Windows 10 has arrived! And for now, it's FREE!

[Overmind One]

Today is the day. If you run Windows, you may have noticed the Get Windows 10 app in your taskbar. Clicking that will allow you to "reserve" your download and install, and is handled by Windows Update.

However, what if your Get Windows 10 icon is not showing? Microsoft has provided a tool for you to install manually. I do not want to wait until Windows Update updates my virtual machines, so I have forced it with the tool.

If you’re running a 32-bit copy of Windows, download the tool from here. If you’re running a 64-bit copy of Windows, download the tool from here. If you’re not sure, hold the Windows key and press the pause/break button. See what it says under “System type.”

As I type this, Windows 10 is downloading to my virtual machines.

 

[Overmind One]

Here is a screenshot of my Linux Mint, with VMware Workstation 11 running a virtual machine of Windows 7 being upgraded to Windows 10.

Once the Windows 10 machine has completed updating and installing, I will clone the virtual machine which will create an exact duplicate of it. If the original gets messed up, I just delete it, clone the clone and use one. This can be done indefinitely. You can also copy the folders onto another computer running VMware and the machine and all it's programs and settings will go along with it.

 

[Joelist]

I was happy to see they put the ISO files out on launch day. That way I can make a USB drive and upgrade my friends who are not very PC literate and make sure it comes off right.

 

[Overmind One]

I was happy to see they put the ISO files out on launch day. That way I can make a USB drive and upgrade my friends who are not very PC literate and make sure it comes off right.

The tool created "media" but it is not an .iso. You know where to get the .iso?

 

[Overmind One]

Answered that. You still use the tool, but choose "Create media for another PC" to make it create an .iso file.

 

[Joelist]

The media tool has ISO file in its options listing.
--- merged: Jul 30, 2015 4:36 AM ---
Cross posted!

 

[Overmind One]

The .iso the media tool creates will work perfectly as a clean install (use your Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key to activate). I have one working upgrade so far, 4 more to go. The upgrade to my VM failed (the one in my screenshot). Windows 10 installer reverted me to Windows 7. So, with the tool I created an .iso and I am doing a clean install VM using the .iso

Playing with the working Windows 10...awesome! However something in this Windows needs to be addressed as soon as you fire it up:

Wifi Sense (wtf?). It will BY DEFAULT share an encrypted version of your wifi password to your Outlook, Skype and Facebook contacts. With that, any of them can access your private wifi network, even if they cannot access actual files. I DO NOT LIKE THIS FEATURE. I cannot understand why Microsoft would add such a thing to Windows 10 except that perhaps it wants to enhance communications for it's phones? I have no idea, but it is the dumbest thing about Windows 10

 

[Overmind One]

Oh dear....why, Microsoft?

Windows 10 may be the most intrusive Windows ever created. BY DEFAULT, if you do not customize your settings during setup, you will have a hard time changing them.

• Windows 10 will monitor all your typing BY DEFAULT, and also send the data to Microsoft.
• Windows 10 will BY DEFAULT listen to everything you say (if there is a mike present), and also send the speech data to Microsoft
• Windows 10 will BY DEFAULT, share your wifi password (in encrypted form) with all of your Skype, Outlook and Facebook contacts (if the FB app is installed), and it will give them all access to your wifi network without notifying you.

This sort of stuff is dealbreaker stuff. I thought the keylogger in the beta was just for testing purposes. Why would I want to send my typing data to Microsoft? Or my speech data? Why would Windows cache my wireless password and then send it out to ANYONE by default?

I cannot recommend this as a primary operating system. Not now. I would only recommend installing this in a virtual machine (VMware, Parallels, Fusion, KVM, etc). That way, it cannot secretly attach the microphone or webcam. Go in and undo the spy settings (there are quite a few of them, btw).

After sniffing the corners and nooks and crannies, I will post more recommendations and give instructions where I can. The upgrade IS worth it, but not out of the box, and not with default settings.

 

[Joelist]

Okay, I just hunted down what the "keylogger" is (it really isn't one in the traditional sense):

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/speech-inking-typing-privacy-faq

The typing, speech et al are all governed under a "getting to know you" setting. And all serve the same function which is to inform Cortana. Cortana is a voice or typing powered search engine/control/handsfree typing and dictation engine that is in Windows Phone and also Windows 10 - think Siri or Google Now but much more capable. And just like Siri does in iOS and Google Now on Android does Cortana collects inputs to "learn" the user to deliver a more personalized experience.

All one needs to do to stop it all is type "privacy" in the search bar and pick "Speech, inking and typing" under privacy settings. Click the big button you then see that says "stop getting to know me". That turns most of it off right there except for the auto complete data collection - to kill that go to Privacy>General where you can turn that off.

 

[Overmind One]

Shields up!

Okay, I have to speak out on this. And am I being dramatic with the red alert gif? YEP, I am. And this deserves it. First, let me say I am very angry at Microsoft for what they released today. Windows 10 may be the fastest, most capable and put together operating system ever created by Microsoft, and they have attached all sorts of spying gear to it for no reasons that benefit the end user. The level of intrusion BY DEFAULT is appalling. Most of the obvious stuff can be fixed in Privacy settings, but there are others I am certain. The whole "feel" of this Windows is "dark and sneaky", even though it's execution is brilliant IMO. Well, here it is...



In Privacy settings:

General - turn "advertising ID" off, SmartScreen Filter and allowing Windows to access your language list for advertising purposes.

Location - turn everything off in here. If you do not, applications will automatically be given access to your location if it wants it.

Camera - turn everything off in here too. If an app needs your camera, it will ask (like Skype or others). If you leave this on, apps can access your camera and it's settings without notifying you.

Microphone - turn everything off in here. Your browser and other apps do not need default access to your conversations. If you leave it on, Windows will listen to everything it hears.

Speech, inking and typing - If the "Get To Know Me" is blue, turn it off. If you remembered to customize your settings during setup, it will be gray and deactivated. I cannot think of a single reason why Microsoft should be receiving my inking or typing data.

Account Info - turn off

Contacts - turn off. If an app needs them it will ask at that time.

Calendar - turn off. You can read your calendar. No reason other apps should be able to, by default.

Messaging - turn off. If you leave it on, Windows can send SMS and also read incoming messages by default.

Radios - This one is very disturbing. If you do not turn this off, apps can turn on your bluetooth or wireless (or turn them off) without asking.

Other Devices - If you leave this on, Windows will find and connect with any wireless device it can connect to, sync the data if it can, and also transmit the data to Microsoft.

Feedback and Diagnostics - Automatic, never send.

Background Apps - turn all off. No need for them to be running unless you are using them.



Microsoft is back to their old tricks, and they are still trying to be the One Stop NSA Shop. Shame on you, Microsoft.

 

[Overmind One]

Okay, I just hunted down what the "keylogger" is (it really isn't one in the traditional sense):

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/speech-inking-typing-privacy-faq

The typing, speech et al are all governed under a "getting to know you" setting. And all serve the same function which is to inform Cortana. Cortana is a voice or typing powered search engine/control/handsfree typing and dictation engine that is in Windows Phone and also Windows 10 - think Siri or Google Now but much more capable. And just like Siri does in iOS and Google Now on Android does Cortana collects inputs to "learn" the user to deliver a more personalized experience.

All one needs to do to stop it all is type "privacy" in the search bar and pick "Speech, inking and typing" under privacy settings. Click the big button you then see that says "stop getting to know me". That turns most of it off right there except for the auto complete data collection - to kill that go to Privacy>General where you can turn that off.

You are missing the point. The settings are on by default. If one does "express settings", their entire world belongs to Microsoft 24/7.

Im sorry, Joelist...Im not going to consider a lot of your alternative explanations this time. I have been close to Microsoft and it's products for quite some time and I know the "culture" of Microsoft. I know it lost more than two billion dollars in the past three years. I know their entrenchment in the NSA and the military, and these type of intrusions cannot be explained away as easily as you might like them to be.

Before trying to defend Microsoft first, ask yourself why these settings are the way they are by default? Why would you go to Microsoft for an explanation of why these things are on by default instead of looking at their function? Why would anyone want their home wifi key sent to all their contacts even if encrypted?

Right now, you just hear me whining on Day One of Windows 10. I suspect that in the coming weeks, lots and lots of people will become very vocal, and rightly so.

 

[Overmind One]

Reviewing this OS shows me that it is still the "one OS fits all" model, but much better implemented. I am surprised that it cannot determine if I am installing on a PC or if it is living on a phone or tablet.

It is only just born, so they will most likely tweak it very soon.

 

[Joelist]

The phones would use Windows 10 Mobile because they run on ARM. PCs and Intel based tablets and 2 in 1s would use the PC OS. Windows 10 Mobile releases later in the year.

As to MS profitability, they have been very profitable except for this last quarter because they did a writeoff of the Nokia purchase (which was a STUPID move Ballmer made before he departed).

On the whole privacy front, I'm not trying to "defend" anything. I've just seen this exact type of functionality before. Usually we see it in phone OSes because usually it is smartphones that have the "personal assistants". Cortana on PC is the first time we've seen such functionality in a non-phone OS. Cortana after all comes from the phone world (and of course gaming as Cortana is named after the AI character in Halo). Cortana like other phone based assistants collects telemetry to further its ability to function as intelligent search, auto-complete and so on.

Could they have had it switched off by default? Sure - except then Cortana would not be able to function. It would be the same as turning off the underlying user information gathering services in iOS for Siri or in Android for Google Now - it leaves the assistant unable to function. Considering that Cortana integration was an advertised adoption point for Windows 10 it stands to reason they deploy with it operational.

Now me, I would prefer that they start off with it off and run a splash wizard the first time you start up which introduces Cortana and asks you if you want it to "get to know you" and explains what that means. I turned mine off although when I did testing on Cortana it does provide a superior search experience and I liked the automation (like dictating emails handsfree and such). I just was not keen on the privacy angle.

 

[Overmind One]

The phones would use Windows 10 Mobile because they run on ARM. PCs and Intel based tablets and 2 in 1s would use the PC OS. Windows 10 Mobile releases later in the year.

As to MS profitability, they have been very profitable except for this last quarter because they did a writeoff of the Nokia purchase (which was a STUPID move Ballmer made before he departed).

On the whole privacy front, I'm not trying to "defend" anything. I've just seen this exact type of functionality before. Usually we see it in phone OSes because usually it is smartphones that have the "personal assistants". Cortana on PC is the first time we've seen such functionality in a non-phone OS. Cortana after all comes from the phone world (and of course gaming as Cortana is named after the AI character in Halo). Cortana like other phone based assistants collects telemetry to further its ability to function as intelligent search, auto-complete and so on.

Could they have had it switched off by default? Sure - except then Cortana would not be able to function. It would be the same as turning off the underlying user information gathering services in iOS for Siri or in Android for Google Now - it leaves the assistant unable to function. Considering that Cortana integration was an advertised adoption point for Windows 10 it stands to reason they deploy with it operational.

Now me, I would prefer that they start off with it off and run a splash wizard the first time you start up which introduces Cortana and asks you if you want it to "get to know you" and explains what that means. I turned mine off although when I did testing on Cortana it does provide a superior search experience and I liked the automation (like dictating emails handsfree and such). I just was not keen on the privacy angle.

Even on a phone or tablet, why would Windows need to record my keystrokes or inking notes? Why would an app need access to my radio control? If I am using it on a phone and I have turned off bluetooth or wireless, Windows can turn it back on AND use the connections to transmit or receive, without asking me. Then it can turn them off again. If Cortana can navigate using my browser, why does Edge also need an explicit permission to eavesdrop? Why can't I uninstall OneDrive? I can hide it but not uninstall OR disable it.

This behavior is not good.

 

[Joelist]

Most of that stuff you said to turn off doesn't really do anything - all that having it on does is let Apps ask for permission to use that functionality. Like "Radio" - switching that on just allows Apps to ask permission. You still have to grant it when you install the App - just like on your smartphone.

As to recording your typing and inking, that is what ALL smart assistants do. Does your Android have Google Now? If it does and if you have it turned on it is collecting all this stuff. Ditto Siri on iPhones. They collect it as part of "learning you". For example if you tend to use particular words in a given pattern they note it and when they see it can auto complete it. Contacts frequently get read so that when typical user says "call Mom" Siri/Google Now/Cortana knows who Mom is.

Again, I am not "defending" anything just noting the reason you're seeing this stuff - it is there either to support Cortana or to provide the basic structure for apps to be able to request permission to use hardware. We're not used to seeing this type of thing on a PC because until now PCs did not have personal assistant software on them. You'll see this next in Apple as they are working on porting Siri to OSX.

 

[Overmind One]

Most of that stuff you said to turn off doesn't really do anything - all that having it on does is let Apps ask for permission to use that functionality. Like "Radio" - switching that on just allows Apps to ask permission. You still have to grant it when you install the App - just like on your smartphone.

The vast majority of installs of this OS will be on desktop computers and laptops, not phones or tablets. Google does not have apps which turn on and turn off the radio without asking. Location services ask to turn on the GPS, Bluetooth and Wifi are never under control of Android without user interaction. In Windows 10, there is no interaction. It is on by default.

As to recording your typing and inking, that is what ALL smart assistants do. Does your Android have Google Now? If it does and if you have it turned on it is collecting all this stuff. Ditto Siri on iPhones. They collect it as part of "learning you". For example if you tend to use particular words in a given pattern they note it and when they see it can auto complete it. Contacts frequently get read so that when typical user says "call Mom" Siri/Google Now/Cortana knows who Mom is.

I have Google Now, but I had to go to to the Play store to get it, then give it permission to listen when I tap the button, not always on by default. Let's leave Apple out of it since they too are in bed with the NSA. For the purposes of this thread, lets concentrate on Windows 10. Everything you mentioned in that paragraph sounds nice for those who might want it, but even those who DO NOT want these 'features" have them turned on by default.

Again, I am not "defending" anything just noting the reason you're seeing this stuff - it is there either to support Cortana or to provide the basic structure for apps to be able to request permission to use hardware. We're not used to seeing this type of thing on a PC because until now PCs did not have personal assistant software on them. You'll see this next in Apple as they are working on porting Siri to OSX.

I strongly disagree with the bolded. Ignoring Microsoft's past and their culture would be foolish when dealing with this Windows10 OS. The good thing is that they are being transparent for the most part with their data collections. In the technical preview, they even monitored when you opened files, read the file and sent the information back to Microsoft. The EULA states much of what they do and what you allow them to do. Because of who they have been, I can see they are still the same company with the same ethics and connections in the NSA and the military.

BTW, Windows 10 will be a boom for military and NSA projects requiring compatibility across devices.

 

[Joelist]

Like I said up thread, I am not defending. Personally I would have deployed it differently like I already stated. And yes Google Now uses the exact same stuff and on many newer Androids it comes already turned on.

Also I am not talking about motives or conspiracies or alleged NSA stuff, just the physical mechanics of what a personal assistant uses to operate. Really to me this isn't worth an argument and the functions can be turned on/off by users easily.

 

[Bluce Ree]

Here is a screenshot of my Linux Mint, with VMware Workstation 11 running a virtual machine of Windows 7 being upgraded to Windows 10.

View attachment 31362
Once the Windows 10 machine has completed updating and installing, I will clone the virtual machine which will create an exact duplicate of it. If the original gets messed up, I just delete it, clone the clone and use one. This can be done indefinitely. You can also copy the folders onto another computer running VMware and the machine and all it's programs and settings will go along with it.

And here is a screenshot of my browser watching your post of you watching your own post.

 

[Joelist]

Can we get the Spaceballs effect:

 

[ecgordon]

Based on comments in another thread I reserved a free copy of Windows 10 a couple of weeks ago. I received a confirmation email about that, and have been expecting another one to prompt me to download it, but so far that hasn't happened. Based on things stated here I'm not sure I want to, but if I did, do I just click on the "Get Windows 10" icon down in the task bar?