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Let’s talk about malware.
Using the discussion from wikipedia, malware is any software used to disrupt computer operations, gather sensitive information, gain access to private computer systems, or display unwanted advertising. Malware might be stealthy, intended to steal information or spy on computer users for an extended period without their knowledge. Programs designed to monitor users’ web browsing, display unsolicited advertisements, or redirect affiliate marketing revenues are called spyware. Spyware programs do not spread like viruses; instead they are generally installed by exploiting security holes. They can also be hidden and packaged together with unrelated user-installed software.
No new revelations in that description. Except that Windows 10 fits the definition to a tee.
The design of tricking people into updating to Windows 10 by stealth is, by just about any definition, acting the same as malware.
Identifying the Windows 10 nagging and stealth updating as malware is appropriate. Many users replied “No” that they do not want to update, yet their replies were ignored.
Possibly you have been snookered into updating your computers to Windows 10. Do not feel bad, millions of other people have been snookered too. Most users lack the technical skills to prevent the update. The Microsoft folks are well aware of this disadvantage and have been ruthless, some say malicious into tricking people into updating.
Perhaps you have not yet been snookered into updating but are continually being nagged to do so.
Perhaps you have older hardware that is not supported by Windows 10, you are concerned about the remaining lifetime of the Windows system you are using, and you do not want to spend money on a new computer.
There are legitimate reasons not to update to Windows 10, such as needing to run specialty, vertical, or legacy software that is not supported in Windows 10. Or using older hardware that has no driver support in Windows 10. Mission critical operations that cannot be interrupted by a full operating system update. The concern for the various forms of telemetry and loss of privacy introduced in Windows 10.
At its very core Windows 10 is a data mining operating system continually sending information to Microsoft servers as well as irritating users with advertising right on the desktop. The default settings of Windows 10 uses peer-to-peer networking to keep systems around the globe updated, which significantly increases bandwidth usage.
Do not be fooled. If you are using Windows 7, 8, or 8.1, for the past year the Microsoft folks have been determined to update your system to Windows 10. What you think, what you want, what you feel is irrelevant.
Citing a famous Star Trek episode, for most people resistance is futile. The web is full of stories of people who have been rudely interrupted in important computer work with a popup notice that Windows 10 is being installed. The massive amount of data that is downloaded to update Windows 10 has caught many people unprepared with exceeding bandwidth usage caps. Similarly, the default Windows 10 configuration to use peer-to-peer network sharing has caused many people to exceed bandwidth usage caps. Even when a Windows 10 computer is not being used and is idling, the network traffic generated is almost beyond belief.
Windows 10 might be free but has proven to be expensive for many people.
While Windows 10 might seem harmless to some users, the new operating system is designed with data mining at the core. The Microsoft folks want a cut of the pie now owned significantly by the Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple (GAFA) folks. The GAFA businesses are fueled by data mining, selling customer information, and advertising.
Welcome to the 21st century. You are the product. Data mining will get a lot worse before — if ever — getting better. Feudalism is alive and well. You are the servant. You do not own software — you lease usage. You are free to use the software as long as you provide the masters and landlords what they want — personal and private information.
So much for lamenting. The question for many people is what to do?
There are ways to avoid an unwanted Windows 10 update. Technical skills are required, but nothing dramatic. Just add some nominal elbow grease and determination.
For those who failed to elude Windows 10, knowing how to configure Windows 10 is important. There are ways to tame Windows 10 and ways to disable a significant amount — but not all — of the privacy invasions.
What about folks who have had enough of the shenanigans and want to escape the Microsoft ecosystem entirely? Replacing Windows is possible. As might be expected each choice has unique caveats.
Android tablets and Chromebooks. Both are Google products. Google is part of GAFA. The Google folks are front-runners and experts at data mining. Always remember that Google is not a search engine but an advertising company. Android is the operating system used on most smart phones. Both Android tablets and Chromebooks are cloud-centric devices with data mining at the core. Cloud-centric means user data is stored outside the device. That means when a cloud-based service is terminated then all respective apps stop working. “Sunsetting” cloud software is a common occurrence, something known as bit rot or software rot. Another caveat is planned obsolescence. Recently there was an announcement that the first generation Chromebooks — only five years old — will reach end-of-life support. That means no security updates and eventually apps will stop working. Most folks lack the technical skills to modify or “root” these devices. The devices basically become door stops.
Apple products include Mac desktop computers and iPad tablets. Apple is part of GAFA. Apple products are expensive. Apple products are designed with what many computer people call a walled garden. That is, superficially the software might seem to “just work,” which is a fallacy, but there also is no escape. Much like the Hotel California, “You can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave.” Users are not just discouraged from making changes to the system, but are prevented. The design of Apple hardware is intended to prevent users from exploring or repairing. Users are expected to pay high fees for repairs or buy replacements.
Linux is a good choice for many people. The very nature of free/libre software means data mining and spying is unlikely and difficult. Overall security tends to be better than Windows. Linux often better supports aging hardware. A primary caveat is a lack of direct support for certain vertical software apps. Examples include Quicken and QuickBooks, AutoCAD for professionals and engineers, tax software, Skype, fillable PDF forms, and some online multi-player gaming. That said, many people do not use vertical apps. For those who do, with modern hardware Windows can be run inside a virtual machine, which is a method of running a computer inside a computer. The Fast-Air demo computer uses this technology. While there are migration options for Quicken and Quickbooks, such as GnuCash, running a virtual machine is a palatable option for many people. Linux might be an option for some people using older Chromebooks too. The Fast-Air demo computer uses Linux as do most of the Fast-Air servers. Feel welcome to stop by the office and browse the demo system.
Let’s not whitewash this. With the way Windows 10 has been installed on many people’s computers, the Microsoft folks crossed the line of expected ethical and moral behavior. The Microsoft folks used the security and bug updating mechanism to trick people into installing a different operating system, one in which many never agreed to use and were not fully informed about. All human relationships are based on trust. Because of the way in which Windows 10 updates have been implemented, many people no longer trust the Microsoft folks.
Browsing the web indicates people are mad about the stealth and forced updates. At least one person sued and won damages. The real point is not whether Windows 10 is an improved operating system, which is debatable. The real point is the malware like and bullying behavior, not to forget the privacy invasive nature of a data mining operating system.
The good news for those who have survived thus far is the trickery is supposed to end July 29 when the one year offer expires to update for free. Until then the nag notices have been revamped somewhat.
More next issue about Windows 10 technical solutions.
Technical trivia: Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, is launched into orbit on October 4, 1957. The idea of human geosynchronous communication satellites was proposed and promoted by Arthur C. Clarke in 1945.
Next issue: Taming Windows 10.
What if other planets were as close as the moon?
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