Windows 8 Reports Everything You Install To Microsoft

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Oh c'mon, something like this would be a great feature for people that often forget what they've installed on their PC. Now you can just call Microsoft and ask them. :D

There are a few serious problems here. The big problem is that Windows 8 is configured to immediately tell Microsoft about every app you download and install. This is a very serious privacy problem, specifically because Microsoft is the central point of authority and data collection/retention here and therefore becomes vulnerable to being served judicial subpoenas or National Security Letters intended to monitor targeted users.
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Err, Android does this too and will auto reinstall the apps if you do things like wipe the phone or get a new phone and reload backedup user data like wifi passwords. Granted this stuff is tied to a gmail account but still, it seems to be the same basic thing?
 
You favorite operating system, now with always online technology!

Launch day of operating systems will be like a Blizzard launch day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Nanan said:
Err, Android does this too and will auto reinstall the apps if you do things like wipe the phone or get a new phone and reload backedup user data like wifi passwords. Granted this stuff is tied to a gmail account but still, it seems to be the same basic thing?
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Apple does, too. So, you can log in and it remembers what you've purchased from the store.

The difference is that most stores track what you've bought. But, they aren't tracking what you've gotten elsewhere. You can download any application from online and that information is sent to Microsoft.

Disable it if you're overly paranoid.
 
Please tell me Windows 7 doesn't do this !...........I'm using the RP and I think I remember seing, as the install finalizes, that you can 'Use Recommended Settings' or 'Custom Settings' where you can choose options including what info you want to share with Microsoft. I'm sure this had something to do with sharing app info.
 
Ya its a little concerning just thinking of future exploitation of such a thing. I definitely wouldnt want that on my computer. At least they let you disable it, but disturbing they have it enabled by default and dont inform the user installing for the first time.
 
You have to create a Microsoft Account to use any of those cool Metro Apps. I imagine this is for datamining.
 
Microsoft has been doing this for quite some time. Micro-code transmissions...
 
Tytalus said:
Why would the RIAA care? Do you install illegal movies, or simply copy the files?
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The RIAA has been pushing to ban programs like 'HandBreak' and a number of other fairly-legitimate DVD backup software applications. They'd probably send you a personal cease and desist letter everytime you install an 'illegal' app or app they've been able to get their paid lawyers to deem 'illegal'.
 
I do not welcome our Software wannabe Overlords. They can kiss my byte and shove Windows 8 in their USB port for all I care. Long live Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit!
 
Tytalus said:
Why would the RIAA care? Do you install illegal movies, or simply copy the files?
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How do you copy them? Installing torrent something would be "an admission of guilt". In combination with Handbrake/ripping software would be proof that you had the tools to extract and distribute content.
 
DeathPrincess said:
How do you copy them? Installing torrent something would be "an admission of guilt". In combination with Handbrake/ripping software would be proof that you had the tools to extract and distribute content.
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Handbrake? heres a tip: XMediaRecode ;)
 
DeathPrincess said:
How do you copy them? Installing torrent something would be "an admission of guilt". In combination with Handbrake/ripping software would be proof that you had the tools to extract and distribute content.
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This is no different than someone claiming that if you install chrome rims or have dark-tinted windows on your car that you are a habitual speeder.

There's no admission of guilt with the programs you listed, and anyone saying otherwise would get laughed out of court without additional evidence.
 
Really? Who gives a rat ass if they are. I could careless if Microsoft is collecting every porn site I go to. I am not doing anything illegal so have at it. If you want to waste you time and money watching me. Be my guest I will make sure to be extra boring. :D


Sometimes I think people pull out their tin-foil hats to quick and to often on these kind of things. Also you might want to read what it really says. Tracks "APPS" that are downloaded and installed. That means the apps form the app store, just like Google does and Apple does. They kind of have to do this to tie the app to your account so you can keep it.
 
If you're that paranoid, just don't connect your Windows 8 computer to the Internet. It can't send data if it doesn't ever get a way to go to the outside world. Then you just either dual boot with Linux or maintain a Linux PC to go online. Sheesh...some people.
 
Google has been tracking everyones gmail/ every search you do since day 1 (and if you search when logged in its tied to you username+ip)
android tracks everything
apple + iphone is also tracking everyone

Steam network tracks computer setups and installed games.. tracking is everywhere.. suprised microsoft took this long TBH.....

Not a big deal people. Google and apple are already far far worse, you just didn't know it :D
And the windows one will be able to be disabled.

Hell almost all my installed programs call back home (audio plugins for ableton live)

Biggest offender is Google. run a basic sniffer when you search ... watch how many pages are linked into google and report back. 40-60% every search you do also sends a blip to google.
 
Ur_Mom said:
Apple does, too. So, you can log in and it remembers what you've purchased from the store.

The difference is that most stores track what you've bought. But, they aren't tracking what you've gotten elsewhere. You can download any application from online and that information is sent to Microsoft.

Disable it if you're overly paranoid.
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And what makes you think Microsoft will allow side loading of software on windows8? They are pushing hard for an app store like play/itunes that will lock you into the device.
 
DeathPrincess said:
How do you copy them? Installing torrent something would be "an admission of guilt". In combination with Handbrake/ripping software would be proof that you had the tools to extract and distribute content.
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Exactly what I was thinking. Circumstantial evidence is good enough for them. That and a well placed "contribution". :mad:
 
Nanan said:
And what makes you think Microsoft will allow side loading of software on windows8? They are pushing hard for an app store like play/itunes that will lock you into the device.
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Erm... the second you install Visual Studio on Windows 8, you can side-load.
 
darkar said:
Google has been tracking everyones gmail/ every search you do since day 1 (and if you search when logged in its tied to you username+ip)
android tracks everything
apple + iphone is also tracking everyone

Steam network tracks computer setups and installed games.. tracking is everywhere.. suprised microsoft took this long TBH.....

Not a big deal people. Google and apple are already far far worse, you just didn't know it :D
And the windows one will be able to be disabled.

Hell almost all my installed programs call back home (audio plugins for ableton live)

Biggest offender is Google. run a basic sniffer when you search ... watch how many pages are linked into google and report back. 40-60% every search you do also sends a blip to google.
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This... lol at people not understanding this.
 
Come on heatlesssun, defend Microsoft, even though they are now trying to be like, no only Apple, but now Google as well! Because they are perfect! :rolleyes:
 
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