Windows 10 Security
I was reading an article on the MakeUseOf website that I subscribe to about Windows 10 watching what you do. Not surprising that the Fix Windows 10 link on the page goes nowhere but there are at least two helpful apps in the article mentioned that are good for users who pay attention to the rumor mill of security issues that have been reported as concerns in Windows 10.
I’m somewhat a realist and do understand the pro’s and con’s of using Windows but ultimately go by the general golden rule that nothing is safe or secure. All of the recent hacks of data from big companies essentially enforces the same thing. I do however think it amazing how Windows users (of any version) complain about the lack of security and then cry foul when Microsoft actually implements more of it.
Microsoft is ultimately not only acting on the best interests of its user-base but the interest of its OS. A more solid product would obviously mean a more solid user-base, but like that’s even a problem for Microsoft. Anyway, that said I don’t plan to comment any further on the latter.
I have worked on a myriad of Windows PC’s though to know that the issue is not always Windows on its own but the sometimes idiot users using them. Users going to game sites, online movie streams, porn sites, whatever and not fully understanding what they are clicking on or otherwise getting themselves into.
User education on the proper use of Windows, for the most part, is still a must. I know people who are completely clueless on how do something as simple as sending an email let alone using a search engine. Certain aspects of the lack of computer education will certainly end in my generation while flourishing quite well in the next, such as my kids generation, as computers are almost mandatory in schools now as well as is computer education.
Changing to a different OS such as Linux or OSX, Chromebooks, Android, whatever, is not a real solution to security as some purport as each has their own set of security issues. In the old days hackers and script-kiddies wouldn’t even give MAC or Linux OS’s the time of day as they were not as widely used. Once these OS’s made their way more mainstream they then became an interest to them and vulnerable. Now we have seen the horror stories
I’m not going to side with these scrupulous people but I cant say I’m totally against what they are doing in showing the vulnerabilities of these OS’s. It would be nice if it could happen in less catastrophic ways but in some ways that’s what is necessary to get a point across. Politeness in notifying OS developers I don’t believe has ever statistically gone well. Ive worked around developers before and “some” have a chip on their shoulder that their code can do no wrong (denial), have an OH SHIT moment or sit on the issue too long until after it has become a major problem.
In any regard, I think Windows users should prepare themselves mentally for the future as Windows gradually gets more and more “security” features rolled into it. Not just to keep Windows echo system as safe as possible but to also save Windows users from themselves.
I’m expecting flack for some of this but right or wrong, I’m just speaking my mind while being open to criticism.
Changing Your Privacy Settings
If you want to change your privacy settings in Windows 10 to elect information you want to share with Microsoft:
From your Windows desktop, click on the Start menu and select Settings > Privacy.
For more info, see the item below in reading resources with regard to the Windows 10 and privacy FAQ.
Some good reading resources:
- Windows 10 doesn’t offer much privacy by default: Here’s how to fix it
- Windows 10: The biggest problems, gripes, and missing features so far
- What Windows 10’s “Privacy Nightmare” Settings Actually Do
- The Windows 10 privacy settings you need to change right now
- Windows 10 violates your privacy by default, here’s how you can protect yourself
- Windows 10 and privacy FAQ