Is Windows 10 safe to use?

smf

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This makes so that the exploits get patched more quickly since there are multiple developers checking it

You'd think, but in practice it doesn't seem to have helped that much. Wifi and Bluetooth stack exploits used by the NSA were hanging around in Linux for years, either because nobody cared to look at the code or they didn't understand it enough.

It's mostly PR.
 

GCS

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You'd think, but in practice it doesn't seem to have helped that much. Wifi and Bluetooth stack exploits used by the NSA were hanging around in Linux for years, either because nobody cared to look at the code or they didn't understand it enough.

It's mostly PR.
I didn't say it will patch all exploits as soon as they got out, I talked generally. Also, I wouldn't really compare Linux to Windows 10's exploit library really:D You can't just look at a newly found exploit on Linux and make Linux look worser without even checking Windows 10 exploits that have been newly found.
 

smf

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You can't just look at a newly found exploit on Linux and make Linux look worser without even checking Windows 10 exploits that have been newly found.

People look for exploits in Windows more than they look for them in Linux and MacOS.

If Linux was more popular then it would be a clusterfuck.
 

GCS

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People look for exploits in Windows more than they look for them in Linux and MacOS.

If Linux was more popular then it would be a clusterfuck.
If you are more popular than you should have a bigger team that searches for exploits + if you are bigger then you should be more careful about your users.
This is Microsoft's responsibility. If Linux would get a larger user base both developers who patches exploits and hacker numbers would increase which equalize themselves. But this is not the same in Windows.
 
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PityOnU

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windows 10 killed my father - would not recommend

live in a mud hut and eat rocks - it's the only way to be safe for sure... and even then I'd question the rocks

Seriously, though, wtf is wrong with you people. I guarantee you all have smartphones and/or use the internet. All of that collects way more data on you than Windows ****ing telemetry. :wacko:

Ofc, reliability/usability is a different question entirely. But in terms of "privacy"... Guys... C'mon.

You're also asking "Is Windows 10 safe to use?" while also talking about "customized" versions from third parties. Customized how? By who? Are you serious right now?

Fools. *shakes head and puts tinfoil hat back on to eat rocks*
 
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smf

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If you are more popular than you should have a bigger team that searches for exploits + if you are bigger then you should be more careful about your users.
This is Microsoft's responsibility. If Linux would get a larger user base both developers who patches exploits and hacker numbers would increase which equalize themselves. But this is not the same in Windows.

I agree it's not equal, Microsoft have invested a huge amount in security. Linux wouldn't have done that.
You're lucky it's less popular.
 

ccfman2004

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There is a script you can run on the ISO you get from Microsoft that removes almost every bit of MS spyware. I don't remember where to get it but there is a Youtube video from Linus Tech that shows it.
 
D

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I am biased. I don't trust anything not running Linux.

Windows sends encrypted packets to Microsoft whenever connected to the internet. I don't know what data these packets contain. To find out you have two options. The first is research it online. The second is to dump the packets using Wireshark, make a RAM dump, find the keys in the RAM dump, decrypt them then analyse them manually.

So does Microsoft keep track of what you do on your computer and to what extent? I don't know. I only know that they can.

Microsoft is (probably) able to use these packets to determine your identity and check your IP address to see where you are physically. Smartphones do this to. If you have Facebook on your phone Facebook will record every Wi-Fi hotspot you have used. This means they know when you went to your friends' houses and when you were at the shopping centre. Public Wi-Fi hotspots themselves track you using MAC addresses.

Some Linux distributions also send encrypted packets when connected to the internet. This is necessary for automatic updates. Linux Mint does this. Kali Linux does not. If you use Kali Linux you will need to update manually every second day because an outdated operating system contains known security bugs which can compromise your privacy.

If you care about privacy, minimise your smartphone usage and use Linux and Tor as much as possible. Randomise your MAC address too. Encrypt files containing sensitive data using VeraCrypt. Keep in mind, using privacy focused software and Kali Linux looks suspicious which might bring you unwanted attention.

Use common sense too. Don't open files you've downloaded while connected to the internet, especially not FreePornDownloader. Don't click on links in suspicious emails. Careful who you trust. JellyPerson has over 1000 posts here and was banned for distributing a Switch trojan horse containing brick code. Don't connect stolen goods to the internet. There is a known case where a murder was solved with a stolen Nintendo Switch.

You will want to use a privacy focused email service like ProtonMail. Other online services may not have privacy focused options. Your only option is to minimise how much you use them. Signal is the best messaging app but you will need to convince your friends to use it and smartphones' OSs can still spy on you while using it. In Australia anti-encryption laws are used to coerce tech companies into providing plaintext copies of encrypted communications.

There are situations where Windows will be the superior or only choice. Some software will only run on Windows and most games run best on Windows. Keep a second hard drive with Windows on it. Use Linux by default and use Windows when there is a pragmatic reason to.

Source: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2...ctivity_leads_to_break_in_murder_case_mystery

windows 10 killed my father - would not recommend

live in a mud hut and eat rocks - it's the only way to be safe for sure... and even then I'd question the rocks

Seriously, though, wtf is wrong with you people. I guarantee you all have smartphones and/or use the internet. All of that collects way more data on you than Windows ****ing telemetry. :wacko:

Ofc, reliability/usability is a different question entirely. But in terms of "privacy"... Guys... C'mon.

You're also asking "Is Windows 10 safe to use?" while also talking about "customized" versions from third parties. Customized how? By who? Are you serious right now?

Fools. *shakes head and puts tinfoil hat back on to eat rocks*
You're biased too. You work for Microsoft.
 
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jimbo13

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Everything Microsoft has produced is a virus too control it's host. Windows is a virus for your PC, Xbox is a virus for your TV, Covid is a virus for you. Use windows 10-LTSB if you find it necessary to use a Microsoft OS.
gates_montage_new.jpg
 
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raging_chaos

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i see people cant even answer a simple question, and im not installing spyware on my pc just to play 1 game.

What you are calling 'spyware' is called Telemetry to every business with an online presence today. Want to not be tracked by any sort of telemetry? Your only solution is to not ever go online or use a cell phone. The level of stupid misinformation is astonishing, especially for something that has widely been known to have been backported to Win7 long ago. Switching to Linux isn't going to stop Amazon and Google collecting telemetry from when you browse online either, and yes even 'incognito' still sends some sort of telemetry.

There are plenty of tools available to disable all telemetry from all versions of Win10, but be prepared to also break updates, upgrades, and driver downloads as well. LTSB/C is not a solution for anyone that refreshes their setups every so often, such as a change of CPU. A lot of software will nag you are on an unsupported version of Windows or flat out won't install since LTSB/C is always behind. Newer hardware such as printers and mice are starting to come with Apps you have to install from the MS Store directly. If you are going to stay on a PC that will never have its hardware/software changed and only has one function, then have a go at LTSC.

You're worrying about Microsoft while ignoring the rest, there's more than one finger in your information pie. Want to disable telemetry completely from all sources? Unplug your modem and then toss out the window along with your cell phone.
 
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GCS

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What you are calling 'spyware' is called Telemetry to every business with an online presence today. Want to not be tracked by any sort of telemetry? Your only solution is to not ever go online or use a cell phone. The level of stupid misinformation is astonishing, especially for something that has widely been known to have been backported to Win7 long ago. Switching to Linux isn't going to stop Amazon and Google collecting telemetry from when you browse online either, and yes even 'incognito' still sends some sort of telemetry.

There are plenty of tools available to disable all telemetry from all versions of Win10, but be prepared to also break updates, upgrades, and driver downloads as well. LTSB/C is not a solution for anyone that refreshes their setups every so often, such as a change of CPU. A lot of software will nag you are on an unsupported version of Windows or flat out won't install since LTSB/C is always behind. Newer hardware such as printers and mice are starting to come with Apps you have to install from the MS Store directly. If you are going to stay on a PC that will never have its hardware/software changed and only has one function, then have a go at LTSC.

You're worrying about Microsoft while ignoring the rest, there's more than one finger in your information pie. Want to disable telemetry completely from all sources? Unplug your modem and then toss out the window along with your cell phone.
First of all until you are a complete tech newbie or something you should now that Google's incognito is BS.
There are steps that you can take to not get tracked, it's not impossible. Some of the things that I am going to count right now are based on Snowden (search it if you even don't know him)(There are some security tips too):
For PC:
- No ad and encrypted mail service: Tutanota, Protonmail (Use aliases)
- Browser: Brave, Tor Browser or Firefox(you need to do some configuration and extensions)
- A new Cloud Storage: Nextcloud
- Password Manager: Bitwarden
- 2FA for all accounts possible
- Use Linux! (For Begginers: Manjaro, Ubuntu,...)

Mobile (Android):
- Download LineageOS or GrapheneOS If possible. Disable all personalization settings If you couldn't download them.
- Download and setup NetGuard.
- Use Signal instead of Whatsapp.
- Use DuckDuckGo or Brave as your Browser.
- Download an open source 2FA App.
- If you love social media then use web-app versions of them.

This is a real quick guide on how you can protect your privacy on Internet, this isn't perfect but it's better then just sticking a paper
on your head which says "please take all my private data and sell them to random companies."
Additionally, I would suggest for you to read the title of this thread "Is Windows 10 Safe?" so we are only discussing Microsoft.
 
Last edited by GCS,

GCS

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I agree it's not equal, Microsoft have invested a huge amount in security. Linux wouldn't have done that.
You're lucky it's less popular.
I don't think you understood what I said. If an open source OS or Software gets more popular devs and hackers number increase at the same time which equalizes them. On the other hand Microsoft's Windows is closed source so only Windows devs in Microsoft can see them which makes less people but more hackers compare to Linux.
 

raging_chaos

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You have completely misread what I have posted about incognito and have gone on a tangent. None of the information you provided was either asked for nor needed. At no point have I said anywhere incognito is an option to disable telemetry. Linux, Tor, and all the rest of the things to stay anonymous are well documented, but the second you sign into Google or any other service on any connection you are sending data, regardless of platform. Even Tor tells you not to sign into anything for that very reason. There's no such thing as staying anonymous while being signed in. You can encrypt the connection and hide it from your ISP and third parties but you are still sending data to whatever service you are connecting to.
First of all until you are a complete tech newbie or something you should now that Google's incognito is BS.
There are steps that you can take to not get tracked, it's not impossible. Some of the things that I am going to count right now are based on Snowden (search it if you even don't know him)(There are some security tips too):
For PC:
- No ad and encrypted mail service: Tutanota, Protonmail (Use aliases)
- Browser: Brave, Tor Browser or Firefox(you need to do some configuration and extensions)
- A new Cloud Storage: Nextcloud
- Password Manager: Bitwarden
- 2FA for all accounts possible
- Use Linux! (For Begginers: Manjaro, Ubuntu,...)

Mobile (Android):
- Download LineageOS or GrapheneOS If possible. Disable all personalization settings If you couldn't download them.
- Download and setup NetGuard.
- Use Signal instead of Whatsapp.
- Use DuckDuckGo or Brave as your Browser.
- Download an open source 2FA App.
- If you love social media then use web-app versions of them.

This is a real quick guide on how you can protect your privacy on Internet, this isn't perfect but it's better then just sticking a paper
on your head which says "please take all my private data and sell them to random companies."
Additionally, I would suggest for you to read the title of this thread "Is Windows 10 Safe?" so we are only discussing Microsoft.
 
Last edited by raging_chaos,

GCS

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You have completely misread what I have posted about incognito and have gone on a tangent. None of the information you provided was either asked for nor needed. At no point have I said anywhere incognito is an option to disable telemetry. Linux, Tor, and all the rest of the things to stay anonymous are well documented, but the second you sign into Google or any other service on any connection you are sending data. Even Tor tells you not to sign in to anything for that very reason. There's no such thing as staying anonymous while being signed into anything. You can encrypt the connection but you are still sending data to whatever service you are connecting to.
Well, I am sorry for the part that I misread, my 1st language isn't English.
The important thing is making sure that your accounts aren't connected together. Yes, when you sign in they can collect data but if you make them so that they cannot relate that data with your other accounts then you can find privacy and anonymity at least to some point.
 

raging_chaos

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Completely agree 100%, which is why I don't understand when someone posts about disabling Microsoft's telemetry. They are so concerned about what Microsoft is doing but meanwhile they are signed into all these services that are doing even more data collection. It's insane.
Well, I am sorry for the part that I misread, my 1st language isn't English.
The important thing is making sure that your accounts aren't connected together. Yes, when you sign in they can collect data but if you make them so that they cannot relate that data with your other accounts then you can find privacy and anonymity at least to some point.
 
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MohammedQ8

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I use windows 10 since forever and only use windows defense. Never installed antivirus.

Didnt need to reinstall windows nor have blue screen of death because I dont watch porn on pc anymore and use new stable hardware.
 

GCS

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Completely agree 100%, which is why I don't understand when someone posts about disabling Microsoft's telemetry. They are so concerned about what Microsoft is doing but meanwhile they are signed into all these services that are doing even more data collection. It's insane.
Yes, it is useless as you said if you just disable telemetry in just 1 device that you don't even get another protection on. I am not even talking about other devices
If you are going for the route of privacy/ anonymity than you should do it in all your devices and get precautions on your internet browser and other stuff.
 
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smf

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I don't think you understood what I said. If an open source OS or Software gets more popular devs and hackers number increase at the same time which equalizes them.

I do understand, but Microsoft increases their developers based on the money coming in.
There is no money coming into Linux, so even if a billion people start using Linux tomorrow that doesn't mean people will volunteer to audit it in their spare time. I would assume that people who want to audit Linux are already doing so.

Having the source doesn't actually help too much either, most of the automated methods for finding exploits work off binaries.
In fact having the source can make it harder as comments can actually mean you misunderstand what the code is doing.

There are advantages to open source, but I think this one is a myth.
 
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