https://lounge.forum/ Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:17:15 +0000 MyBB https://lounge.forum/showthread.php?tid=57 Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:21:34 +0000 BoxPressured]]> https://lounge.forum/showthread.php?tid=57
It's one of the applications that has been used most worldwide and on daily basis, but not allowing basic functionality or not having any alternatives was everyone's pain. Being hit with "Pro version" ad, or taking forever to open a single page, or glitching out because AI is initialising in the background.

By far the best alternative I found is Stirling PDF - https://stirling.com/

They do have "Pro" and "Enterprise" versions, but you get 60+ PDF tools for Free. On top of that it loads faster than Adobe PDF due to reduced bloat.

If you want an app for your phone - ReadEra. Although made for books, it loads PDFs on your phone without ads and very quickly, just like Stirling PDF.

I must also warn, Stirling PDF is not great on phones yet. When opening PDFs in non-standard size it takes long to open, and zoom doesn't work correctly as of date.

So these are great alternatives that I've been using that have absolutely no compromises, instead giving you tools that you haven't used yet if you never wanted to subscribe to $12.99 to be able to rotate a page twice a year.]]>
It's one of the applications that has been used most worldwide and on daily basis, but not allowing basic functionality or not having any alternatives was everyone's pain. Being hit with "Pro version" ad, or taking forever to open a single page, or glitching out because AI is initialising in the background.

By far the best alternative I found is Stirling PDF - https://stirling.com/

They do have "Pro" and "Enterprise" versions, but you get 60+ PDF tools for Free. On top of that it loads faster than Adobe PDF due to reduced bloat.

If you want an app for your phone - ReadEra. Although made for books, it loads PDFs on your phone without ads and very quickly, just like Stirling PDF.

I must also warn, Stirling PDF is not great on phones yet. When opening PDFs in non-standard size it takes long to open, and zoom doesn't work correctly as of date.

So these are great alternatives that I've been using that have absolutely no compromises, instead giving you tools that you haven't used yet if you never wanted to subscribe to $12.99 to be able to rotate a page twice a year.]]> https://lounge.forum/showthread.php?tid=56 Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:08:15 +0000 BoxPressured]]> https://lounge.forum/showthread.php?tid=56
When you have the USB ready, there's also a basic checklist to unWindows yourself.

• Backup your C:\ drive
  
• Download Rufus to "burn" image to USB stick (At least 8GB): https://rufus.ie/en/#download
  
• Download Zorin OS: https://zorin.com/os/download/
  
• Write Zorin OS to the USB stick
  
• Check for your motherboard's "BIOS Boot selector key" that will allow you to select the USB to boot from
  
• You may need to re-select your "boot storage device" after Zorin OS is installed, just keep that in mind if you get "No bootable device found" after your install it.
  

Some of the issues encountered:

1. In Windows power settings, make sure to uncheck "Turn on fast startup" - Windows locks drive C:\ when shutting down and may prevent new OS installation
   
2. If on older hardware, sometimes Windows was working with IDE storage configuration, make sure to set BIOS storage to AHCI just so that you're running storage at it's full potential
   
3. Reset overclocking to stock clock speed - Linux is less stable with overclocking and may freeze due to voltage spikes or bad voltage config
   

All things considered, one only other issue is Linux may require you to select a driver for your graphics card. Due to Linux still adapting to new hardware, you may need to play around with what works. You may even reinstall the operating system to retry something.

So far after the upgrade, my system is running smooth, but knowing Linux it's best to have a backup solution.

Things to also consider:

• Zorin OS has a "Software" app that has extensive list of apps that can be installed
  
• LibreOffice is preinstalled, but may look into installing OpenOffice
  
• Download the IDEs, Thunderbird, Steam to get going
  

For the most part software alternatives are already made to work on Linux, and it's nice to see Memory usage at 14% instead of 50% just to idle with 24GB of memory.

If you encounter an issue with freezing, make sure to first try - hold ALT+PrtScn while pressing individual keys R+E+I+S+U+B. The key presses are separate instructions that store, terminate and prepare the system for safe restart.

Often if that doesn't work, your option is likely only to press the reboot button to carry on doing what you need to do.

After getting through the hurdles, I'm glad to have a functioning alternative to Windows and not having to be a lab rat for it's new updates and never ending decisions how to screw you over without giving you any choice.

You won't know if you will be recorded by a ghost "Recall", if your files will be trained on by their AI, or if Copilot comes back to haunt your rented office suite, or files will be copied to OneDrive without your explicit permission, or make you sign in into MS account for any reason even just to boot up your PC first time. They've been looking how to disable local account for a while, which is a big no-no to IT community. It's a big violation of privacy to play with user's data as they please. Also they easily comply with regulations that ask for ID verification/face scan/biometrics planned in the future. It's just too far, and too much to be considered normal.

Old outlook is also to be phased out by 2029, while I'm sure Thunderbird is picking up on the black hole Microsoft is creating.

Another notable thing that comes to mind about Linux, is the speed. It may not be noticeable at times, but some sites will load in fraction of the time. While their "Software" app seems to lag a bit as they don't take advantage of redistributing installers using other people's computers like Windows.

All-in-all, linux can be fiddly and sometimes doesn't allow you to run software that you may need or used to in Windows. I'm hoping Linux will remain true to it's users with minimal bloat and everincreasing support by developers to allow users to have freedom of usage of their own hardware.

It turns out as a bit of "Windows hate", but most will agree that not knowing how your data is being misused and restricted is not a nice feeling.

With their K2 project, I think they will only debloat system, they're very unlikely to undo Copilot, Office subscriptions and Recall may get a new use. 

I'm sure Zorin OS will have it's struggles, especially as all Linux distros, sometimes to install or configure, you may use the terminal to dowload/install a package. But otherwise, it's a capable system worth giving a good shot.]]>
When you have the USB ready, there's also a basic checklist to unWindows yourself.

• Backup your C:\ drive
  
• Download Rufus to "burn" image to USB stick (At least 8GB): https://rufus.ie/en/#download
  
• Download Zorin OS: https://zorin.com/os/download/
  
• Write Zorin OS to the USB stick
  
• Check for your motherboard's "BIOS Boot selector key" that will allow you to select the USB to boot from
  
• You may need to re-select your "boot storage device" after Zorin OS is installed, just keep that in mind if you get "No bootable device found" after your install it.
  

Some of the issues encountered:

1. In Windows power settings, make sure to uncheck "Turn on fast startup" - Windows locks drive C:\ when shutting down and may prevent new OS installation
   
2. If on older hardware, sometimes Windows was working with IDE storage configuration, make sure to set BIOS storage to AHCI just so that you're running storage at it's full potential
   
3. Reset overclocking to stock clock speed - Linux is less stable with overclocking and may freeze due to voltage spikes or bad voltage config
   

All things considered, one only other issue is Linux may require you to select a driver for your graphics card. Due to Linux still adapting to new hardware, you may need to play around with what works. You may even reinstall the operating system to retry something.

So far after the upgrade, my system is running smooth, but knowing Linux it's best to have a backup solution.

Things to also consider:

• Zorin OS has a "Software" app that has extensive list of apps that can be installed
  
• LibreOffice is preinstalled, but may look into installing OpenOffice
  
• Download the IDEs, Thunderbird, Steam to get going
  

For the most part software alternatives are already made to work on Linux, and it's nice to see Memory usage at 14% instead of 50% just to idle with 24GB of memory.

If you encounter an issue with freezing, make sure to first try - hold ALT+PrtScn while pressing individual keys R+E+I+S+U+B. The key presses are separate instructions that store, terminate and prepare the system for safe restart.

Often if that doesn't work, your option is likely only to press the reboot button to carry on doing what you need to do.

After getting through the hurdles, I'm glad to have a functioning alternative to Windows and not having to be a lab rat for it's new updates and never ending decisions how to screw you over without giving you any choice.

You won't know if you will be recorded by a ghost "Recall", if your files will be trained on by their AI, or if Copilot comes back to haunt your rented office suite, or files will be copied to OneDrive without your explicit permission, or make you sign in into MS account for any reason even just to boot up your PC first time. They've been looking how to disable local account for a while, which is a big no-no to IT community. It's a big violation of privacy to play with user's data as they please. Also they easily comply with regulations that ask for ID verification/face scan/biometrics planned in the future. It's just too far, and too much to be considered normal.

Old outlook is also to be phased out by 2029, while I'm sure Thunderbird is picking up on the black hole Microsoft is creating.

Another notable thing that comes to mind about Linux, is the speed. It may not be noticeable at times, but some sites will load in fraction of the time. While their "Software" app seems to lag a bit as they don't take advantage of redistributing installers using other people's computers like Windows.

All-in-all, linux can be fiddly and sometimes doesn't allow you to run software that you may need or used to in Windows. I'm hoping Linux will remain true to it's users with minimal bloat and everincreasing support by developers to allow users to have freedom of usage of their own hardware.

It turns out as a bit of "Windows hate", but most will agree that not knowing how your data is being misused and restricted is not a nice feeling.

With their K2 project, I think they will only debloat system, they're very unlikely to undo Copilot, Office subscriptions and Recall may get a new use. 

I'm sure Zorin OS will have it's struggles, especially as all Linux distros, sometimes to install or configure, you may use the terminal to dowload/install a package. But otherwise, it's a capable system worth giving a good shot.]]> https://lounge.forum/showthread.php?tid=50 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:43:26 +0000 burro]]> https://lounge.forum/showthread.php?tid=50
Some use MS Access to store and manage data, and with Windows updating their T&Cs to own every soul that has it installed.

The rush for user data is behind the scenes agenda to provide quality data about individuals, for overall "security" and "accuracy" on your insurance.

Most times it feels like they're working backwards - data required, how to get it on the system, get users to use it.

Linked in was so good at it, that it seems to be the only reason Microsoft bought them. Now you're linked to people that you talk to digitally even before you add them anywhere.

Meta is in the same pond. They have every cellphone number, and cover by making some business and AI subscriptions.

So a lot of services resort to saying "we may share your data with third party providers", and that pretty much is a wildcard to do whatever they like and when they get caught, they get a parking ticket in fines to pay.

All the concerns above and ongoing squeeze of privacy, alternatives often begin to look more enticing to lift the concerns and move on.
Back to MS Access compatibility issue, looks like instead of waiting for Linux support, it's time to migrate to another application that can do the same job.

The disadvantage with Linux e.g. Ubuntu distro, is that it's often updated to have new look, minor patches, but even one unsuccessful tinkering moment you're left with a brick. So don't jump too far too fast.
Some prefer Fedora and Mint due to their stability. Ubuntu is beginner friendly testing ground that can do everything, but it also depends what you're looking to do if you have to have specific functionality.

As few examples:

• Ubuntu (provider - Canonical) - polished interface and functionality.
  
• Mint (From Ubuntu LTS, provider - Canonical) - overall just stable OS, the middle ground
  
• Fedora (provider - Red Hat) - up to date software if you have brand new PC or need latest software
  
• Ageless (community driven) - removes and forbids any kind of identification that is being introduced by "5 eyes", the countries that are abusing privacy for "security" for the last 2 decades.
  
• POP_! OS - for designers and gamers
  
• OpenSuse - more for system management, very flexible configuration, for low powered devices and enterprise hardware.
  
• Kali - specialized for "senior" Linux guys that work with more than 1 machine and deal with computer security.
  
• Zorin OS - Windows like behaviour and interface
  
• ... if you want me to list all 600 distros and what they do - don't hold your breath, because no one knows. It's more of word of mouth and praise of their community that makes them more popular. Just like Mint is a spinoff from Ubuntu, a lot of other distros are based on other distros as well. e.g. Manjaro based on Arch.
  

So if you're looking for distro, just pick what you do more of. A lot of users are locked with Windows though due to working environment or requirement for software. For everyday use, it's just like using Mac instead of Windows, except instead of spending, you get to use opensource software that doesn't cost a dime. 

Due to budget friendly community, you can expect a bit less of a flashy software as well. e.g. Mozilla Thunderbird - it's very flexible, but you must be indifferent to it's look if you don't instinctively go to find a theme. It does have themes, so try them out first thing after setting up your email.

Although, it seems as if everyone has extended knowledge of distros, the reality is that very few professionals have experimented with large number of distros. So if you're looking to test drive a new OS to take advantage of it's light weigh/debloat and speed up your system, just make a choice depending on where you are and what you're looking for out of the box. It makes little difference really, it's mostly the drive e.g. POP_!OS attracts creators. If you begin to have trouble doing something, or some issued are not easy to resolve even with community, then just look up the distro community that solves your issues better - that's why there're so many distros, everyone needs different branches of functionality more in depth.  

Technically Linux distros are the same across the board, the only difference is what they have and what their icons and start menu look like. The distro is more of a fashion statement in the PC world rather than major functionality difference, as you can often install what you need. The most that I've seen that makes real difference is the CPU and GPU which require specific support. For older hardware just about any distro should do, newer PCs is where most get caught. e.g. Steam OS (not available for PCs at the moment) mostly supports AMD, while Intel is buggy. So in some cases latest support is more crucial than other features. If you're running system components from before 2023-2024, distros become just a preference of overall feel because hardware support is mostly polished.

If you're new and looking to install Linux on your laptop, then Ubuntu or Mint is likely the best option. If your laptop has something like a fingerprint reader, on Fedora you will need to install it manually, which is not difficult, but not beginner friendly introduction to new OS when your laptop doesn't function in it's entirety, or you may even think OS is not good because it "doesn't have it" and requires tinkering which can take down your new system.

Every computer guy came across tutorials that have at least one questionable directory that prevents you going through the manual installation steps. A folder doesn't exist, or something is in different directory, or you got jdk mixed up with jde. So as a rule it's best to have preconfigured/preinstalled software. That's where "if it's not broken, don't fix it" applies.

So yeah, after using mostly windows, it's not something that wants to provide users with personal choices, the biggest dealbreaker is disregard for privacy that tips users over into Linux. What holds Linux distros is different universe that requires new adaptation by the users or even abandonment of existing software and learning alternatives. 

Due to windows being for profit, they're maximizing where they can.
So far in windows we've seen:

• MS Store Ads in start menu e.g. candycrush
  
• "Settings" that supposed to replace Control Panel, does half of what you need.
  
• MS account requirement for their software
  
• OneDrive moving your files and uploading it like it owns it creating duplicate directories that you realise only later on that you need to undo
  
• Then account requirement to start using new PC/laptop
  
• Bing Wallpaper - could've been made 20 years earlier, with perfect wallpaper views, come June pride - your PC automatically flying flag colours of "minor attracted people"
  
• Edge - same as Bing wallpaper - an update shows you a "brand new theme to celebrate a spectrum of identities". Such manipulation and influence to use common computer for ideology is likely when the Edge use tanked.  
  
• Preloading of Defender, XBox stuff for some reason, Edge that went from clean and fast to "reward bloatware" copilot, picture viewer, video player, phone connect
  
• MS Office - subscription only with pretty much discontinued support for offline use
  
• Right click context menu "loading...", important options hidden under "view more".
  

Today, in Windows 11, it can take most modern computers with 12 cores and 16GB RAM to open notepad/calculator/task manager or most times even file explorer a few seconds to open.  


Windows 7 - as if remastered Win XP, was the last best version we got to use as telemetry started taking off. Vista (before Win 7 ) - bloat test. Win 8 - no comment. Win 10 - testing all the boundaries. Win 11 - breaking all of them.

Microsoft seems to have announced it's K2 project that debloats itself, but at this stage some things are "standard" that you still won't have control over. Definitely excessive telemetry, account linking and user device tracking are there to stay, features of Win 11 with performance of Linux is what they will primarily go for - this version is better for the users and fast, so users won't mind few things staying. So will be worth trying, but it's to keep users, not to exclude what users don't like. All those additions are still part of their explanation to major investors as positive progress and growth.

Microsoft made a promise that Win 10 would be the last OS. They missed out on a massive opportunity to optimize then create good software, e.g. take on Adobe to make alternative software for users, because rotating a PDF shouldn't cost you $20. Mac understood the assignment. Windows relied on purchase of new OS by PC manufacturers and datacentres. We saw attempts with some software, but they went after media e.g. half functioning video player, which has the best functioning free alternative - VLC. It's apparent that their software is supposed to work with OneDrive and cloud storage type of deal.

"We made it better for you even though you didn't ask for it" model doesn't work.

All in all, the space for user choice is splitting and as a user worth considering choices between Win/Linux/iOS for everyday user. 

• Windows - needs to listen to the users
  
• Linux - needs a breakthrough for software independence and large use
  
• iOS - works if your pocket does.
  

]]>
Some use MS Access to store and manage data, and with Windows updating their T&Cs to own every soul that has it installed.

The rush for user data is behind the scenes agenda to provide quality data about individuals, for overall "security" and "accuracy" on your insurance.

Most times it feels like they're working backwards - data required, how to get it on the system, get users to use it.

Linked in was so good at it, that it seems to be the only reason Microsoft bought them. Now you're linked to people that you talk to digitally even before you add them anywhere.

Meta is in the same pond. They have every cellphone number, and cover by making some business and AI subscriptions.

So a lot of services resort to saying "we may share your data with third party providers", and that pretty much is a wildcard to do whatever they like and when they get caught, they get a parking ticket in fines to pay.

All the concerns above and ongoing squeeze of privacy, alternatives often begin to look more enticing to lift the concerns and move on.
Back to MS Access compatibility issue, looks like instead of waiting for Linux support, it's time to migrate to another application that can do the same job.

The disadvantage with Linux e.g. Ubuntu distro, is that it's often updated to have new look, minor patches, but even one unsuccessful tinkering moment you're left with a brick. So don't jump too far too fast.
Some prefer Fedora and Mint due to their stability. Ubuntu is beginner friendly testing ground that can do everything, but it also depends what you're looking to do if you have to have specific functionality.

As few examples:

• Ubuntu (provider - Canonical) - polished interface and functionality.
  
• Mint (From Ubuntu LTS, provider - Canonical) - overall just stable OS, the middle ground
  
• Fedora (provider - Red Hat) - up to date software if you have brand new PC or need latest software
  
• Ageless (community driven) - removes and forbids any kind of identification that is being introduced by "5 eyes", the countries that are abusing privacy for "security" for the last 2 decades.
  
• POP_! OS - for designers and gamers
  
• OpenSuse - more for system management, very flexible configuration, for low powered devices and enterprise hardware.
  
• Kali - specialized for "senior" Linux guys that work with more than 1 machine and deal with computer security.
  
• Zorin OS - Windows like behaviour and interface
  
• ... if you want me to list all 600 distros and what they do - don't hold your breath, because no one knows. It's more of word of mouth and praise of their community that makes them more popular. Just like Mint is a spinoff from Ubuntu, a lot of other distros are based on other distros as well. e.g. Manjaro based on Arch.
  

So if you're looking for distro, just pick what you do more of. A lot of users are locked with Windows though due to working environment or requirement for software. For everyday use, it's just like using Mac instead of Windows, except instead of spending, you get to use opensource software that doesn't cost a dime. 

Due to budget friendly community, you can expect a bit less of a flashy software as well. e.g. Mozilla Thunderbird - it's very flexible, but you must be indifferent to it's look if you don't instinctively go to find a theme. It does have themes, so try them out first thing after setting up your email.

Although, it seems as if everyone has extended knowledge of distros, the reality is that very few professionals have experimented with large number of distros. So if you're looking to test drive a new OS to take advantage of it's light weigh/debloat and speed up your system, just make a choice depending on where you are and what you're looking for out of the box. It makes little difference really, it's mostly the drive e.g. POP_!OS attracts creators. If you begin to have trouble doing something, or some issued are not easy to resolve even with community, then just look up the distro community that solves your issues better - that's why there're so many distros, everyone needs different branches of functionality more in depth.  

Technically Linux distros are the same across the board, the only difference is what they have and what their icons and start menu look like. The distro is more of a fashion statement in the PC world rather than major functionality difference, as you can often install what you need. The most that I've seen that makes real difference is the CPU and GPU which require specific support. For older hardware just about any distro should do, newer PCs is where most get caught. e.g. Steam OS (not available for PCs at the moment) mostly supports AMD, while Intel is buggy. So in some cases latest support is more crucial than other features. If you're running system components from before 2023-2024, distros become just a preference of overall feel because hardware support is mostly polished.

If you're new and looking to install Linux on your laptop, then Ubuntu or Mint is likely the best option. If your laptop has something like a fingerprint reader, on Fedora you will need to install it manually, which is not difficult, but not beginner friendly introduction to new OS when your laptop doesn't function in it's entirety, or you may even think OS is not good because it "doesn't have it" and requires tinkering which can take down your new system.

Every computer guy came across tutorials that have at least one questionable directory that prevents you going through the manual installation steps. A folder doesn't exist, or something is in different directory, or you got jdk mixed up with jde. So as a rule it's best to have preconfigured/preinstalled software. That's where "if it's not broken, don't fix it" applies.

So yeah, after using mostly windows, it's not something that wants to provide users with personal choices, the biggest dealbreaker is disregard for privacy that tips users over into Linux. What holds Linux distros is different universe that requires new adaptation by the users or even abandonment of existing software and learning alternatives. 

Due to windows being for profit, they're maximizing where they can.
So far in windows we've seen:

• MS Store Ads in start menu e.g. candycrush
  
• "Settings" that supposed to replace Control Panel, does half of what you need.
  
• MS account requirement for their software
  
• OneDrive moving your files and uploading it like it owns it creating duplicate directories that you realise only later on that you need to undo
  
• Then account requirement to start using new PC/laptop
  
• Bing Wallpaper - could've been made 20 years earlier, with perfect wallpaper views, come June pride - your PC automatically flying flag colours of "minor attracted people"
  
• Edge - same as Bing wallpaper - an update shows you a "brand new theme to celebrate a spectrum of identities". Such manipulation and influence to use common computer for ideology is likely when the Edge use tanked.  
  
• Preloading of Defender, XBox stuff for some reason, Edge that went from clean and fast to "reward bloatware" copilot, picture viewer, video player, phone connect
  
• MS Office - subscription only with pretty much discontinued support for offline use
  
• Right click context menu "loading...", important options hidden under "view more".
  

Today, in Windows 11, it can take most modern computers with 12 cores and 16GB RAM to open notepad/calculator/task manager or most times even file explorer a few seconds to open.  


Windows 7 - as if remastered Win XP, was the last best version we got to use as telemetry started taking off. Vista (before Win 7 ) - bloat test. Win 8 - no comment. Win 10 - testing all the boundaries. Win 11 - breaking all of them.

Microsoft seems to have announced it's K2 project that debloats itself, but at this stage some things are "standard" that you still won't have control over. Definitely excessive telemetry, account linking and user device tracking are there to stay, features of Win 11 with performance of Linux is what they will primarily go for - this version is better for the users and fast, so users won't mind few things staying. So will be worth trying, but it's to keep users, not to exclude what users don't like. All those additions are still part of their explanation to major investors as positive progress and growth.

Microsoft made a promise that Win 10 would be the last OS. They missed out on a massive opportunity to optimize then create good software, e.g. take on Adobe to make alternative software for users, because rotating a PDF shouldn't cost you $20. Mac understood the assignment. Windows relied on purchase of new OS by PC manufacturers and datacentres. We saw attempts with some software, but they went after media e.g. half functioning video player, which has the best functioning free alternative - VLC. It's apparent that their software is supposed to work with OneDrive and cloud storage type of deal.

"We made it better for you even though you didn't ask for it" model doesn't work.

All in all, the space for user choice is splitting and as a user worth considering choices between Win/Linux/iOS for everyday user. 

• Windows - needs to listen to the users
  
• Linux - needs a breakthrough for software independence and large use
  
• iOS - works if your pocket does.
  

]]> https://lounge.forum/showthread.php?tid=38 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:54:48 +0000 BoxPressured]]> https://lounge.forum/showthread.php?tid=38
It's not surprising that they're processing large amounts of data, but they seem to have deliberately collecting all data possible and making a product out of it.

Today most of the devices ping home as soon as you turn on your device. Same as phones, each time you unlock your phone, it sends a tiny amount of data to the manufacturer to update the state of your device.

It would be fine to keep track of general product use, but with regular updates to T&Cs, you will find that as more data is collected that has nothing to do with products, but to just get the usage habits that are processed and very likely sold to those who are looking for that data. It's often said that it's for advertising, but it's way more than that. 

All the datacenters are not there to be a product, they're processing to make data products. Such recent example is earthquake warning by Android phones that use accelerometers and detect the anomaly across thousands devices to inform others within certain area where the earthquake may reach.

Another recent example is Microsoft providing it's user's details to locate and apprehend a hacker based on his PC usage https://www.pcmag.com/news/a-hackers-arr...ows-device

Such data best works when collected from everyone rather than by individual agreement. To truely make your Windows PC private, it involves disabling telemetry in the registry which doesn't have any other options through control panel, as well as using firewall to prevent data from going out by blocking IPs of the services. 

Did you know that your Windows PC sends data to LinkedIn without you even going to the website or having the application installed on your PC? If you would have an option, would you disable it?

The mantra of "you shouldn't have something to hide" was heard by everyone, but when the usage and distribution of data is not consensual, who knows how it will affect you. Policies and laws constantly change and you will never know what your data can be used for until it's too late. Organizations hide these facts behind hundreds of pages of legal documents that say they may share the data, and if you disagree, just don't install it and don't use it.

There should be a law in place for "Essential" technology to provide barebones services without unnecessary data scraping and processing, because "having no choice" shouldn't be the only choice.

Likely there're alternatives. Due to Microsoft's heavy leaning towards undermining their consumers with "Recall" and "Copilot", Linux world is speeding up in development due to high demand for those that understand the importance of proactive privacy measures that doesn't make online curiosity a crime. You may come across content which is illegal to host/distribute, or a movie and you will be at mercy of AI or upcoming technocrats to determine what your punishments are, and they will device what is considered harmful to their moneymaking. 

Technology is splitting power and morals into two. Those with AI will likely trip on power and influence once they have everything in line - policy makers, datacenters, decision makers. In a way it's a race, it's not a question of if, but when. And as we know billionaires, they need more money and power to show better returns for their backers and keep monopoly expanding.

Having organizations be in charge of humanity that gives nothing in return, pretty much treats humanity as lab rats, to experiment on with medicine, send to conflicts, fight each other while being reminded of scarcity and bad economy. Economy is bad because of excessive profiteering on everything. At the same time seizing their profits for the sake of communism is also not the answer. The best course would be to make better living for people, but then with comfort the population will expand and that's another threat to them. So why help everyday people at the end of the day?

It's a full circle that shows that either power and financial gain needs to be limited in smart ways or people to be treated like animals. Unfortunately it's a chain of power that is bought out and with disagreement, the link can just be replaced to go along with the agenda. We're at a cul-de-sac of power and freedom which is not easy to go back from or fix.]]>
It's not surprising that they're processing large amounts of data, but they seem to have deliberately collecting all data possible and making a product out of it.

Today most of the devices ping home as soon as you turn on your device. Same as phones, each time you unlock your phone, it sends a tiny amount of data to the manufacturer to update the state of your device.

It would be fine to keep track of general product use, but with regular updates to T&Cs, you will find that as more data is collected that has nothing to do with products, but to just get the usage habits that are processed and very likely sold to those who are looking for that data. It's often said that it's for advertising, but it's way more than that. 

All the datacenters are not there to be a product, they're processing to make data products. Such recent example is earthquake warning by Android phones that use accelerometers and detect the anomaly across thousands devices to inform others within certain area where the earthquake may reach.

Another recent example is Microsoft providing it's user's details to locate and apprehend a hacker based on his PC usage https://www.pcmag.com/news/a-hackers-arr...ows-device

Such data best works when collected from everyone rather than by individual agreement. To truely make your Windows PC private, it involves disabling telemetry in the registry which doesn't have any other options through control panel, as well as using firewall to prevent data from going out by blocking IPs of the services. 

Did you know that your Windows PC sends data to LinkedIn without you even going to the website or having the application installed on your PC? If you would have an option, would you disable it?

The mantra of "you shouldn't have something to hide" was heard by everyone, but when the usage and distribution of data is not consensual, who knows how it will affect you. Policies and laws constantly change and you will never know what your data can be used for until it's too late. Organizations hide these facts behind hundreds of pages of legal documents that say they may share the data, and if you disagree, just don't install it and don't use it.

There should be a law in place for "Essential" technology to provide barebones services without unnecessary data scraping and processing, because "having no choice" shouldn't be the only choice.

Likely there're alternatives. Due to Microsoft's heavy leaning towards undermining their consumers with "Recall" and "Copilot", Linux world is speeding up in development due to high demand for those that understand the importance of proactive privacy measures that doesn't make online curiosity a crime. You may come across content which is illegal to host/distribute, or a movie and you will be at mercy of AI or upcoming technocrats to determine what your punishments are, and they will device what is considered harmful to their moneymaking. 

Technology is splitting power and morals into two. Those with AI will likely trip on power and influence once they have everything in line - policy makers, datacenters, decision makers. In a way it's a race, it's not a question of if, but when. And as we know billionaires, they need more money and power to show better returns for their backers and keep monopoly expanding.

Having organizations be in charge of humanity that gives nothing in return, pretty much treats humanity as lab rats, to experiment on with medicine, send to conflicts, fight each other while being reminded of scarcity and bad economy. Economy is bad because of excessive profiteering on everything. At the same time seizing their profits for the sake of communism is also not the answer. The best course would be to make better living for people, but then with comfort the population will expand and that's another threat to them. So why help everyday people at the end of the day?

It's a full circle that shows that either power and financial gain needs to be limited in smart ways or people to be treated like animals. Unfortunately it's a chain of power that is bought out and with disagreement, the link can just be replaced to go along with the agenda. We're at a cul-de-sac of power and freedom which is not easy to go back from or fix.]]> https://lounge.forum/showthread.php?tid=32 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:32:55 +0000 BoxPressured]]> https://lounge.forum/showthread.php?tid=32
I'm yet to crack this one.]]>
I'm yet to crack this one.]]>