Sick of Windows spying on you? (Cross post from Computers...etc)

[Binkie The Clown]

Do privacy, security, and safety of your computer files concern you?

From ZDNET:

With Windows 10 snooping on your every keystroke, it's time to consider an alternative: the Linux desktop.

You can try to turn Windows 10's data-sharing ways off, but, bad news: Windows 10 will keep sharing some of your data with Microsoft anyway.

There is an alternative: Desktop Linux.

More good reasons at the link.

It's easy. It's fun. It's cuts you loose from your corporate overlords.

[PowerToThePeople]

1. Sick of windows spying on you? Linux.

It's easy. It's fun. It's cuts you loose from your corporate overlords.

http://www.linux.org/resources/categories/linux-distributions.18/?order=download_count

[IDemo]

12. If you want to try Linux but without losing Windows right away,

You can set up your machine to 'dual-boot', allowing you to choose either when you power up. The method I have used for several years now doesn't over-write the existing boot loader with the Linux one (GRUB). This video explains pretty nicely; I use Linux Mint rather than Linux Lite, but it should work on any distribution:

[a kennedy]

2. Just use duck duck go as your search engine...... eom

[CBGLuthier]

7. Entirely different issue.

This is the OS itself, not search engines.

I have no reason to upgrade from Windows 7 and take a chance the critical programs I use do not work as Windows 7 does everything I need and does it well.

[a kennedy]

13. Oooops, sorry.

[Hotler]

3. Thanks for sharing. Kicking. n/t

[flobee1]

4. Been a linux user since 2010

Never again for windows.
Started with ubuntu, now with mint 17 4

[Jim Lane]

5. Thanks! This helps demystify Linux.

I had the vague impression that Linux might be an improvement but that it would take a lot of time and effort for me to get up to the necessary level of geekiness. I appreciate the way the page you linked treats me like a complete imbecile, i.e., assumes very little prior knowledge.

[awoke_in_2003]

6. I use OSX

But before that I used Linux. I would do so again.

[Binkie The Clown]

8. I switched to Linux over the course of the last few months

I do a lot of programming so I needed to have all my dev tools that I use in Windoze. I did a double boot system until I got comfortable with it, and had found good replacements for everything I needed then I went full Linux and kicked Windoze to the curb. (I have a laptop (that I'm using right now) that's still Windoze, but I'll be switching that one soon too.)

[Juicy_Bellows]

9. This is really good advice.

Windows 10 is bad news if you have any interest in your privacy. Have a nude photo of a loved one or something you'd rather not share with Microsoft? Keep it Win7 or go Linux. Ubuntu is great and free.

KICK

[davidpdx]

10. A question from someone who is totally lost in terms of technical stuff

I have Windows 8.1 on my new laptop. How much worse is that then Windows 7?

What are the exact security risks with Windows 10? I have not upgraded yet, but planned to in a few months.

[Binkie The Clown]

14. Windows 10 Doesn't Stop Spying You, Even After Disabling It's Creepy Features

Article:

Windows 10 Doesn't Stop Spying You, Even After Disabling It's Creepy Features

And from Forbes magazine:

Windows 10 Automatic Updates Causing Serious New Problems

Or Google Windows 10 problems

Oh, and did you ever encounter that annoying stupid paper clip "help" function in MS Word? Then you'll "love" Cortana, the voice activated personal pain in the ass assistant.

[davidpdx]

16. Thanks

Will take a look at both. I remember an older version of MS with the paperclip, but Word 2010 doesn't seem to have it.

[wildbilln864]

11. **********k & r n/t

[CrispyQ]

15. Kicking & bookmarking.

Gonna send some links to a friend who is having issues with her Win 7 computer & is thinking of upgrading to 10.