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Did Microsoft just drop the Telemetry bomb on Windows 7 users without telling anyone?

Martin Brinkmann
Jul 11, 2019
Windows, Windows 7
|
93

Microsoft released security updates for all supported operating systems on the July 2019 Patch Day. Windows 7 administrators get to choose between a security-only update or a monthly rollup update. The main difference between the two is that security-only supposedly only contains security related patches while the monthly rollup update may also include non-security changes.

KB4507456, which is this month's security-only update, seems to have included more than just security patches for the various components of the Windows 7 operating system. According to reports, installing the security-only update replaces the notorious KB2952664, the Compatibility update for keeping Windows up-to-date and also making sure that upgrades to Windows 10 work as expected.

With the July 2019-07 Security Only Quality Update KB4507456, Microsoft has slipped this functionality into a security-only patch without any warning, thus adding the “Compatibility Appraiser” and its scheduled tasks (telemetry) to the update. The package details for KB4507456 say it replaces KB2952664 (among other updates).

microsoft-windows 7 telemetry bomb

Tip: Guide on Blocking Telemetry in Windows 7 and 8.1

The release sparked fear among some admins that Microsoft might have dropped the update in preparation of Windows 7's support end and the expected push of Windows 10 on these systems.

This is not the first time that Microsoft slipped Compatibility Appraiser into a security-only update. The company did so in September 2018 for Windows 7 but informed users and administrators about it in advance.

The July 2019 seems like a repeat of that but without the warning. Once installed, a new scheduled task is added to the system under Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience.

Ed Bott picked up the story on ZDnet confirming that the security-only update did in fact include the Compatibility Appraiser tool. Bott suggests, however, that there might be another simpler explanation for the inclusion: that the tool itself had a security issue that Microsoft fixed with the release.

Bott presents no evidence on the other hand that the update fixed security issues in the Appraiser tool. Given the lack of data, I would not be too quick to dismiss the hypothesis. For now, all we know is that Microsoft did push the update to Windows 7 devices as part of the security-only update. It could be another case of Microsoft just being Microsoft.

Communication and openness has improved in recent years at Microsoft but as Bott points out, there are still issues "where the company's stubborn silence is baffling".

Support for Windows 7 ends in January 2020 and Microsoft started to show notifications about the upcoming end already. The company promised, however, that it would not run another Get Windows 10 campaign on user devices.

Enterprise customers may purchase up to three years of support extensions that costs them $50, $100, and $200 per user and year respectively.

Summary
Did Microsoft just drop the Telemetry bomb on Windows 7 users without telling anyone?
Article Name
Did Microsoft just drop the Telemetry bomb on Windows 7 users without telling anyone?
Description
KB4507456, which is this month's security-only update, seems to have included more than just security patches for the various components of the Windows 7 operating system.
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Ghacks Technology News
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Comments

  1. Anonymous said on July 6, 2023 at 4:00 am
    Reply

    This thread reminds me of past experiences with Microsoft Windows. So many complicated steps, to attempt security and privacy.
    Linux is so much better. Been in Linux for several years now. What a difference!

  2. Anonymous said on April 19, 2021 at 7:24 am
    Reply

    I very recently bought an hp tower, that’s new and bigger than the one that I’m using now (with Ubuntu). It’s in the shop for a wipeout of Windows 10, to be replaced with Ubuntu. I avoid Microsoft Windowsh_t as if it were a pandemic…um, oh, we DO have one of those going on now, don’t we?

  3. Zachary said on February 6, 2021 at 4:36 pm
    Reply

    Updates and telemetry are already illegal under privacy laws, HIPAA regulations, 4th ammendment rights, and fair purchasing laws. M$ as a service is an illegitimate model…these softwares work better if they are not purposefully crippled for lazily developed…fraudulently pushing all the work on consumers. If M$ does not make a functional product from the get go, then there is plenty of competition who will fill the vacuum if they don’t want to do their job and just rest on their laurels as a functional monopoly with all their illegal product tying. It is using this to become a surveillance tool for its enterprise customers. It should have been broken up as the Federal judge orders 2 decades ago. It is plainly a criminal company.

  4. Ken said on November 30, 2019 at 12:17 pm
    Reply

    I like Mint Cinnamon. I’m taking my computer to the shop today, to get a dual boot…latest Mint plus Ubuntu.

    Recent online events have garnered more attention to my Get Linux! spiel from email contacts.

    I urge everyone to escape Windows 10.

  5. Ken said on September 7, 2019 at 10:12 am
    Reply

    “Since, most of the supercomputers, hosting sites, amazon, wall street, etc . . are running linux. And even Mac os-x is all Linux on the inside, so I think eventually it will be a linux world.”

    Eli the Computer Guy published a video titled ‘Question: Is Linux a Bad Desktop Operating System?’ on Jan 26, 2015.

    Eli answered the question with “No” and predicted that “everyone will be on Linux” within five to ten years.

    I had been considering Linux. His video convinced me to go for it.

  6. Marky said on September 6, 2019 at 10:19 am
    Reply

    My last winOS was winME. I fixed a lot of windows machines in the past 20 years! If someone keeps getting a lot of viruses, I put linux on dual boot and tell them to take their money somewhere else.

    > I can’t embrace an OS that does not remember Window positions.

    There are many different window managers in Linux. Each with their unique features.

    I started out with a big distro. Now I’ve been using Puppylinux for about 5 years, and love it! I use SuLu2 (32bit) for most of my work. It’s rock solid. I’m using Xenial-64 7.5 for the heavy internet stuff. The rest of the time I’m here on ToOpy 2.2 (32bit). It’s all puppylinux and it’s extremely flexible.

    I bought one program over the years, a photo app, for about $25.
    99% of linux is all “free” (as in speech, not as in beer).
    Some apps are basic and some are really complex. But usually I just want to get my work done. I don’t want to spend hours pouring over manuals.

    Just throw puppylinux on a flashdrive or cd and you are set to go.
    No usernames, no logins, no guest accounts or passwords, no worries about permissions or security updates, and Never any viruses or malware. Just turn on the computer and start using it.

    Viruses? The last time I had a virus was 20 years ago, on windows. And the same for defragging and cleaning up a drive.

    Ccleaner, HitmanPro, Malwarebytes, I use those on Other people’s computers.

    “You have to get the latest updates, install another antivirus program.”

    I’ve worked on computers that had 15 anti-virus programs on them! No wonder they were so slow! You can’t win on windows.

    Windows 7 is what win-xp always should have been.

    My son had problems with Ableton on Win-10. He said, “It’s gotta have win-10 or it won’t work!” I looked it up and the minimum requirements were win-7 sp2. So we put that on and now Ableton works really well.

    My dad called, “Win-10 did an update and now my printer doesn’t work.”
    A week later he calls again, “Win-10 did another update and my printer works again.”

    Since, most of the supercomputers, hosting sites, amazon, wall street, etc . . are running linux. And even Mac os-x is all Linux on the inside, so I think eventually it will be a linux world.

    Keep the Win-7 if you like it so much. Disable all the updates, lock the system down. Stealth your ports, all that stuff.

  7. Ken said on August 31, 2019 at 9:31 pm
    Reply

    All of the preceding discussions, plus my own experiences with Windows 10, convince me that switching to Linux Mint Cinnamon was an excellent choice!

    Surely there are other good options. Switching to Linux must rank in the Top 5. IMHO. :)

  8. Anonymous said on August 23, 2019 at 9:44 pm
    Reply

    The compatibility appraiser is built-in functionality of the OS. It was not “added” via a security only patch “without warning”. The updates to the appraiser simply maintain its ability to identify applications for the purpose of compatibility reporting.

    Perhaps people might want to read up on the technology before repeating misinformation, but maybe they’re just in it for the clicks.

  9. Nononymous said on August 11, 2019 at 2:11 pm
    Reply

    Today I (also) installed Windows 7 Security Only July update KB4507456 on my system and found that none of my telemetry settings got changed.

  10. Peter Newton said on July 18, 2019 at 10:52 pm
    Reply

    Hi all

    I just watched Windows weekly, and just learned that whether you want it or not, Windows 10 1903 update is coming to YOU.

    Here we go again with the aggressive fascist attitude that this corporation has towards its users.

    Thanks for your attention,

    Peter Newton [London UK]

  11. Peter Newton said on July 18, 2019 at 10:13 pm
    Reply

    Hi all,

    I do understand the reasons why users of Ms$, are reluctant to switch to an alternative OS. There are many. Familiarity with the OS learned by daily repetition, a mistaken perception of exclusive compatibility, a need to get work done as a priority, as opposed to spending valuable time on optimization and the consequent sacrifice of privacy, the fact that most users traditionally associate the Windows platform with gaming, and the list goes on and on and on.

    Most of these pseudo reasons which are more like excuses, have an underlying theme, “laziness”……………

    What I find almost incomprehensible, is that the users of Ms$ are prepared to suffer the perennial torture offered to them by their choice of the OS. It is almost as if the average user has become an unwilling participant in a sado-masochistic relationship, or an abused wife or husband in a bad marriage.

    How long will it take? how much does it take? to make people aware of how badly they are being abused by a corporation which has no love at all for its end of license users, which it regards as nothing more than brainless, non technically minded, cash cows, to be exploited at every conceivable level, and at every conceivable opportunity?

    For the love of God ! do yourselves the greatest favour you have ever done in your life, and take a look at Linux Mint, Xubuntu, or any of the other mainstream Linux distributions. Get out of this demented slaughter house of an asylum called Windows, and give yourself some peace …… unless of course ……… you are a masochist !

    Here is a suggestion, use your Windows install for offline work only, and use Linux for Internet access, this way you get to keep your Windows 7 installation, and maintain its integrity well beyond its end of life. In the meantime, Linux provides you with a better than fully compatible method, of using the internet !

    Sound good ?

    Thanks for your attention,

    Peter Newton [London UK]

    1. Anonymous said on July 29, 2019 at 2:50 pm
      Reply

      I tried various Linux distros, I can’t embrace an OS that does not remember Window positions.
      It seems that the OS thinks apps should remember it, and apps think the OS should remember it. Doh!

  12. TelV said on July 15, 2019 at 12:40 pm
    Reply

    A somewhat amusing, but potentially disturbing article on mspoweruser.com indicates that US voting machines will still be using Windows 7 come the 2020 election: https://mspoweruser.com/in-2020-your-voting-machine-will-likely-run-windows-7/

    Will foreign hackers get in on the act again to ensure Trump gets re-elected?

    1. lux said on July 15, 2019 at 9:41 pm
      Reply

      “Please leave politics and religion out of discussions”

      Is this optional? Or do people not read?

    2. lux said on July 15, 2019 at 9:26 pm
      Reply

      Muller and A.G Barr. Debunked your Russian collusion conspiracy theory.
      Have a nice day.

  13. Alexei said on July 14, 2019 at 8:53 am
    Reply

    After every updates Windows OS turns into a poisonous Cobra.

    The best practice is to DISABLE all the Windows [Updates, Firewall + Antivirus] and Install 3rd party open source Firewall apps.

    Never forget to clear all the .log and .etl files on a daily basis.
    Windows creates umpteen number of log files (.etl) for ‘SleepStudy’, when your PC is in sleep mode.

    Also install Portable applications instead of regular apps.
    You can tame the ‘Cobra’ and regain your Privacy. The Privacy Enthusiasts [Including Researchers] all over the world must provide robust solutions to ‘Castrate’ privacy threatening options in Windows OS.

    Cheers…!

  14. Peterc said on July 14, 2019 at 12:18 am
    Reply

    Well, I run WPD (Windows Privacy Dashboard) after *every* Microsoft update, and I caught and disabled these two items pretty much *immediately* after installing the July 2019 Patch Tuesday “security-only” updates. A couple/few hours later, my computer blue-screened (a very rare occurrence on this computer), but I recovered from it and examined the minidump file, and it seems like it was just a *very suspiciously timed* random fluke. At least I *hope* it was!

  15. kalmly said on July 13, 2019 at 8:27 pm
    Reply

    I long ago blocked updates to my perfectly running Win7 machine. Then in a moment of stupidity, I allowed myself to be worried into installing this update.

    Can’t I just uninstall the evil thing?

  16. jan said on July 13, 2019 at 5:43 pm
    Reply

    No problem here for the last 12 months or so. I do not update W7 and I do not have the aggravation and high blood pressure symptoms of my fellow W7 users.

  17. sheepdog said on July 12, 2019 at 10:59 pm
    Reply

    Note this little detail well with any version of Windows above Windows 7 for older generations of tech: At the very minimum memory speed requirements (in order to keep up with the OS services demands of a 32-Bit [x86] or 64-bit [x64] system), when tested using a DOS boot CD program like MemTest, you will require a result of:

    Windows 8.1 and up (using up ALL available memory RAM slots):-
    x86 OS: => 12000 MB/s – 17000 MB/s (the higher the speed, the better it performs) with Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Athlon Dual/Quad-Core series CPUs above 2 GHz CPU speed.
    x64 OS: => 17500 MB/s (and preferably with a Core i7 CPU or higher, else an AMD Phenom Six-Core CPU or higher).

    The minimum memory modules speed design is DDR3-10600U (1333MHz) for 32-Bit (x86) and DDR3-12800U (1600MHz) for 64-Bit (x64) OS versions of Windows 8.1 . * (see NOTE)
    DDR4 or higher design technologies is recommended for today’s latest versions of Windows 10 (and all the bugs therein).

    And, please don’t overclock to compensate slow performance, else the memory controller AND highly likely the CPU L3 cache will burn out (especially with AMD technology). You will tell this has happened when your test speeds are around => 2000MB/s, and they don’t improve with exchanging RAM for faster or higher rank (BOTH RAM modules at Single 1Rx[8,16] for BOTH RAM modules at DUAL rank memory 2Rx[8,16]).

    Of course, a modern SATA-III magnetic (preferably NOT an AF Advanced Format for older tech or for 32-Bit OSes) or SSD hard drive contributes good read/write speed and memory synchronization also.

    * – NOTE: By now, with all the software and hardware mitigations against the Meltdown, Spectre, Foreshadow, MDS and RIDL intrusion vulnerabilities, consumers will find that in most cases only 2 companies are really providing BIOS firmware mitigations for most of their desktop/notebook products that have Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 drivers support (with Intel technologies retailed at or after 2012, or minimum Intel LGA1150 CPUs upward): HP, and DELL.

  18. Sophie said on July 12, 2019 at 2:08 pm
    Reply

    Well, I might be unusual….but I am still running totally virgin Win7 (straight out of the retail box DVD, circa 2009) with not a single update, and not even a service pack…..just as it was minted.

    Only thing is, I have this in a Virtual Machine, so I can just roll back if any issues….but it works like a dream, and I’ve not had a single issue in more than two years.

    No thanks Microsoft……I like my Win7 back to the days of innocence!

  19. Anonymous said on July 12, 2019 at 4:02 am
    Reply

    Haven’t updated Windows 7 since 2014 and never update Windows 10. Life is good.

    1. Bareuh said on July 12, 2019 at 10:15 am
      Reply

      2013 here so years before my pc even existed. It is good indeed.

      1. Bareuh said on July 12, 2019 at 10:18 am
        Reply

        I built the ISO with updates included untill 2013. It’s a popular option among my kin and friends.

  20. Gabriele said on July 12, 2019 at 12:44 am
    Reply

    I have spended about 2 hours of my life to remove this virus from Microsoft in my personal computer. Fully deleted all related registry entries and a lot of libraries (including evtx logs and many more…) in the system directories. From what i can remember, this is the second time that they install malware in my personal computer, i hope that their insanity now are satisfied for at least one year.

  21. AnorKnee Merce said on July 11, 2019 at 11:34 pm
    Reply

    M$ is damm sneaky.

    Remember M$’s aggressive and sneaky GWX KB3035583 in 2015/2016.?
    Remember M$’s persistent and sneaky KB2952664 Telemetry update.?
    Remember M$’s processor-blocking updates in the March 2017 Patch Rollup that blocked Win 7/8.1 computers running 7th-gen processors from receiving updates.?
    Remember M$’s persistent KB4023057 that unblocked Win 10 computers that have Windows Update blocked by users via Registry settings or disabling of Windows services, so that M$ could force auto-upgrade them.?

  22. AnorKnee Merce said on July 11, 2019 at 11:24 pm
    Reply

    Fyi, KB2952664 or Telemetry update has been around in one version or another since April 2014, ie well before the release of Win 10 in July 2015. Once KB2952664 is installed, M$ has made it quite difficult to uninstall it. = M$’s spyware for the NSA.?

  23. Keith Erickson said on July 11, 2019 at 11:14 pm
    Reply

    When I did the update my computer crashed and now won’t even load the OS. Master Boot file must be corrupted. This was a dual boot machine that could run XP. Real bummer.

  24. Stan said on July 11, 2019 at 10:06 pm
    Reply

    “How is it inferior?”

    Obviously you’ve never used Linux have you Timmy.
    If you had you wouldn’t have to ask.

  25. Tim said on July 11, 2019 at 8:10 pm
    Reply

    GOOD! Get em.

    Given the flawless track record they have with the alleged “invasive” data they collect, the only people that really worry about this are sickos or deluded Linux fanboys who cant see that its just not working out for them. 30 years now? 40? 50!? Still no Linux aww

  26. stefann said on July 11, 2019 at 7:56 pm
    Reply

    Stubbornly sticking with Windows 10 is not wise, your putting yourself at risk…… Windows 10 has so many bugs and leaks that it is even easier to hack than Windows XP ever was !

    1. Sophie said on July 12, 2019 at 2:10 pm
      Reply

      I’m no Microsoft fan, let me say that….but your comment Stefann, sounds like it really needs data to back it up!!!

  27. Jeff said on July 11, 2019 at 7:32 pm
    Reply

    It’s old news that they are DESPERATE to get everyone to Windows 10 as they know that’s one way they can enforce updates perpetually. Microsoft jumped the shark ages ago. People accepted the crap they do. You can now use Linux or tolerate their nonsense. You can’t fight it – it’s too late. When people had the power, they chose to “upgrade” to inferior operating systems anyway.

    1. Sophie said on July 12, 2019 at 2:11 pm
      Reply

      Never got on with Linux (Mint only), but my Win10 box is very carefully set up, no updates allowed, and works like a dream. I would be very depressed to use Linux instead of what I’ve got, from what I’ve seen.

      1. Amonynoose said on July 13, 2019 at 7:56 pm
        Reply

        Mint is a very good beginner distro, as it comes with a lot of preloaded essentials, like flatpak support, synaptic, a very windows friendly desktop with preset shortcuts and relatively lightweight load, but it really has the depth of a puddle, while cinnamon has made great strides recently, it still lags far behind Plasma/Gnome and some other less customizable but more efficient desktops.

        The applet system is half broken WHEN it works, lacks a lot of polish and has poor integration with Qt applications, missing a lot of system settings, like in-depth notification controls, gamma settings (can be done through a sketchy applet).

        The official repository is almost a ghost town, with only very few apps working with the latest stables. Thankfully flatpak can solve most of the problems, at the cost of performance.

        And don’t even get me started on Nemo, it works, except when it doesn’t, like the anemic cousin of KDE’s Dolphin.

        Old kernels… yadda, yadda…

        It’s like the windows home of distros.

    2. Iron Heart said on July 11, 2019 at 8:54 pm
      Reply

      There‘s also Mac. Works even better than Windows and Linux.

    3. Tim said on July 11, 2019 at 8:07 pm
      Reply

      How is it inferior?

      1. Jody Thornton said on July 12, 2019 at 12:55 am
        Reply

        Well the forced/deferred updates blow out a lot of user customization each time. There have been severe driver issues between updates. Those aren’t “imagined” problems.

  28. Yuliya said on July 11, 2019 at 6:53 pm
    Reply

    Good thing I use Simplix Update Pack then (; I didn’t touch Win Update since like 2016.

  29. CharlieBonz said on July 11, 2019 at 6:26 pm
    Reply

    Linux still identifies as an OS, not “a service”. Therefore, when upgrades are available you are asked if you want to accept said upgrade. It is not forced on you and it doesn’t sneakily run in the background unknown to you. I currently dual boot using Linux for all things online/connected and enjoy far better security. I keep Win10 as a backup for games that don’t run on Linux (yet).

    Switching to Linux has alleviated much of my frustration and distrust that I had using Win10 only. As I grow in experience using Linux, I foresee ditching Windows altogether for home use.

    Linux is the answer.

    1. Iron Heart said on July 11, 2019 at 8:58 pm
      Reply

      If you need any professional software, macOS is the only viable Windows alternative.

      1. lux said on July 15, 2019 at 9:23 pm
        Reply

        disagree

  30. Anonymous said on July 11, 2019 at 6:24 pm
    Reply

    Linux still identifies as an OS, not “a service”. Therefore, when upgrades are available you are asked if you want to accept said upgrade. It is not forced on you and it doesn’t sneakily run in the background unknown to you. I currently dual boot using Linux for all things online/connected and enjoy far better security. I keep Win10 as a backup for games that don’t run on Linux (yet).

    Switching to Linux has alleviated much of my frustration and distrust that I had using Win10 only. As I grow in experience using Linux, I foresee ditching Windows altogether for home use.

    Linux is the answer.

    1. John Fenderson said on July 11, 2019 at 9:42 pm
      Reply

      @Anonymous:

      Welcome! I ditched Windows in favor of Linux for home use about 20 years ago, and have never regretted that decision.

  31. ITAdmin_HealthcareSector said on July 11, 2019 at 6:22 pm
    Reply

    The people complaining about Privacy on Windows 10 obviously don’t work in Healthcare where even Microsoft is liable for HIPAA Compliance.

    1. John Fenderson said on July 11, 2019 at 9:40 pm
      Reply

      @ITAdmin_HealthcareSector:

      That doesn’t mean much. HIPAA applies to pretty specific data, and being HIPAA compliant doesn’t imply that there isn’t collection of nonmedical data.

  32. Chinatown said on July 11, 2019 at 6:09 pm
    Reply

    -Since support for windows 7 is ending-

    Embedded POSReady 7 will continue to get updates till late 2021, these updates are compatible with the regular windows 7 SKU’s, not to mention the Windows 7 extended security updates for the enterprise customers till 2023. as always happens all these updates would leak.
    so the support for windows 7 is ending applies only for the uninformed masses and those affected by microsoft’s fearmongering campaign to push even more ppl to their telemetry OS called Windows 10.

  33. jern said on July 11, 2019 at 6:08 pm
    Reply

    Ed Bott is why I come to ghacks for info.

  34. Bobo said on July 11, 2019 at 5:57 pm
    Reply

    Maybe it’s a FEATURE? Or maybe we’re all just holding our computers wrong? I for one refuse to believe that Microsoft would ever lie or cheat in any shape or form.

  35. Anonymous said on July 11, 2019 at 5:56 pm
    Reply

    In order not to be harangued by MS, i went into services.msc on my Win 7 Pro and disabled Windows Update. When I rebooted the computer, I got an error message in the lower right saying “This is not a genuine version of Windows”. I had to re-enable Windows Update for the message to disappear.

    Microsoft is such an a-hole.

  36. pHROZEN gHOST said on July 11, 2019 at 5:40 pm
    Reply

    Everyone gonna migrate to Windows 3.1 or DOS 6.22 or CP/M.

    1. lux said on July 15, 2019 at 9:22 pm
      Reply

      Linux

    2. John Fenderson said on July 11, 2019 at 9:37 pm
      Reply

      @pHROZEN gHOST

      I still use CP/M. :)

    3. Marti Martz said on July 11, 2019 at 8:42 pm
      Reply

      Windows 3.11 WFW with the TCP/IP stack Rulez! ;)

  37. Dave said on July 11, 2019 at 5:21 pm
    Reply

    Since support for windows 7 is ending, not upgrading to windows 10 would be a security issue.

    Stubbornly sticking with 7 is not wise, your putting yourself at risk. Switch to linux if you don’t want win 10, but do something.

    1. SpywareFan said on July 11, 2019 at 6:32 pm
      Reply

      Tell me wich distro runs professional SW, have a professional and easy configurable AV/FW/HIPS and drivers with full support of Quadro cards (adaptive fan speed included) and I switch to linux istantaneously.

      Win10 is a no-go, I’m not interested in buying unstable bloat-crap-spyware, W10 probably is the worst inoperative system ever built.
      So, when using Win7 will be a security issue maybe I switch… Profession!

      1. Amonynoose said on July 13, 2019 at 7:16 pm
        Reply

        Hardware compatibility is a bitch, maybe someone supports/will support it. For software, if you are not braindead you won’t really need an AV, the rest of the software you’ll have to either switch your workflow completely to an opensource variant, emulate it, or whip up your own.
        The best bet for a transition would be to take some laptop or tablet you use for recreation and try distros there, get the hang of how things work, but it sounds like you are a hard case for switching. Container technology is evolving fast, maybe in the upcoming years you’ll be able to emulate stuff seamlessly. Maybe dual boot?

      2. SpywareFan said on July 14, 2019 at 10:10 am
        Reply

        No, we need a powerfull AV for scan e-mail attachments and downloaded files before they’re forwarded, we need an interactive firewall to block data theft by telemetry madness of sw developers and malware deployers.
        There are no open source alternatives to software that is used to feed expensive cnc machines, there’s no way to emulate it since it requires direct hardware access. Funniest thing is that cad-cam sw were orginally developed for unix os (irix), but the hw/sw costs made the switch to win mandatory.
        I’ve tested almost every distro and found them to be good only for little browsing (accepting the risks of browser developers faults/data gathering) and simple multimedia tasks, also wine is a good thing for running xp era stuff… But I need a stable, fully functional and powerfull os, not an actually inferior alternative (linux) or a trojan (w10).
        I’ve had great hopes for linux, but one day I become tired of wasting time in issues and relized that hopes don’t fill the belly.

      3. Kommenter said on July 17, 2019 at 10:26 am
        Reply

        Your case is very complicated, you’d have to either pay a team of developers to fix you a nix solution or you’ll have to end up transitioning to windows 10 and keep plugging the holes. Rock and a hard place.

    2. jern said on July 11, 2019 at 6:10 pm
      Reply

      @Dave

      Thanks Dave, we’ll keep that in mind.

    3. Peter Freeman said on July 11, 2019 at 6:03 pm
      Reply

      Many commercial systems are version dependent, so upgrading or changing OS is not an option. Its all about money, not choices.

    4. pHROZEN gHOST said on July 11, 2019 at 5:42 pm
      Reply

      Those people who stick with old OSes have tin foil hats. They will be fine even in a lightening storm.

  38. w7forever said on July 11, 2019 at 4:34 pm
    Reply

    ‘There is’ the 3 golden rules:

    -NEVER update Windows 7.

    -NEVER downgrade to Windows 10 if you care about your private data.

    -Use Linux.

    With this, you’ll be ok-ish for some time.

    1. Tim said on July 11, 2019 at 7:06 pm
      Reply

      Id rather die than use Linux everyday.

      Considering they have never, once, ever been in trouble with anything telemetry wise, in the history of the world. Again, not one time.

      Maybe focus on the things YOU DO that are illegal? The things that you are so worried about keeping private. Because again, given their flawless track record, its obvious you are worried about something else.

      1. lux said on July 15, 2019 at 9:19 pm
        Reply

        LOL. Ever hear of the Prism surveillance program?
        Or the vast amount of data M$ gives to the NSA?

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PRISM_%28surveillance_program%29

      2. Anon said on July 15, 2019 at 9:02 am
        Reply

        @Tim It’s like saying you don’t care about freedom of speech, because you have nothing to say. We get it, you’re ignorant, but a lot of people aren’t.

      3. w7forever said on July 12, 2019 at 8:34 am
        Reply

        Tim, do you work for MIcrosoft or FBI/CIA/NSA?

        Because you surely sound like one. Same toxic speach and agressive behaviour. Contributing with nothing to the thread.

        For your info:
        I do software on daily bassis, you wont believe how much telemetry they ask me to put in the shit i do. Even the keys you press are stored.

        Have nice ‘life’.

      4. ddk said on July 12, 2019 at 1:54 am
        Reply

        “Id rather die than use Linux everyday.”

        Me too but for different reasons,

        Bugs
        Instability
        Awful themes
        Clunky, unpolished, amateur feel of the OS (all of them)
        Old obsolete display server which is a security hazard (routinely takes screenshots without user knowledge). New Wayland display is broken or unfinished, not ready for stable use. (after 10 years of development)!!!

      5. Amonynoose said on July 13, 2019 at 7:06 pm
        Reply

        When did you try those, years ago? These days the top desktop environments are prettier, more functional and stable than that windows metro abomination ever will. The best distros have most software bases covered for general use, unless you need a specific specialized software or want to play games, and even the game gap is being closed as of late.

        So, I don’t know about Xorg taking screenshots, and you are right about Wayland, but again, for general use, lightyears better. The introduction curve is the real problem, I am a year in and still learning.

      6. Jody Thornton said on July 12, 2019 at 12:52 am
        Reply

        You sound as though you’re one of those people who think, “If you’re not doing anything wrong, then who cares what people see?” So you don’t relish “Privacy”? It’s not as though you have to be doing something wrong to have privacy.

      7. Mike Johansen said on July 11, 2019 at 10:32 pm
        Reply

        I hate to be an asshole, but please lick that boot a little harder friend, big daddy government has never done immoral things to citizens and Microsoft also definitely deserve to snoop on all your data on a operating system, you paid for, it’s only right.

        Yeah, data privacy is definitely only something criminals should be concerned with. /s

      8. Michael D. said on July 12, 2019 at 9:13 am
        Reply

        Mike stop apologizing for having a modicum of common sense.

      9. Anonymous said on July 11, 2019 at 10:16 pm
        Reply

        Tim: “Maybe focus on the things YOU DO that are illegal? The things that you are so worried about keeping private. Because again, given their flawless track record, its obvious you are worried about something else.”

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PRISM_(surveillance_program)#/media/File:PRISM_Collection_Details.jpg

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_to_hide_argument

        Goebbels: “You have nothing to fear, if you have nothing to hide.”

      10. JW said on July 11, 2019 at 9:45 pm
        Reply

        “The primary reason for window curtains in our house, is to stop people from being able to see in. The reason we don’t want them to see in is because we consider much of what we do inside our homes to be private. Whether that be having dinner at the table, watching a movie with your kids, or even engaging in intimate or sexual acts with your partner. None of these things are illegal by any means but even knowing this, we still keep the curtains and blinds on our windows. We clearly have this strong desire for privacy when it comes to our personal life and the public.”

      11. nona said on July 11, 2019 at 9:37 pm
        Reply

        Eye Roll

      12. John Fenderson said on July 11, 2019 at 9:36 pm
        Reply

        @Tim:

        The idea that the only reason that someone would want to avoid surveillance is because they’re up to no good is just pure nonsense.

        How “flawless” the spy may be in terms of handling the data they collect is also irrelevant to the issue.

      13. Emanon said on July 11, 2019 at 8:49 pm
        Reply

        Is funny, cause the majorly of software gathers telemetry, Microsoft is not gathering any personal data contrary to popular believe.

        What’s even more hilarious, is the majorly of people who whine about the telemetry use Facebook and Google Services, and those two, do gather personal data.

      14. test said on July 12, 2019 at 9:00 am
        Reply

        If people want to know, i dont even have a facebook/google/wasting time account.
        Also i dont have zombie/head down friends.

        To avoid google use Duckduckgo for your ‘illegal’ activities .lol
        Is watching porn considered, illegal. You may askTim, he really wants to know what fetish do you have. :)

        I use google only for tech stuff.

  39. Michael said on July 11, 2019 at 4:03 pm
    Reply

    I don’t know if it’s related since I’m on Win10, but yesterday I connected through a different WiFi. In the background, without any noticeable speed loss, Win10 was d/l’ing updates. Almost filled up my little hard drive, only 2GB left – maybe not even enough room to finish the update. I deleted the largest folder that was added, and reset next scheduled update in the registry to 10 years later, and set the new WiFi to metered. Don’t know if that is enough (haven’t rebooted yet). I might not only lose the upgrade battle, I might lose the whole OS. This is absolutely nuts to me, who remembers how such things were handled in times gone by.

  40. 420 said on July 11, 2019 at 3:08 pm
    Reply

    the shit this company does should be criminal.

    1. lux said on July 15, 2019 at 9:17 pm
      Reply

      It should be. Simply switch to Linux and be done with the dumpster fire.

    2. Tim said on July 11, 2019 at 7:02 pm
      Reply

      Why?

      1. Amonynoose said on July 13, 2019 at 6:45 pm
        Reply

        Because.

    3. Anonymous said on July 11, 2019 at 7:01 pm
      Reply

      Why?

  41. Bartholomie said on July 11, 2019 at 2:53 pm
    Reply

    Forgot to mention that for those who don’t want to upgrade (downgrade) to Windows 10 they need to re-disable the upgrade from the Never10 app because, you guessed it right, it was enabled again.

    https://www.ghacks.net/2016/03/25/never-10-prevent-windows-10-upgrades/

  42. Bartholomie said on July 11, 2019 at 2:28 pm
    Reply

    >Did Microsoft just drop the Telemetry bomb on Windows 7 users without telling anyone?

    Yes, I can confirm that’s exactly what sly miscrosoft just did.

    Today i opened Windows privacy dashboard app on my windows 7 box and to my surprise the Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser & Program Data Updater was there and enabled

    Here’s the proof
    https://imgur.com/4wrltON

    And people still wonder why we still don’t trust microsoft

    1. dark said on July 12, 2019 at 8:33 am
      Reply

      Always install Simplewall on Windoze 10 so you can force Windoze 10 to ask your permission to access the internet. Only the apps you allow can access internet.

      Install and configure Simplewall:

      https://github.com/henrypp/simplewall

    2. sheepdog said on July 11, 2019 at 10:35 pm
      Reply

      Yep, it was also executed with the Security Monthly Quality Rollup (KB4507449).

      To turn them off, get hold of Windows Privacy Tweaker v3.0.2 .

      The only services that can remain on are:

      Microsoft Smartscreen (for Internet Explorer 8/11)
      Consumer Experience Improvement Program (for Windows Defender)
      WinSAT
      * SensrSvc Ambient Light Sensor (ONLY when your computer has a web cam, or intends it for future use)
      * bthserv Bluetooth service (ONLY when your computer has it, or intends it for future use)

      * – Selective, yet these services may also be privacy flaws.

      Find it here:
      https://www.phrozen.io/freeware/windows-privacy-tweaker/

      By now, Windows 10 upgrade option should be disabled. The most effective tool is GRC Gibson’s Never10 app.

      Find it here:
      https://www.grc.com/never10.htm

      Above all, make sure you DON’T have these Windows 10 upgrade pre-requisites already installed on your Windows 7 computer:

      KB2952664 (Compatibility With W8 – W8-1 – W10)
      KB3021917 (Telemetry – Performance Diagnostics)
      KB3068708 (Telemetry – Tracking)
      KB3080149 (Telemetry – Customer Experience)
      KB3118401 (Universal C Runtime)
      KB3150513 (Compatibility Diagnostics With KB2952664)

      Hope this helps.

      1. v1adimir said on September 5, 2019 at 7:08 am
        Reply

        It does help, great links!.. Also check out the website (app): wpd.app

      2. Tech-ChallengedGGma said on July 12, 2019 at 9:06 pm
        Reply

        @sheepdog…

        Okay, went to Never10, it says that M$ has software to deal with GWX, which I have had since the fiasco forced “upgrades” to WIN10. The M$ site says I have to download updates to uninstall GWX. Won’t that just be more junk from M$ that I cannot uninstall? Did get Never10 and did not click on the Enable Windows10 button…hopefully it’s working in the background now.

        Then, there’s nothing we can do to uninstall any of those “upgrades” so isn’t this all moot? Am tech-challenged and very uncomfortable messing around in the Registry, so that leaves me with dread that at any time M$ can just “upgrade” me to Win10 and can’t do anything about it…considering downloading Linux to USB…this all gets me a bit confused.

  43. no said on July 11, 2019 at 2:26 pm
    Reply

    This must be like the “oops” where Firefox all of a sudden works worse on Youtb.

    1. yes said on July 13, 2019 at 6:43 pm
      Reply

      Or the “oops” where Firefox introduced telemetry without consent while claiming to be a paragon of privacy.

      Or the “oops” where companies got caught spying with home appliances with microphones.

      Or, or…

      1. v1adimir said on September 5, 2019 at 7:06 am
        Reply

        Pretty crazy, right… Slowly, slowly, wearing people down where they won’t “care” any longer – whether they’re being monitored, or recorded.

        Sometimes it pays to live in the “developing world” where this kind of tech will still take some years to arrive…

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