Microsoft’s Windows 10 has permission to watch your every move

[GoodBytes]

I will actually be testing this out on my main system once my exams get over on the 11th. I am a surround user and even on Windows 7, some of the stuff remained broken until a few months ago. If I can help with a smoother deployment for users like myself, I will really not mind that. PS- Does anyone know after how much time is the TP getting over?

The time of expiry will be extended or shorten as updates are released. So it it hard to know.

But usually, once Windows is out on store shelves, you have a few months to go and get buy it.

And if you ask, yes, you'll need to clean install it once the official version is released, you can't upgrade it. Unless things change, this is how it has always been. beside, why you want to keep buggy stuff and debug code? Start fresh for the best experience.

[Briggsy]

I will actually be testing this out on my main system once my exams get over on the 11th. I am a surround user and even on Windows 7, some of the stuff remained broken until a few months ago. If I can help with a smoother deployment for users like myself, I will really not mind that. PS- Does anyone know after how much time is the TP getting over?

 

officially in the TOS it says February 2015 for the end of the license, but like @GoodBytes said they will likely extend it or reduce it as needed.

[Sharif]

Its fine i guess 

[Sharif]

The time of expiry will be extended or shorten as updates are released. So it it hard to know.

But usually, once Windows is out on store shelves, you have a few months to go and get buy it.

And if you ask, yes, you'll need to clean install it once the official version is released, you can't upgrade it. Unless things change, this is how it has always been. beside, why you want to keep buggy stuff and debug code? Start fresh for the best experience.

I remember reading this somewhere but W10 will be free for W8 users right? 

[TheProfosist]

I remember reading this somewhere but W10 will be free for W8 users right?

That was win9. Everything might be thrown out the window now that it's win10.

[Sharif]

That was win9. Everything might be thrown out the window now that it's win10.

But i had safety net outside the window..........hopefully it isn't damaged.

[GoodBytes]

I remember reading this somewhere but W10 will be free for W8 users right?

No. Only rumors, and speculations. They are always these big claims at every version of Windows preview.

I recall, Vista being free or discount for Vista beta users, that obviously didn't happen. Windows 7 is free for beta testers and those with Vista, that didn't happen.

Windows 8 to be free for everyone due to the store, that didn't happen.

So chances that Windows 10 is free to anyone, is highly unlikely (beside MSDNAA/Dreamspark Premium users, and all that)

[Sharif]

No. Only rumors, and speculations. They are always these big claims at every version of Windows preview.

I recall, Vista being free or discount for Vista users, that obviously didn't happen. Windows 7 is free for beta testers and those with Vista, that didn't happen.

Windows 8 to be free for everyone due to teh store, that didn't happen.

So chances that Windows 10 is free to anyone, is highly unlikely (beside MSDNAA/Dreamspark Premium users, and all that)

oooh man

thanks for the info 

I was looking forward to that......

[GoodBytes]

oooh man

thanks for the info 

I was looking forward to that......

What is expected (again nothing mentioned by Microsoft) is an introductory price for Windows 10 when officially released.

- Windows 7 was 50-60% off depending on the edition you get. Also, you had 3 licenses for a household for 150$. So, 50$ each.

- Windows 8 Pro with Media Center add-on was 40$ or 30$ depending on where you lived.

A correction on what I said. Windows 7 Starter Edition, and Windows 8.1 (on devices that is 9inch or smaller) is/was free. But that applies to Microsoft partner manufactures (So, the big guys: HP, Dell, Acer, etc.), so that they can sell the systems cheaply at competitive pricing. Windows 8.1 that was free was full featured non-Pro Windows 8.1. The only requirement is that they don't change the default web browser, nor change the default page of IE (normally, manufacture never do it, any case). Windows 7 Starter, you cold not change the background.

[dalekphalm]

I have to say to amount of stuff I had to put in, email add capture and the lot when installing was ridiculous, but I agree that for what this is (basically an early access) it makes sense that they collect all they can that would make bug-reporting a lot easier.

 

What really surprised me though is that you can just download the thing and there's no line saying "don't use this as a primary platform" as far as I could see. What I mean is the download page should tell you to only use this in a VM and if you don't know what that means leave it alone!

 

Well just don't play with it expecting anything solid yet, but I'm repeating what's already been established by other members here.

Just a point of contention with that statement. The Technical Preview is for Power Users, Developers, and IT professionals.

 

It says so right there on the Windows Insider Program website before you download anything:

 

 

Join us as we build Windows 10

If you're a PC expert or an IT pro, come on a journey with us and be part of creating the best Windows yet.

 

This preview isn't for regular folks. Anyone who downloads this should already know to use a VM or to use it on a secondary machine for testing purposes only.

 

I don't understand why people would use an ALPHA as their daily driver, or act like this is the release version.

 

This is a non-issue. It's great that people are raising awareness about privacy, but if anyone had bothered to read the EULA or any of the documentation for the Windows 10 Tech Preview - well, they would know all of this already, now wouldn't they?

 

Also FYI Your email is entirely optional. You don't need to create a Microsoft Account. Just like in Windows 8, you can create a local account.

[Keystone Nyan Cat]

Thanks for clarifying that!

[Techhog]

I have to say to amount of stuff I had to put in, email add capture and the lot when installing was ridiculous, but I agree that for what this is (basically an early access) it makes sense that they collect all they can that would make bug-reporting a lot easier.

 

What really surprised me though is that you can just download the thing and there's no line saying "don't use this as a primary platform" as far as I could see. What I mean is the download page should tell you to only use this in a VM and if you don't know what that means leave it alone!

 

Well just don't play with it expecting anything solid yet, but I'm repeating what's already been established by other members here.

 

 

Download and install the preview only if you

 

• Want to try out software that’s still in development and like sharing your opinion about it.

• Don’t mind lots of updates or a UI design that might change significantly over time.

• Really know your way around a PC and feel comfortable troubleshooting problems, backing up data, formatting a hard drive, installing an operating system from scratch, or restoring your old one if necessary.

• Know what an ISO file is and how to use it.

• Aren't installing it on your everyday computer.

We're not kidding about the expert thing. So if you think BIOS is a new plant-based fuel, Tech Preview may not be right for you.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/preview-faq#faq=tab0

[rashdanml]

Nope, not even. It's more like an Alpha we won't see a Beta until next year.

By definition, Alpha testing is internal, Beta testing is external (regular users, developers, etc). This is a beta. Regardless of how "finished" a product is. A product isn't finished upon launch either. 

[dfsdfgfkjsefoiqzemnd]

If you're fine with them having all your info, by all means use it.  If you're not, just don't install it.  Simple as that.

 

There will always be someone who comes up with some tool to disable stuff like that keylogger if it should make it to the final version.  In the meantime, don't use Win10 for anything you consider private. 

 

As for passwords, you can always type everything except for one of the characters, then use the mouse to move your cursor to the right spot and enter it.  The keylogger will then think that your password is "passordw"

(of course in that example it's easy to figure out, but people really shouldn't use names or existing words as a password anyway)

[Fulgrim]

Windows 10 Technical Preview

 

Microsoft launched its Windows 10 on Tuesday and is giving all members of its Windows Insider Programme a free look see at the new Windows 10.  Microsoft is giving the Windows 10 Technical Preview version as a gesture of openness and willingness to collaborate with developers and users and get their feedback on the ultimate Windows 10 that it may launch by the end of this year.

 

Backdoor?

 

As more and more users are jumping the queue to download the Windows 10 through the Windows Insider Program, almost all of them have forgotten to check the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions users accept while downloading the Windows 10.  If you study the privacy policy you will be startled at the amount of freedom you are giving Microsoft to spy on you.

 

“Microsoft collects information about you, your devices, applications and networks, and your use of those devices, applications and networks. Examples of data we collect include your name, email address, preferences and interests; browsing, search and file history; phone call and SMS data; device configuration and sensor data; and application usage.”

 

 

 

The above stuff may or may not be used against any user and forms the standard of any privacy policy by any Applications maker but study a bit further and you may get more and more surprised.  In a way by accepting the Windows 10 Technical Preview installation you are giving Microsoft unhindered access to your behavioural habits

 

“We may collect information about your device and applications and use it for purposes such as determining or improving compatibility” and “use voice input features like speech-to-text, we may collect voice information and use it for purposes such as improving speech processing.”

 

 

 

In simple words, Windows 10 Technical Preview is a collecting your voice, your chats, and your voice.  Albeit it is doing so with your permission.  The Privacy Policy also goes on to deliver further shocks.

 

 

“If you open a file, we may collect information about the file, the application used to open the file, and how long it takes any use [of]it for purposes such as improving performance, or [if you]enter text, we may collect typed characters, we may collect typed characters and use them for purposes such as improving autocomplete and spell check features.”

 

 

 

The above said input recording methods are a classic keylogger malware features.  In absolute terms you are giving permission for Microsoft to screen your files and keep a log of your keyboard and other inputs.  Renowned Windows blogger Mary Jo Foley recently said, “I’ve heard Microsoft built a new real-time telemetry system codenamed ‘Asimov’ (yes, another Halo-influenced codename) that lets the OS team see in near real-time what’s happening on users’ machines.”

 

Microsoft has not yet commented on what it do with all the data it will generate from all the Windows 10 Technical Preview users but you are definitely signing on a spyware when you install the Windows 10 on your machine.

 

Users rarely read the EULA / Privacy Policy / Terms and Conditions.

 

It is a fact that 99 people out of 100 users downloading and installing a software rarely read the EULA / Privacy Policy / Terms and Conditions.  To prove this F-Secure, the security blog made a fascinating discovery on how exactly people react to the really dumb privacy policy.  Their second objective was to research on whether people would really sign up for a private open WiFi

 

They asked Finn Steglich of the German penetration testing company, SySS, to build a WiFi hotspot, take it out on the streets of London, and set it up and wait for folks to connect. With the free service they put up a very outlandish T & C which every user willing to use this free WiFi would have accept. F-Secure blog notes that,

 

“One of the terms stipulated that the user must give up their firstborn child or most beloved pet in exchange for WiFi use. In the short time the T&C page was active, six people agreed to the outlandish clause."

 

 

 

 

 

The F-Secure experiment proves that humans are fallible to free goodies and would sign up for almost anything once they come to know it is free.  Though F-Secure would never take your first born child or your beloved pet, but technically you did be required to hand over the same once you sign up for the free WiFi.

 

Ditto for Windows 10 Technical Preview.  Once you sign up for the free download, there is no stopping Microsoft from using your chats, voice scans and other details though it may never use them.  But you have accepted and let them use it!!!

 

 

Source

[Jobbe03]

Ain't nothing new. 

[mr moose]

But the question is will that data be collected when it goes to full release and is not a trial/preview for QA purposes?

[Unhelpful]

I want to see an explanation for this. An actual explanation. If they make the argument that it can help them produce a better product then I'll take a lesser product for the sake of my privacy.

This is a test build. This isn't released for people to play with. It is essentially a test. They are tracking to fix bugs. The keylogger is excessive, but the rest makes sense.

 

This probably won't make it to release. 

[Speedbird]

Meh. They were gonna get it sooner or later anyway.

[xXxYOLOxSWAGxXx_420BlazeIt]

 

Windows 10 Technical Preview

 

Microsoft launched its Windows 10 on Tuesday and is giving all members of its Windows Insider Programme a free look see at the new Windows 10.  Microsoft is giving the Windows 10 Technical Preview version as a gesture of openness and willingness to collaborate with developers and users and get their feedback on the ultimate Windows 10 that it may launch by the end of this year.

 

Backdoor?

 

As more and more users are jumping the queue to download the Windows 10 through the Windows Insider Program, almost all of them have forgotten to check the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions users accept while downloading the Windows 10.  If you study the privacy policy you will be startled at the amount of freedom you are giving Microsoft to spy on you.

 

 

 

The above stuff may or may not be used against any user and forms the standard of any privacy policy by any Applications maker but study a bit further and you may get more and more surprised.  In a way by accepting the Windows 10 Technical Preview installation you are giving Microsoft unhindered access to your behavioural habits

 

 

 

In simple words, Windows 10 Technical Preview is a collecting your voice, your chats, and your voice.  Albeit it is doing so with your permission.  The Privacy Policy also goes on to deliver further shocks.

 

 

 

 

The above said input recording methods are a classic keylogger malware features.  In absolute terms you are giving permission for Microsoft to screen your files and keep a log of your keyboard and other inputs.  Renowned Windows blogger Mary Jo Foley recently said, “I’ve heard Microsoft built a new real-time telemetry system codenamed ‘Asimov’ (yes, another Halo-influenced codename) that lets the OS team see in near real-time what’s happening on users’ machines.”

 

Microsoft has not yet commented on what it do with all the data it will generate from all the Windows 10 Technical Preview users but you are definitely signing on a spyware when you install the Windows 10 on your machine.

 

Users rarely read the EULA / Privacy Policy / Terms and Conditions.

 

It is a fact that 99 people out of 100 users downloading and installing a software rarely read the EULA / Privacy Policy / Terms and Conditions.  To prove this F-Secure, the security blog made a fascinating discovery on how exactly people react to the really dumb privacy policy.  Their second objective was to research on whether people would really sign up for a private open WiFi

 

They asked Finn Steglich of the German penetration testing company, SySS, to build a WiFi hotspot, take it out on the streets of London, and set it up and wait for folks to connect. With the free service they put up a very outlandish T & C which every user willing to use this free WiFi would have accept. F-Secure blog notes that,

 

 

 

 

 

The F-Secure experiment proves that humans are fallible to free goodies and would sign up for almost anything once they come to know it is free.  Though F-Secure would never take your first born child or your beloved pet, but technically you did be required to hand over the same once you sign up for the free WiFi.

 

Ditto for Windows 10 Technical Preview.  Once you sign up for the free download, there is no stopping Microsoft from using your chats, voice scans and other details though it may never use them.  But you have accepted and let them use it!!!

 

 

Source

 

protip: all proprietary software could do this.

 

Windows is probably full of backdoors and deliberate "bugs".

[Thebman712]

privacy is not a thing on the internet

[Briggsy]

if you are paranoid about Microsoft collecting your data and using it, you should not even be using Windows, period. Read through their windows services privacy statement on how they collect and use your data. TP is not much different in what permissions you actually give Microsoft when you install and use any version of windows.

[FakezZ]

If this is kept to the actual release, then it's linux everywhere for me. I won't even care about the games. I'd rather not give MS every fucking password -.-

[Fetzie]

If this is kept to the actual release, then it's linux everywhere for me. I won't even care about the games. I'd rather not give MS every fucking password -.-

 

It won't be...

[AlexGoesHigh]

Edit: THIS IS TO RAISE AWARENESS, PEOPLE.

windows services privacy statement

https://insider.windows.com/Home/TermsOfUse read section 2

you didn't raise awareness, its on their ToS, its public knowledge, its openly stated by them they will collect as much data as possible, i'm only quoting you because of your edit, and because there's no reason to make a scandal out of this, a keylogger is the best way they can collect data about people using keyboard shortcuts and usage, its probably off when you ain't using non windows programs and stuff like email and password because these days whit govs snooping on you for whatever reason, companies are trying to collects as less data as possible, unless your google which lives on it, also if your going tin foil hat about your privacy then use a linux distro and stay away from google as much as possible