Looking For An Unbiased Forum

I'm having major issues with Microsoft right now, but then who isn't??

The forum I've been going to for help for a very long time now seems to be a bit biased. As I understand it, the administrators exercise their own free will here and are not owned by any software giants.

As for me, I'm not a PC expert, but I'm not an idiot either. I could bs my way through a techie conversation. But that's only because I learn so much from places like this.

I've been asking questions at another forum about Windows. Those questions are mysteriously either never answered, or my question gets buried in off topic posts.

So, I guess if no one here opposes my aversion to Windows 10, or more specifically, Microsoft attempting to force it on me, I'll be back to ask a few questions! Or more

Thanks so much!

 

Hi and Welcome to MajorGeeks.

You are certainly not alone!

 

Thank GOD!!!

I saw an article today that the Win 10 automatic install caused some serious problems to an anti-poaching program in Africa.
Immediately after that, I saw another article that Microsoft is going after people who pirated Win7 and 8.
I couldn't help but think how hypocritical this is of them....to prosecute someone for stealing their software when they are hijacking PCs left and right!
It's all about money.

 

In terms of Windows 10, if you are currently a Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. user and you do NOT want the free upgrade to Windows 10 (that ends on 29 July 2016) then there are ways to stop it.
You must post in the SOFTWARE FORUM lower down in the forum index for detailed advice on that. And you need to give your exact Operating system version name/number and any service pack installed, and it helps to tell us the brand name and exact model number.

To reassure you, for many many users - especially of Windows 8.1 - if their specific system is well-maintained, properly up to date and the drivers are the latest, then most of those users have no problem updating to Windows 10.
The biggest problems I have seen in user experience is with updating from Windows 7.
Either way, Windows 10 is actually an excellent Operating System.

Good luck

 

@MaxTurner (How do I quote someone here?)

I've read great reviews of Windows 10. Ordinarily, I would be happy to take the upgrade. It's the privacy issues, forced updates, etc.
I know there are ways to get around that, but I not interested in investing the time to do it. At least not yet.

And frankly, I'm pissed at Microsoft right now. We have limited data. With out our consent or knowledge, they used up 13 GB secretly downloading Win 10 files to our computers. They are already hiding ways and making it more difficult to prevent Win from downloading at all. I don't trust them. They are using stealthy measures to trick people into an unwanted upgrade, not giving the option to opt out of it to stop their annoying pop-ups, changing the UI of that pop-up in such a way that is outright scamming people into to taking it, changing the close window, the red 'X' that everyone has learned will close the window now means that you are accepting the upgrade. That is a typical measure used to hijack someones computer. Hijacking a PC is illegal.

In my view, Microsoft is breaking the law. They are doing it to create a data base of potential customers. This is valuable information companies buy so they can reach their target audience. Microsoft can/will make money selling that information.

What's to stop that data base from being compromised? My personal information could be stolen by people who will use that information for illegal purposes, not to mention all the junk I'm going to receive from companies trying to sell me something I don't want. Even if they didn't, they have no right to invade my privacy.

Identity theft is a big enough problem. We are constantly having to keep up with the latest measures to keep that from happening. Upgrading to Windows 10 means that I can't even do things in the privacy of my own home without my habits being broadcast and sold to whoever is willing to pay Microsoft for that information.

Even if Microsoft were to change this , I don't believe that they actually will stop trying to trick people into allowing it to happen anyway, or just outright taking that information.

I keep thinking that Big Brother is here. If I don't comply, I'll end up in Room 101.

 

Yes there are very easy ways to get round the privacy issues so frankly it's a non-starter. If you don't want to face privacy issues at all - even if you can easily and quickly override them - then I suggest you just don't use the internet or social media or a mobile phone or a smart TV with streaming.
If you don't want to invest the few minutes it takes then so be it.
Getting emotionally upset about Microsoft is pointless.

NB: Click on the far right lower side 'reply' button in anyone's post and it will quote it.

 

LOL
I see your point.
*sigh*
I don't put much personal information on social media sites though. I want to preserve as much privacy as I can.

 

I already have the GWX control panel installed.

 

You can preserve as much privacy as you like quickly and easily with one of at least four programs for Win 10 as far as Microsoft is concerned.
Unless you use encrypted email both ways (sender/receiver) and use IP hiding software that routes your web searching, you have no privacy in that regard at all.

 

The only thing I have to do on Patch Tuesdays is hide KB3035583 in Windows 8.1 but, it's EVERY Patch Tuesday.

FWIW, I run Win 10 along side Win 8.1 and I'm also running Win 10 insider preview (4 partitions). I like Win 10 and am looking forward to the features now included in the preview version to migrate to the retail version.