, lunchtime, close the laptop, come back an hour later? Oh hey, fucking machine rebooted. Not to mention some of these updates take a good 20 minutes after the reboot to finally come up.

    The spying pisses me off. I disable most of it, but after every "upgrade" they turn it all back on.

    And it's flakey. With Win8.1 this laptop worked fine for months on end, only rebooting when I told it to. With Win10 after 4-5 days I'll open my laptop to find it won't wake up and I have to power cycle it.

    IMHO, any OS that reboots without asking is a POS nobody should support. Microsoft doesn't know what I'm doing when the laptop is closed, how the hell do they feel entitled to reboot my machine without asking?

    1. Re:Well received my ass by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      how the hell do they feel entitled to reboot my machine without asking?

      Because as long as it's running their OS, they OWN it. If it matters enough to you, the only solution is to take computing into your own hands. There's a reason the community has been shilling Linux for the past 25 years. It can be a bitch because sometimes you need to bend it to your will, but after that you have a system which will never undermine you.

    2. Re:Well received my ass by thegarbz · · Score: 0

      Working on something, lunchtime, close the laptop, come back an hour later? Oh hey, fucking machine rebooted.

      And with this you've made it clear we're reading a comment from someone who can't be bothered setting up their OS, and yet can be bothered to bitch about it on a forum.

    3. Re:Well received my ass by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      People have torn your shitty (shilly?) arguments apart in thread after thread about this, yet you still persist.

      Either this pays well (lol), you're mentally ill, or this is the best you can do.

      Very sad.

    4. Re:Well received my ass by baerd · · Score: 1

      I don't understand responses like this, I switched to 10 before the free upgrade ran out and my computer has literally never rebooted without my permission. All I get is sometimes when I want to shut it down the only option is to apply updates and then shut down, which is fine by me. It's a powerful desktop and the updates take maybe a minute to apply so I don't much care. Why are people having such problems with this? Is it just on laptops?

      --
      I wish I had a lawn.
    5. Re:Well received my ass by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It has literally never literally rebooted without your literal permission? The next literal time it literally asks to literally reboot, try literally refusing the literal reboot and literally see how long you can literally go before it literally reboots without your literal permission.

      Literally the literal problem is literally having a literal computer that literally does not literally obey the literal commands of the literal user.

      Literally.

    6. Re:Well received my ass by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Says the guy who needs Windows to be able to use a computer.

  23. There is no meaningful change by Gadget_Guy · · Score: 1

    Having looked at the small amount of information that we have been given (including the one screenshot), I don't see anything that we could not already change. All the settings listed in the screenshot are currently under the Privacy section of the Windows 10 settings right now.

    Location: Privacy->Location
    Speech Recognition: Privacy->Speech, inking & typing
    Diagnostics: Privacy->Feedback & diagnostics
    Tailored experiences with diagnostic data: Personalization->Start (and maybe Privacy->General)
    Relevent ads: Privacy->General

    In fact, the new dashboard is worse than the current settings in regards to the diagnostics. In the current settings you diagnostic and usage data can be one of three settings: Basic, Enhanced, and Full. The dashboard only allows two settings: Full and ????. It certainly isn't On/Off so this doesn't prevent the telemetry that made us lose trust in Windows 10 in the first place.

  24. Implemented for Windows 7 and 8? by Tokolosh · · Score: 1

    MS has crammed telemetry down the throats of earlier Windows version users. Will they also have the option of using this nifty web-based system?

    --
    Prove anything by multiplying Huge Number times Tiny Number
    1. Re:Implemented for Windows 7 and 8? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      MS has crammed telemetry down the throats of earlier Windows version users. Will they also have the option of using this nifty web-based system?

      Sure, it's easy. Just upgrade to Windows 10 and everything will be ok. /sarcasm

  25. Re: People should have zero expectation of privacy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Ones support for Trump is inversely porpotional to the size of their genitalia. Chew on that twinkle toes.

    Oh yes, keep it coming. It's a bit stale but it's still SO good.

  26. As I have stated earlier... by QuietLagoon · · Score: 3, Insightful
    It takes only a few seconds to lose my trust, but it takes years to earn it back.

    .
    At this point I am skeptical that this system actually prevents the collection of data from Windows 10 systems.

    But presuming this nifty new privacy system works, what is to stop Microsoft from suddenly saying that they are now removing privacy controls?

    Is this just an empty promise on Microsoft's part to get everyone to move to Windows 10? What sort of assurances are in place that guarantee the privacy controls will continue to work in future upgradtes and releases?

    1. Re:As I have stated earlier... by Pentium100 · · Score: 1

      If this works properly, then just disable windows updates and Microsoft should not be able to remove it later.

  27. Re: People should have zero expectation of privacy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    This is about privacy.
    Barak Twinkle Toes Obama expanded domestic spying 10 fold over earlier administrations.
    Go back to playing with your genitalia.

  28. Free software is required to gain privacy. by jbn-o · · Score: 4, Informative

    You're right in that the headline text is filled with lies (typical of the corporate tech press and their corporate repeater friends like /.) and things like this should all be opt-in by default. But without software freedom, even those changes would be necessary but insufficient to ensure user's privacy because there's no way to check to make sure the software actually behaves in accordance with the settings.

    Microsoft's record shows this to be the case. The GNU Project's surveillance section of the Microsoft malware page does a good job of collecting stories about how this has already failed Windows users who thought they had tweaked the settings in just the right way to get Windows 10 to not "phone home" or report details of what happened outside the machine. These settings failed to do that job because the software was designed to fail in this way.

    Much to the apparent chagrin of moderators in the recent Microsoft thread about letting Windows 10 users opt-out of automatic updates who marked down posts about software freedom, the real answer remains the same here—no software freedom means no real control over one's computer and that includes no privacy for the user. Network dumps reveal some of what the software does but not all; it's very easy for programmers to encrypt data they want to send somewhere and/or delay sending data in an attempt to not show up when the system's network output is being watched.

    Microsoft's promises (which boil down to "Trust us this time! Really!") must be interpreted in the context of taking the word of a liar whose secret software should now be trusted. That makes no sense to do, and the same logic applies to all non-free/user-subjugating software. No matter how much technical skill you have you have to assume proprietary software is doing what you don't want it to do because you don't have the permission to check out what it's actually doing, change it to make it obey you, or help your community by sharing copies of improved software.

    1. Re:Free software is required to gain privacy. by Anonymous+Brave+Guy · · Score: 1

      And how much is that theoretical freedom worth to, say, someone using a popular Linux distro that made a controversial change like switching to systemd? Most users aren't technically knowledgeable enough to change back to init if they want to, and even those who are would effectively be separating themselves from the distro and its support system. It's legal to fork and produce a new distro that doesn't use systemd, but few people have done it, and the alternative distros typically lack the scale and ecosystem of their mainstream sources. Their real alternatives are still, essentially, to stop using the software altogether or to spend a lot of time going against the flow and trying to make it do things other than what its suppliers intended. I'm picking on systemd as a controversial example that's widely known around here, but obviously the same argument applies in other contexts as well.

      There are real trust issues with closed source, commercial software houses like Microsoft right now, but it does no-one any favours to pretend that switching to entirely free software magically makes everything better for normal people. The extra freedoms you get with free software are only worth anything in practice if you're in a position to exercise them, and most people aren't.

      --
      If you disagree, post your argument. (-1, Overrated) isn't your personal censorship tool for views you don't like.
    2. Re:Free software is required to gain privacy. by jbn-o · · Score: 1

      You've overlooked an important benefit of freedom: only software freedom grants users the ability to either learn what needs to change and change it, or hire someone with the needed skill to do this job for them. You appear to have a preference for init over systemd (my experience is that the only people who bring this up dislike systemd), so you could do this work (or participate with others in doing this work) and then distribute the fruits of your labor, even commercially, so nobody else need live with the alternative you dislike. I doubt non-technical users will know what systemd or init are much less have a preference, but perhaps technical users will be interested.

      Saying these freedoms are worthless without being technical enough to exercise them is thus not only untrue, it misunderstands the point of freedom. Your claim is akin to arguing that freedom of speech is pointless because you don't plan to speak against the powerful. Others would find such freedom useful, so arguing against that freedom does them no favors, and you can't tell what the future holds. Every programmer wasn't always a programmer, they probably started using computers as a non-technical user before they became a programmer. The wiser course is to value the freedom for its own sake and use it when needed.

      You also conflate very separate issues: "closed source" is a reference to the open source developmental methodology which eschews the very freedoms I wrote about. That group is a right-wing reactionary effort founded over a decade after the free software movement and denies the focus on ethics and community the free software movement (a social movement) makes central to its activism. This has a profound consequence: Open source enthusiasts, when faced with an implacable proprietor who won't free their software or accept the offer of improving development by including the users, is all too willing to go along with proprietors. A free software movement activist, on the other hand, reacts by refusing the proprietary software offer and perhaps working to do the same job with a free program instead.

      Finally you mentioned "commercial" in such a way as to suggest that commercialism is a relevant part of a problem here. It's not. There's nothing wrong with commercially offering free software programming talent. I recommend you charge as much as you can get for, say, offering your init-based variant of a systemd-based GNU/Linux distribution. You would hopefully offer a complete working operating system, not just the Linux kernel.

    3. Re:Free software is required to gain privacy. by Anonymous+Brave+Guy · · Score: 1

      You've overlooked an important benefit of freedom: only software freedom grants users the ability to either learn what needs to change and change it, or hire someone with the needed skill to do this job for them.

      I didn't overlook it, I just think it's mostly illusory. It's like saying that in the age of the Internet, the only thing stopping anyone with access from becoming a self-made millionaire is not spending the time to learn new creative skills, to create something valuable using them, and to learn the sales and marketing skills to then sell it. It's probably true that many people could actually do that and be successful under the right circumstances, but it's glossing over a lot of other details, and those details are why in real life very few people actually succeed that way.

      You appear to have a preference for init over systemd

      I'm not expressing any view on that particular subject. It was just the first controversial and substantial example that came to mind given where we're discussing this.

      Your claim is akin to arguing that freedom of speech is pointless because you don't plan to speak against the powerful.

      Not at all. My claim is perhaps more akin to arguing that freedom of speech has little practical value to someone if no-one they are talking to speaks the same language anyway. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with freedom of speech, or that it couldn't be valuable to someone else under different circumstances. I'm just saying it doesn't immediately help the person in the original position, because while they may have the same freedom as others, they have no way to benefit from it without learning a lot more first.

      To take the analogy a little further, someone who was in trouble in a foreign country and didn't have the time or resources available to learn the native language themselves might benefit from using a translator. Sure, they have no way to verify that what the translator is saying on their behalf or telling them in return is actually correct, but it's much more effective than the alternatives they actually have available in practice. At some point in life, you have to trust that someone else is doing something properly. It's often difficult to decide when and to what extent you will give that trust, but unless you're planning to live as some sort of entirely self-sufficient hermit, the alternatives aren't very practical.

      --
      If you disagree, post your argument. (-1, Overrated) isn't your personal censorship tool for views you don't like.
    4. Re:Free software is required to gain privacy. by erapert · · Score: 1

      tl;dr: RMS was right all along.

  29. Little Snitch by swell · · Score: 1

    For many years Mac users have purchased the affordable utility program 'Little Snitch' to control spyware.

    Nearly every program you install wants to 'phone home' and report to the source. Dozens of System processes also report to Apple and others. In an eight hour workday you can expect 212 attempts by your system and software to connect to outside servers. (If you have better stats, please reply.) Little Snitch can stop all that by reporting every single attempt, and offering to allow it or prevent it; once or forever. It keeps a database of your responses so that you can change any choice at any time. It can sometimes offer helpful hints about a particular connection request. Some connections are necessary for certain basic System functions and they are protected by default but can be overridden if you insist.

    'Hands Off!' is a similar program. I believe both can also stop incoming requests from various sources- I have other software for that.

    The trick is to know what is being sent and where it's going (you don't always have a human readable URL). I doubt most Mac users understand the finer points. If it was available for Windows, it would be even more confusing.

    Even if you aren't normally concerned about privacy you may be concerned about software that you haven't properly licensed. Theoretically, the developers could discover your oversight when the software reports back to them. Little Snitch is presumably used by pirates for this reason. Interestingly, it's very difficult to get a pirate copy of Little Snitch to work. So the pirates have to pay for it!

    The first month with Little Snitch can be annoying. Dealing with scores of decisions about whether xyz process should be allowed to connect to nnn.nn.nn.nnn server. You'll never see many of these again after you decide to Always or Never allow some of those connections.

    This would be an ideal utility for Microsoft to offer if it cared about users. It would have to be offered in tiers for beginners, intermediate and advanced users. Some of the decisions required are very difficult. No, you can't just decide to stop all of these connections- your computer would be far less functional.

    --
    ...omphaloskepsis often...
    1. Re:Little Snitch by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Little Snitch" is a software firewall. Windows has had a firewall built-in for ages and there are tons of third-party firewalls, both free and commercial. It's not like it's some kind of obscure functionality.

      The problem is that Windows 10 will completely bypass any software firewall. The only way to stop it is to use an external firewall, such as another computer or device.

    2. Re:Little Snitch by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I thought we were supposed to use a HOSTS file on Windows to stop unwanted connections.

    3. Re:Little Snitch by swell · · Score: 1

      So the ACs are saying
      "Little Snitch" is a software firewall. Windows has had a firewall built-in for ages ..."

      It's a reasonable bet that they are hackers who can work a firewall ... like all Windows users! But is that true? Does the average Windows user know how to manage a firewall? My experience with Mac users is that they don't have a clue. Little Snitch is not perfect but a big improvement in their ability to control their computer.

      Not being a Windows user, I don't know how the user can get a prompt when something in their computer is trying to connect to the outside. That firewall must be really impressive if it does that. Please take a few minutes to explain to me how this happens. Don't worry, you don't have to use your pseudonym, feel free to be an AC.

      --
      ...omphaloskepsis often...
    4. Re:Little Snitch by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You have a low slashdot ID. I assume you're 'not new here'. I assume you must be an idiot too. This feature has been in many GUI based firewall/firewall wrappers for years. Impressive? Not even a little. I mean, your computer has a firewall and it knows when things connect. How hard is it to, i don't know, ask for permission first?

      And a simple google search of "little snitch" brought back this as the first image result. You're welcome.

      https://www.obdev.at/Images//littlesnitch/index/alert_on_screen.png

    5. Re:Little Snitch by TheFakeTimCook · · Score: 1

      "Little Snitch" is a software firewall. Windows has had a firewall built-in for ages ..."

      OS X/macOS has had a built in firewall for ages, too. It used to be ipfw, but along the way, since Yosemite, they started using pf, which I believe is even more robust and flexible than ipfw.

      Little Snitch just puts a very friendly face on firewall rule-making, so that normals can actually understand (for the most part) and use EFFECTIVELY a firewall with outgoing rules. Windows really could use a similar application.

      By the way, there is also a nice GUI front-end for pf on OS X/macOS, murus. Not free for the version that does outbound filtering and logging, but fairly reasonable ($10 for the "Basic" version that includes outbound control) and easy enough that most power-users can still use it to do fairly advanced firewall rulesets.

    6. Re:Little Snitch by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Windows has dozens of similar applications. All you need to do is search for software firewalls. A few are GlassWire, Comodo Firewall and ZoneAlarm.

      Personally, I use TinyWall, which is a tiny (filesize and resource usage), freeware front end for the Windows firewall.

    7. Re:Little Snitch by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Not being a Windows user, I don't know how the user can get a prompt when something in their computer is trying to connect to the outside. That firewall must be really impressive if it does that. Please take a few minutes to explain to me how this happens. Don't worry, you don't have to use your pseudonym, feel free to be an AC.

      http://wfn.codeplex.com

      Free and open source, not $35 like Little Snitch.

  30. just create a custom firewall by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    just create a custom firewall, then you will learn what "little snitch" knows and does, and can make easy rules to prevent a ton of this issue

  31. sneaky thing in windows 7 they do by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Downloading all the art icons for every game you have installed....oh so basically telling them allthe games you have installed on windows 7

    just found a sneaky thing as default in windows 7 thanks to this goto your games icon( from control panel), click on "games" , goto options and look at bottom two checked off telling ms in a sneaky way all the games you have installed , uncheck those

  32. Re: People should have zero expectation of privacy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Stay mad, libs.

  33. Re:NO. GOOD. ENOUGH. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    And all your anger will do nothing.

    The big wheel keep on turning, and Microsoft will still have the revenue and Linux will never have its year on the Desktop.

    Really, been more than 2 decades, I've tried to use Linux, but I can't find a compelling reason at all. It's just not good enough.

  34. The cloud. by lucm · · Score: 1

    This looks like a local setting, not a "web-based" setting at all.

    Nowadays those are the same things.

    --
    lucm, indeed.
  35. Now now, don't hate on Micro$oft upgrades by buss_error · · Score: 1

    Why, I did a Micro$oft upgrade and I'm very pleased with the results and speed of my system, and the ease of updates.

    sudo apt-get update

    does it all!

    Seriously, the times I've had to reboot a Micro$oft server and wait for updates to load before I could start fixing infrastructure issues is enough to make my eyeballs bleed. I had a 7 hour outage because the bastion was a misconfigured Windows server that "had to load updates" before it would present the bastion services. Once it was up, it took 2 minutes to fix things. Honestly, a OS that requires action to keep from updating is something you do not want in your infrastructure at all, for any reason.

    --
    Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.
  36. Trust the tickbox? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    And you're still trusting the computer.

    What makes you think the computer has to obey that little tickbox? It just shows you that it's unticked, and goes on its merry way.

    Have a nice day.

    AC

  37. Article is a shill by sconeu · · Score: 2

    From TFA:

    If you do decide to send any and all information Microsoft's way, the company promises that it won't use any of your information for the sake of targeted advertising.

    Meanwhile, on the screenshot right above this line is the option "Relevant Ads".

    --
    General Relativity: Space-time tells matter where to go; Matter tells space-time what shape to be.
  38. It's a good sign if they're backtracking at all by Anonymous+Brave+Guy · · Score: 2

    Your point is entirely fair, but it's also reassuring that we've now seen a couple of announcements in as many days, one on automatic updates and the second on privacy, where Microsoft seem to be backtracking at all. It might not be enough to fix the problems or satisfy the critics, but it does suggest that they aren't confident they can just continue with their previous aggressive Windows 10 strategy and be successful.

    --
    If you disagree, post your argument. (-1, Overrated) isn't your personal censorship tool for views you don't like.
    1. Re:It's a good sign if they're backtracking at all by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How are they backtracking?

      The first was a bout disabling driver updates, which is something that they had to do because it was causing major problems. It was grounds for lawsuits, which is the only reason they changed it.

      The second is about them moving the privacy settings from the OS on to their servers, which is a move in the wrong direction as it means they will be collecting maximum data from all users on to their server and then using the web-based settings to determine whether the user wants them to use that data. No matter what, this update will mean that all user data will be sent to Microsoft with no options to restrict it in the OS. The article is trying to put a positive spin on things to make it sound like a good thing when in reality it's a very bad thing.

  39. Too little ... Too late.. by LVSlushdat · · Score: 1

    MS can say they're turning a lot of that spyware crap off, but since Windows is closed source, you're kinda stuck with trusting them to be telling the truth.. I used/supported Windows as a sysadmin for close to 20 years, and when I retired in 2010, I decided I was *done* with using MS products. Frankly, I trust them as far as I can throw them... hint: not far..

    --
    THANK YOU, Edward Snowden!! Americans owe you a debt of gratitude (whether they know it or not..)
  40. Re: People should have zero expectation of privacy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Not just mad.

    Mad, and sitting in their toy car. That the wheels have fallen off of.

    Oh, and they're screaming mad.

  41. Google already owns nearly all personal info... by mmell · · Score: 0

    Bing never caught on because people want to use a search engine, not a decision engine. Microsoft has to catch up somehow, don't they?

    1. Re:Google already owns nearly all personal info... by Opportunist · · Score: 1

      Do we get to vote on that?

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  42. Has anyone compiled a list of addresses to block? by alexo · · Score: 1

    Routers can block addresses (either IP or DNS).
    Is there a list of addresses that MS uses for telemetry that could be blocked without breaking security updates?

    If an enterprising person manages to find it out, we won't need any favours from MS.

  43. Utter Bullshit! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Given that this follows pretty closely on Microsoft disabling settings which limit what gets sent back to them it's impossible to believe this story is anything but wishful thinking while inhabiting La La Land. Anyone who believes it is only fooling themselves.

  44. The cake is a lie. by aldousd666 · · Score: 1

    See the comment subject for more information.

    --
    Speak for yourself.
  45. Re:NO. GOOD. ENOUGH. by TheFakeTimCook · · Score: 1

    And all your anger will do nothing.

    The big wheel keep on turning, and Microsoft will still have the revenue and Linux will never have its year on the Desktop.

    Really, been more than 2 decades, I've tried to use Linux, but I can't find a compelling reason at all. It's just not good enough.

    But macOS is. And it doesn't spy on you. And, unlike with MS, if they do want to collect data to help Spotlight searches and the like, there are clear GUI controls to LOCALLY disable it. In other words, "No" means "No".

  46. "it was generally well-received" by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    What planet is this news from?

    1. Re:"it was generally well-received" by Opportunist · · Score: 1

      Hey, we did a survey among the MS VPs and there was great agreement!

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  47. Solution? by GerryHattrick · · Score: 2

    Doesn't everyone get their Win10 cousins to use 'Spybot Anti-Beacon'? Do we think the authors of that won't keep up with any new challenges?

  48. Full vs Basic by Waccoon · · Score: 1

    In the screenshot from TFA, the setting for diagnostic data collection says "Full". I assume that means the alternate setting is "Basic", the same as they used to be in the old privacy control panel.

    So, this is just a web-based re-skin of the old interface, not an update to their policy which gives you more control. That's not my idea of enhancement.

  49. Re:NO. GOOD. ENOUGH. by thegarbz · · Score: 1

    We

    I don't think that means what you think it means. I don't think you know just how little of the customer base you speak for.

    The majority of the customer base when met with the revelation of Windows 10 having privacy implications would respond with a resounding "Huh? What do you want? I don't have any money, leave me alone!"

  50. It is BS by dszd0g · · Score: 2

    This seems to be another article trying to put Microsoft in a better light on privacy than reality.

    1) What is the option for Diagnostics other than "Full"? If it is "Basic" or "Enhanced" that is still quite a lot of data sent to Microsoft (configuration data including the network which includes WiFi and network connections and IP addresses, software and hardware installed, and performance and reliability data including usage information). Even the "security" level that is available in Enterprise and Education includes data from the Malicious Software Removal Tool which can include confidential data.

    I won't be happy with Windows 10 privacy until there is an "Off" option or "Ask before sending data" option and no data is sent without consent. If the Malicious Software Removal Tool asks before sending data and shows me what it is going to send so I can verify that it isn't confidential data before sending, that is fine. As long as I can just say "No" if I don't have time to verify it at the time also.

    It looks like one can disable sample submission for Windows Defender (Settings > Update & security > Windows Defender > Sample submission), but not for the Malicious Software Removal Tool.

    2) As stated above, why is it Web-based? Does it require a live account?

    3) Is there a simple way to disable all of Cortana's data gathering? Cortana is a privacy disaster:
    https://privacy.microsoft.com/...

    4) Are they updating the Windows 10 terms of service/privacy policy to specify that data is only sent with consent? They probably can't even do that with the current Diagnostic options. The terms of service for Windows 10 are a privacy nightmare compared to Windows 7.

    Is it to much to ask for a simple option in privacy that limits information sent to Microsoft to license key verification? Microsoft would also get my public IP from Windows Update in their server logs. Anything more than that I want to have control over.

    --
    This message is encrypted with Quad ROT-13 to protect the author's copyright under the DMCA.
  51. Oxymoron by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I believe "Web-based controls" and "Privacy" in the same sentence constitutes an oxymoron.

  52. Babysteps by Opportunist · · Score: 1

    Ok, now change that from "webbased" to something where I don't first of all have to hand over any and all info about me and we can actually start talking about what information about me I am willing to send to you (read: nothing).

    Until then, my question remains: Why the fuck do you wake me with news that aren't newsworthy?

    --
    We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  53. Well-Received? by Big+Hairy+Ian · · Score: 1

    When Microsoft first launched Windows 10, it was generally well-received

    This must be some new definition of "Well-received" I wasn't previously aware of

    --

    Build a Man a Fire, and He'll Be Warm for a Day. Set a Man on Fire, and He'll Be Warm for the Rest of His Life.

  54. no targeted ads? by allo · · Score: 1

    Hey, its not the targeted ads i am afraid of. I have adblock. Its the mass surveilance, they implement to track me to target their ads. So the promise not to target ads with the data is just a straw man. The problem are not the ads, the problem is the data.

  55. Here's a crazy idea by DrXym · · Score: 2

    Arrange all the privacy settings in a single, coherent arrangement, not scattered through different panels and advanced dialogs. Summarize what the data is being collected and what it may be used for. Perhaps even have a single button that says "I want to remain private" and clicking it sets everything to secure. Don't try and bury the settings. Don't throw the switches wide open by default. Inform the user, ask the user and do what the user says. And for new installations, explicitly ask the user what settings they want.

  56. Worth noting by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    That this is already the case on Mac OS and iOS, and has been for some time. It's much simpler to manage, too, even laypeople can do it. Microsoft will ever be playing catchup, methinks. What really needs to occur is a public stirring of consciousness that explains *why* it matters. No, not embarrassing personal info or pics, but rather a future in which we are all owned by corporate entities (and these days there's no meaningful difference between government and said entities), and the power over us we gave them freely and willingly because we are spoiled, lazy, and entitled.

  57. No option to turn tracking off by alexo · · Score: 2

    According to the Ghacks article, for "diagnostics" the choice is between "full data" and "less data" with no explanation of what it means.

    Microsoft furthermore announced that it will reduce the data collection of the basic level. Myerson did not reveal what Microsoft intents to change though in this regard.

    Also, the "web-like" interface is for controlling the Microsoft account settings which are, unsurprisingly, on the web.

    All in all, a much more informative reporting.

  58. Pathetic... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This is just pathetic...
    Why even report this spyware as news?
    Windows is DEAD. Face it.

  59. I wish I'd thought of this. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Using the web to announce what privacy controls you want to keep secret.
    Sounds like a nifty shortcut to find out what bad things you've been doing.
    But, it's a new feature...

  60. Re:NO. GOOD. ENOUGH. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    But macOS is.

    Nope. Done no good for me either. Even leaving aside the restrictive hardware choices, anathema though it is, I find the OS generally unappealing in itself.

    I can't even be bothered to change the aesthetics to something less unpleasant.

    And it doesn't spy on you.

    Ah, you don't get it, do you? You wave your hands over this spying. Look at me, not caring. At all.

    And, unlike with MS, if they do want to collect data to help Spotlight searches and the like, there are clear GUI controls to LOCALLY disable it. In other words, "No" means "No".

    Perhaps. I've never tested it enough to validate your claims. No interest in it. On the other hand, apparently one altered setting in a browser can cause it to go all flakey and ruin a system's battery life.

    But seriously, no matter how much you cry, nope, neither Linux, nor MacOS, nor OS/2, nor FreeBSD, nor whatever other thing you insist I should be using, are doing it for me.

    Don't you get it? You've failed to achieve any such goal. Stop, sit back, and realize that, instead of flailing your arms and expecting me to listen as you proclaim your superior choice as somehow glorious.

    Maybe you like it. Maybe it suits you. Don't pretend you've achieved anything that persuades me. Rather more the opposite by your lack of empathetic reaction.

  61. AdBlock = inferior + 'souled-out' vs. hosts by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Adblock can't do (or do as well) 16 things hosts do 4 speed, security & reliability:

    1.) Protect vs. bad sites (past ads)
    2.) Protect vs. fastflux botnet C&C servers
    3.) Protect vs. dynamic dns botnet C&C servers
    4.) Protect vs. DGA botnet C&C servers
    5.) Protect vs. downed DNS (reliability)
    6.) Protect vs. DNS redirect poisoned/downed dns
    7.) Protect vs. trackers
    8.) Protect vs. spam payloads
    9.) Protect vs. phish payloads
    10.) Protect vs. caps
    11.) Get past dns blocks
    12.) Keep off dns request logs
    13.) Speed up 2 ways (adblocks & hardcodes)
    14.) Work on anything webbound multiplatform.
    15.) Ez data edit
    16.) Block ads more efficiently in cpu/ram/I-O use

    APK

    P.S.=> Ab+ does less vs. hosts less efficiently (a 128-151mb memory hog http://cdn.ghacks.net/wp-conte...)

    ClarityRay defeats it

    Ab+'s bribed not to work by default http://www.businessinsider.com...

    AdBlock's SLOWER: http://superuser.com/questions...

    1. Re:AdBlock = inferior + 'souled-out' vs. hosts by IWantMoreSpamPlease · · Score: 1

      You don't know shit about Win10, do you?
      It's *hard coded* to bypass anything in the Hosts file.
      https://www.petri.com/windows-...

      So your "ad blocker" ain't gonna work.

      --
      So rise up, all ye lost ones, as one, we'll claw the clouds.
    2. Re:AdBlock = inferior + 'souled-out' vs. hosts by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
  62. Is that like Hitler's new gentle antisemitism? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Who do they think they are fooling?

  63. Re:NO. GOOD. ENOUGH. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Ah, you don't get it, do you? You wave your hands over this spying. Look at me, not caring. At all.

    Not now but you will and when you do it will be too late to do anything about it. Ignorance is bliss, until it's not.

  64. Was practice run ready for Govt on demand Activati by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This was just a practice run. Turn on all telemetry, show it works. Say you'll turn it off. Ok fine. Now it's ready for remote Gov't activation. Done.

  65. Re:NO. GOOD. ENOUGH. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Windows 10 only has 24% marketshare after almost 2 years of "free" upgrades, very aggressively pushing it out and tricking users into installing it.

    That means the vast majority of users don't like Windows 10 and don't want it. You're just sore because you got suckered into it and now it's too late to back out so you're trying to justify it as a good move to yourself by constantly trying to convince others that it's a good move. After all, misery loves company.

  66. Privacy, yeah we've heard of it by thunderclees · · Score: 1

    If you care about privacy then you do not run Windows.

    That being said I'll believe it when M$ restores the ability for Edge to clear sessions on close ala Firefox

    "Historically, privacy was almost implicit, because it was hard to find and gather information. But in the digital world, whether it's digital cameras or satellites or just what you click on, we need to have more explicit rules - not just for governments but for private companies." - Bill Gates

  67. Re:NO. GOOD. ENOUGH. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    No, I won't. Anybody that wanted to harm me would do so regardless of any evidence they had.

    That is the way of things.

  68. Re:NO. GOOD. ENOUGH. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    What a narrow understanding you have of the possible consequences. This isn't about "evidence", this is about something getting into your personal info and using that to gain while you lose.

    Then again, maybe you really wouldn't care. There probably isn't anything of value on your PC unless someone wants your CoD savegames or porn picture collection for some reason.

  69. Do you realize what dnsapi.dll is chimp? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    1st - dnsapi.dll = clientside broken w/ large hosts files usermode slow dnscache service - turn it off? No issue stupid! I save CPU cycles, ram, & other I/O wasted on that broken piece of shit with a fixed size vs. a redimmable array (easy to do too). I recommend that in my program due to the size of hosts file data out there today.

    2nd - Another poster told you YOU ARE WRONG & why dumbo (see other posts beneath yours).

    * Morons like you don't realize something: Minus guys like ME, programmers? You are helpless & your stupidity shows in your post to prove it.

    APK

    P.S.=> Unbelievable - some DUMB ASS "IT MONKEY" (lowest of the LOW in the art & science of computing & province of undereducated imbeciles) is telling me (a decades long programmer of windows alone, more before that on midranges & mainframes) what is what here, lol... from a DUMB ASSES SITE no less! apk

    1. Re:Do you realize what dnsapi.dll is chimp? by IWantMoreSpamPlease · · Score: 1

      Reading comprehension is not yours.
      I'm not in IT.
      And a single post saying I'm wrong, without citing why, makes *me* look dumb?

      Nice try. Thank you for playing.

      --
      So rise up, all ye lost ones, as one, we'll claw the clouds.
  70. You f'd up & proof quoted by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    "You don't know shit about Win10, do you? It's *hard coded* to bypass anything in the Hosts file." -

    You stupid shit "IWantMoreSpamPlease" - learn to READ: WINDOWS UPDATE ADDRESSES only are bypassed, STUPID (in the faulty w/ large hosts files dnsapi.dll - which IS the slower usermode broken stupidly fixed size dnscache service stupid).

    * That's RIGHT from the article you cited dumbass - Reread it, in fact, I invite ANYONE to do so to see how fucking STUPID you are liar https://www.petri.com/windows-10-ignoring-hosts-file-specific-name-resolution/ you RIDICULOUS STOOGE!

    APK

    P.S.=> Unbelievable, totally unbelieveable what this site has fallen to with MORONS like yourself spouting falsehoods - & what I do know FOR A FACT is nobody willingly bought into Windows 10 (only fools use it to be spied on via telemetry or "FREE" upgrades because they couldn't GIVE IT AWAY (nobody wanted it))... apk