Microsoft is clamping down on free software which it says “pressures” users into paying for unnecessary upgrades.

[Topper]

The technology giant says it has spotted an increase in free programs that purport to scan computers for errors and then use “alarming, coercive messages to scare customers into buying a premium version of the same program”

Click for full story

 

[Lazarus]

Isn't Windows itself a Security Minefield?

 

[jeallen01]

The technology giant says it has spotted an increase in free programs that purport to scan computers for errors and then use “alarming, coercive messages to scare customers into buying a premium version of the same program”
Click for full story

So, Microsoft is going install "stuff" in W10 to try to make users always buy from the Microsoft online store - just like Apple has been doing since "forever"!

Yes, W10 is a security minefield and you need to turn off most/all of the dodgy stuff that feeds back info to MS and then to its commercial partners who, themselves, will try to sell you their wares! Probably can't stop all of it but something like O&O ShutUp10 (free) will stop a lot, and a lot more easily than trying to do the same thing manually, - installed on the 3x machines here that run W10, and takes about 5 mins to understand and another 5 to switch off the stuff (and there's a lot!) you don't want "broadcast".

OTOH, you just won't stop some "punters" from falling for anything dodgy - just look at some of the stuff in the "Another Offer I can't refuse...." thread, or just divulging info after they get a telephone call from "someone".

 

[Lazarus]

That reminds me, JE, would you like a free Boiler?

 

[jeallen01]

That reminds me, JE, would you like a free Boiler?

As long as it's wrapped in that sort of stuff you get on roast-in-the-bag chickens, and not too large for our big cooking pot - please deliver next Friday so we don't have to buy something for Sunday lunch

 

[Archive-8]

Je have you checked your ppi

 

[jeallen01]

Je have you checked your ppi

Well, a few years ago I actually did and I did get a small refund from Natwest for one of those card protection plans - but typically I never needed to take up any sort of PPI 'cause I could generally afford to pay cash for what I wanted to buy

 

[jeallen01]

Nobody "bit" after that, then! So why not get back to the original core theme of Topper's first post = Microsoft and W10?

 

[Topper]

Well of course Microsoft have their own suite of stuff now built into 10 with Windows Defender, firewall with advanced security, not that I use it

 

[Lazarus]

Actually (and surprisingly) Windows Defender is rated as highly as some of the more reputable third-party option.

I've long since binned the latter, apart from a weekly scan with MawareBytes.

 

[Topper]

I do not normally promote other sites but folk may find this information is a useful exercise to complete

https://www.howtogeek.com/341487/how-to-opt-out-of-targeted-ads-around-the-web/

 

[Lazarus]

Useful but, especially in respect of FaceBook, a far more powerful and effective tool is the Extension FBPurity, available both in the new-fangled Web Extension format and as a Legacy Extension via a GreaseMonkey Script.

 

[Topper]

Useful but, especially in respect of FaceBook, a far more powerful and effective tool is the Extension FBPurity, available both in the new-fangled Web Extension format and as a Legacy Extension via a GreaseMonkey Script.

Yes I know I already use FBPurity but the above appears to do much more than FBPurity although you have to do it for each bowser you use

 

[Lazarus]

I have no bowsers - we have mains water