Microsoft Admits Windows 10 Automatic Spying Cannot Be Stopped

Forbes ^ | NOV 2, 2015 @ 12:00 PM | By Gordon Kelly

[JoeProBono]

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2997213/privacy/microsoft-doesnt-see-windows-10s-mandatory-data-collection-as-a-privacy-risk.html#tk.rss_windows

[B4Ranch]

It’s the updates that add on the new tricks for MS data gathering. I use XP and haven’t did an update in at least three years. Everything is working fine.

[zeugma]

I blocked a bunch of stuff at the Netgear Router. I cannoty put it past Microsoft to use dynamic updating of its call home list.

What subnets do you drop? Microsoft has a huge swath of IP space.

[Mr Rogers]

Guess they are trying to push me to use Linux. All I do is surf the net & write documents (rtf), so there isn’t much that says I NEED Bill Gates...

[Alas Babylon!]

It is not collecting user data, just health of the software. It is not tracking what web sites you go to (Google does that), nor your location, but rather the state of the operating system.

Really people need to take a chill pill.

The real issue is what privacy we should expect when we are connected to the global network? As far as I’m concerned, any connection, software, download, website, email, message, etc, etc., in other words, what any normal use today entails, is tracked by somebody.

It isn’t Microsoft or Goggle or Apple or anyone in particular, but everyone has the ability. Could they lie about, or simply never admit it?

At least Joe is saying what Microsoft is doing, so we hope...

I deplore the loss of privacy, but am not so naïve to think that it is not being compromised every second by anyone, or in only applies to Windows 10, let alone other Microsoft systems AND products (Can you say Office for Mac?), and other vendors.

[Mr Rogers]

I’ve got Windows 8.1 with all updates turned off. But I’m tired of MS’s BS.

[zeugma]

What are some decent Linux compatible alternatives to Quicken that easily let you track expenses and investments? And not do so via a cloud?

GnuCash is good, if you're familiar with double-entry bookkeeping. kmymoney is also good, IMO. There are others as well, but those are the two I know.

[dljordan]

“7 Pro 64 works fine with updates shut off. “

I removed the Win 10 update and shut off auto updates.

[dljordan]

“Exactly what spying and transmitting back to Microsoft is going on with Windows Ten? If eveyone is so pissed off at then exactly what info is being beamed back to the Microsoft mother ship?”

It’s in the article.

[catbertz]

Windows 8.1 is better than 7, if you use third party software to restore start menu and general ui.

That statement won't be true for much longer though. Apparently, MS is now sending data collection updates down the chain to earlier os versions. They will aligned with win10s behaviour.

[Dr. Sivana]

dns.msftncsi.com
ipv6.msftncsi.com
win10.ipv6.microsoft.com
ipv6.msftncsi.com.edgesuite.net
a978.i6g1.akamai.net
win10.ipv6.microsoft.com.nsatc.net
en-us.appex-rf.msn.com
v10.vortex-win.data.microsoft.com
client.wns.windows.com
wildcard.appex-rf.msn.com.edgesuite.net
v10.vortex-win.data.metron.life.com.nsatc.net
wns.notify.windows.com.akadns.net
americas2.notify.windows.com.akadns.net
travel.tile.appex.bing.com
www.bing.com
any.edge.bing.com
fe3.delivery.mp.microsoft.com
fe3.delivery.dsp.mp.microsoft.com.nsatc.net
ssw.live.com
ssw.live.com.nsatc.net
login.live.com
login.live.com.nsatc.net
directory.services.live.com
directory.services.live.com.akadns.net
bl3302.storage.live.com
skyapi.live.net
bl3302geo.storage.dkyprod.akadns.net
skyapi.skyprod.akadns.net
skydrive.wns.windows.com
register.mesh.com
BN1WNS2011508.wns.windows.com

[Yashcheritsiy]

Is there any way to just get an older version of Windows installed? My system has Windows 8, and I HATE it, but am not too keen on being spied on, either.

[CA Conservative]

Have you tried KMyMoney or GnuCash?

[doorgunner69]

I removed the Win 10 update and shut off auto updates.

Meaning you reverted back to 7?

After over a year with 7 I have to say I am comfortable with it even with periodic fits of "where the hell did they put it?".
After over a decade with XP, I knew where everything was, then the geniuses at MS decide to move things all over for no discernible reason.

With all the stories now coming out about 10, looks like I will not even bother to download a disk image during the free period.

[ducttape45]

I blocked a bunch of stuff at the Netgear Router.

What did you do exactly, if I may ask?

[dayglored]

Ruh-roh. Now they admit the spying, and too bad, you can't stop it - Yikes! ... PING!

You can find all the Windows Ping list threads with FR search: just search on keyword "windowspinglist".

Thanks to Swordmaker for the ping!!

[doorgunner69]

MS is now sending data collection updates down the chain to earlier os versions.

Turn off updates and do not download the crap. Just keep anti virus up to date.

[ducttape45]

Put back the classic them (fully) and it might be worthwise. Until then, it isnt.

Agreed

[ducttape45]

I’m wondering the same thing.

[dennisw]

I read the article and didn’t get it.......I’ll try again.