Privacy concers in License Agreement

Hi All!

My laptop recently returned from getting a new hard drive & it's been "restored to original factory settings ". I was told that this means that all that's on it is the Windows 8 OS. I don't know much about PCs, but I DO know about the paranoia that Micro$oft has about permissions & account-access related stuff, so you probably need to know that I'm the Administrator and only user of my laptop. When you explain things will you please give LOTS of details in normal language as I'm not very technical. I haven't agreed to the License Agreement yet, as I want to get some knowledgeable advice about this. I had to go back to using my old Vista Home Premium laptop & it is SOOOOO
SLOOOOOW I'm ready to scream!!!

I decided to read the "License Agreement ", (I know I shouldn't have done it, but I'm very glad I did), & there were several things mentioned, (and ways to adjust them), but due to inexperience I don't know how to do them. Am I correct in assuming that I have to accept the Agreement first, & then make the changes? I don't want to accept the Agreement if there's a way to avoid the issues first, or if I can make the proper selections during the setup so I don't have to fix these things later. I'll try to explain as best as I can, but please keep in mind that I don't know any technical stuff & use lots of details!!! Thanks!!
Here goes:

The first issue concerns "Network Awareness ". In the agreement it says; "You can switch off the Active Query Feature through a registry setting ". How do I access the registry & what's the setting I need to change to do this?

There is a lengthy paragraph about "IPv6 Network Address Translation (NAT) Traversal Service" (Teredo). It says there is a Firewall Configuration to determine if I want IPv6 connectivity. The rest of the info given made it sound like it was even more intrusive than usual & it was optional. Is it necessary to have IPv6 connectivity, & what would happen if I didn't enable it? If I should disable it, what is the Firewall Configuration I need to make?

How do I disable error reporting?

How do I opt-out of Personalized Advertising?

It mentioned search provider updates & that there is a "one-time update but the software will try several times to update if unsuccessful ". Are they referring to Bing, Google, etc or does it mean IE? If so, I use Firefox for my browser & either DuckDuckGo or StartPage for searches, as I don't trust the alternatives. Can/how do I stop this search provider update?

Finally, as mentioned above, I don't use IE in normal daily use. In all previous PCs I only used it for Windows Updates. Can I do Windows Updates using Firefox instead?

Well, as you can see, I need LOTS of help. I apologize for sounding stupid, but I'm just a home user who only uses a PC for email, games, watching & listening to streaming media & looking up topics in which I have interest.
I never even learned how to use Office or Paint or any of the other parts of Windows, but I AM able to follow detailed instructions. I hope some of you can help me.

Thank you so much for reading my post, (and not laughing too hard), and for any & all instructions you can give me!! I REALLY appreciate it!!!

Gratefully,
Nuts4Mutts

 

You've covered a lot of ground, but here is some info to get you started...

The best thing to do is uninstall unwanted search providers. Since you like Start Page, be sure to incorporate it into your browser's address bar.

How to Add and Remove Search Providers in Internet Explorer​

Unlike Windows XP and before, Windows 8 has its own built-in update tool and needs no browser to search for updates.


I’m not proficient with the operating system, but here are some articles that may help you to better understand Windows 8 privacy settings…

How to Control Your Privacy in Windows 8​

(Not sure if the information in the link below is considered a privacy issue, but I thought would include it)

How to sign into Windows 8 or 8.1 without a Microsoft account - make a local user​

 

Hi Nuts4Mutts, Welcome to WindowsBBS.
I see James has jumped in to help you already.
Is your Laptop a Touchscreen or just Touchpad?

Going from Vista to W8 is quite a leap. Are you happy with the Metro layout?
I think the guys who renewed your Hard drive were saying that if you had any Data/Music/Photos on the old hard drive - that they were gone. Unless you saved anything you had stored on the laptop before they renewed it.

I commend you for taking the time to read the EULA.

If you need help in working your way round the OS, I'm sure that many here will be able to guide you. There are lots of parts of the OS's that none of us will ever use or understand and I don't personally worry about. If it ain't broke - don't fix it - works for me.

I have used Mozilla (FF & TB) for years and don't use IE very much at all, but you will find that to get around in W8/8.1 you will need to establish an account with MS. This is part of the more Secure OS idea.

A number of members here including me, have opted to use an alternative Software for the Desktop. Start8 and Classic Shell are 2 popular ones. They can be set to make the Desktop look and feel like XP or W7.

You should allow all MS Updates to install in W8 and it will eventually offer W8.1 which is a large Update (3.6GB) and this in fact is to cure some earlier bugs and to make the Desktop more user friendly. Cheers Neil.

 

I think you are getting overly paranoid. The agreement is primarily there to ensure you don't misuse the software by, for example, installing it on more than one computer.

You don't need to be worried MS is using your information - you need to worry about keeping your system secured so OTHERS don't get and use your personal information. And you don't do that by changing the W8 defaults, you do it by keeping W8 update (that means 8.1) and you use a decent (and fully updated) anti-malware solution and you avoid risky behavior like visiting sites you should not.

 

Hi Again!

Thanks James & Neil...I appreciate your posts very much!

I'm somewhat familiar with Windows 8, as I used it for a few months before the hard drive died. (I got it as a gift & it was already set up, so I didn't know about all the Privacy holes in the License Agreement.) From the beginning it made a clock-like 'ticking' noise & it would crash at least once a week with a plain screen that kept telling me the "default boot device is missing or boot failed. insert recovery media blah, blah blah" Since I'm not well-versed in technical stuff I called Lenovo, (it's a G585), & they just told me to reboot & tap F8 until the login screen came up. This worked for a few months, then it finally crashed for the last time. Luckily it was still under the warranty plan & I sent it to their repair center & they replaced the hard drive & keyboard.

When I used it, I hated it immediately & got rid of the charms, (I guess that's what you mean by the "Metro layout ") & bought "Start 8" from Stardock & I also found a Registry Fix on another forum & eliminated the screen with Seattle on it, so when I turned it on it would go right to the login screen.

When I got it back from being repaired I had the shock of reading the License Agreement for the first time. I was so flabbergasted I just closed the lid, without checking the little box, & decided to see how to deal with the things that bothered me the most.

From reading your posts I assume I have to agree to the License Agreement before I can make any changes...is that right?

Is there a way to access the License Agreement after I agree to it, as I'd like to save it so I can refer to it if I need to?

And Yes Neil...I lost EVERYTHING that was on it because in all my years of using a PC (since 1999) I never made a backup. I'm ashamed to admit it, but since I only use it for email, games, streaming media, etc. I thought it was something I didn't need to do. In earlier versions of Windows they used to give Recovery Media, but I learned the hard way that newer versions don't do this. My Lenovo G585 has "One Key Recovery ", but being stupid, I didn't know that only meant it recovered the OS & nothing else. I'm considering flash drives this time around, but I haven't the foggiest idea how they function. I'll be reading some more Tutorials on this Forum, that's for sure!!!

I remember I was bothered by the 'necessity' to set up a Microsoft Account & didn't do it.
Probably the only downside was that I couldn't access the 'Help' function when I ran into a problem. I never bought anything from the Windows Store, (I think that's what it's called), as I don't have a smartphone or anything else that I'd have to sync to, so I didn't suffer at all from not having a Microsoft Account.

Is this referring to having a Microsoft Account? Will not having a Microsoft Account keep me from being able to upgrade to 8.1? I use Firefox 99.999% of the time. The only time I use IE is for Windows Updates, so it's good to know that I don't need to use it for updates any more. It bothers me that Micro$oft has a 'built-in Update tool'...that's why I want to turn off Automatic Updates. I've had many people tell me not to use AU because of this issue...and that was when I was still using Vista!

Should I upgrade to 8.1 right away or are they still ironing out more bugs?

I briefly used Windows 7 for a while, but I ended up going back to Vista HP, as I hated the new look. When I first used 8 I detested it so much I started looking for ways to restore the old look & functions immediately...that's when I bought 'Start 8' & got rid of Seattle!!!

It seems like both of you aren't too bothered by the License Agreement. Do you think it's worth trying to find a way to undo Micro$oft's privacy invasion or is it something I have to give-in to? I'm just SO frustrated with the NSA, IRS & other Privacy intrusions that I'm ultra-sensitive when I think that something's going to steal even MORE privacy from my life. I've had my Identity stolen twice...both related to online transactions, (on 'secure' sites BTW), so you can see why I'm so concerned.

So that's my story. I hope I addressed your questions, & I'm very grateful for your input.
Is it safe to assume that I should just check the box in the License Agreement & then try to secure everything later?

Please post again with any other thoughts or ideas. I guess you can tell I'm not well-versed in technical stuff, so use LOTS of details!!!

Thanks again for taking the time to help me.

Gratefully,
Nuts4Mutts

"Dogs may not be our whole life but they make our lives whole "
by Roger Caras

 

Thanks Bill...

I was typing my response to prior posts when you were posting. Thanks for trying to reassure me about this, but I just don't like how nosy M$ & the gov is getting these days.

I have a great AV program & I never visit any site that would be objectionable to my moral code. The thing I'm trying to protect is my privacy. I'm very bothered that my email is scanned & sent to the government & that should annoy everyone! The fact that M$ leaves giant holes to make Privacy invasion even easier is a crime & if I can avoid these holes or fill them in on my PC I'll do it.

It's not that I'm paranoid...I just don't think it's OK to give access to my personal info, (like financial info, email etc.), to anyone. That's how my Identity was stolen.

It seems that I have to ignore my gut feeling & check the box to the License Agreement anyway. After I agree to it I just want to know the right way to make sure my Privacy is protected as much as I can. Thanks for your input.

Nuts4Mutts

"Dogs may not be our whole life but they make our lives whole "
by Roger Caras

 

I agree, but they are not the ones you need to worry about because they have too many suspicious watchdogs over them.

I mean, did you see this about LG?

 

Actually, I don't have Windows 8, and the only time I get to tinker with it is when I do remote assistance for a relative. Neil and Bill, both, have logged-in more time with the OS than I have.

I favor Windows 7 for now.

That explains your feelings in a nutshell. I can't blame you for being paranoid about your privacy. The best thing you can do is to visit this forum on a regular basis, and see what works and doesn't work in terms of security. I hope you got your stolen ID problems corrected. If you don't mind saying, who were the online vendors that got you into trouble?

 

Hi!

Thanks for the heads-up, Bill. I got chills reading that article, but sad to say, I'm not the least bit surprised. What does surprise me is how info like that doesn't make consumers rise up & demand that this obsessive need that the the gov & media-related companies have to invade their Privacy must stop. Most people say stuff like, 'well, if you're not doing anything wrong you shouldn't be worried'. They always miss the point that every time our Privacy is chipped away we lose a bit of ourselves, too. The info that's collected can be taken out of context or altered to make it appear that someone DID do something wrong.

It doesn't help that reporters and journalists don't have the courage to report the Truth anymore. Instead they gloss-over it or ignore it entirely because they know that they're being spied on, too. This whole thing is a giant mess!!!

I wish I knew what the answer was, but it seems like if we want the 'luxury' of using PCs, smartphones, (I don't use one), smart TVs, (I don't have one) etc., we just have to do the best we can to protect ourselves.

This is exactly why the License Agreement bothered me so much. It's really not a matter of paranoia; it's a matter of wanting to hang on to my Privacy.

Thanks for the info. I'm going to share the link with all my friends & family members who think that taking pics on their iPhones while the GPS is on is smart...what idiots!!!

My niece's husband says, "the only way you can avoid being spied on is to be Amish ".
He doesn't get it yet. Unfortunately, by the time he does get it his Privacy will be long gone.

Thanks again. Have a great evening.

Nuts4Mutts

"Dogs may not be our whole life but they make our lives whole "
by Roger Caras

 

You are blaming the wrong people.

Government spying is to prevent crimes - I am okay with that (though they do need someone watching over their shoulders so they play fair).

Media spying really only affects celebrities and controversial public personalities and programs/projects. I am okay with that too - IF AND ONLY IF those celebrities are out in the public, at public events, or if they uncover government waste or fraud. I am NOT in favor of media spying when they expose classified information - even if the information is about illegal happenings.

That Snowden traitor, for example and the NSA. If he uncovered some illegal activities by the US Govt, he should have reported them to the IG or other law enforcement agency - through channels. Instead, he ran off and revealed secrets to unfriendly countries. That's treason. If he had previously reported these invasions of privacy up proper channels and he was then stifled, then and only then could I [maybe] understand him if he went to the Washington Post or NY Times. But NEVER for him going to a foreign government with data he STOLE and illegally removed from the NSA.

I note for him to accept that job, he had to take an oath promising to protect and defend the Constitution by following the laws are orders of those appointed over him.

You need to be blaming the very greedy and unscrupulous "direct-marketing" industry. They are the ones pushing spying and fishing for our personal information and our computing and browsing habits and activities so they can "direct market" ads (spam and pop-ups) custom tailored to our personal shopping and browsing habits.

 

Hi Bill,

I agree that some gov employees and officials take oaths to 'protect & defend the Constitution'. Without mentioning any names we have the most NON protector & defender of the Constitution in charge. There have been WAY too many breaches made by his over-stepping his 'power' that I don't want to get into it, as it makes my blood boil. Just his 'having a pen & a phone' does NOT give anyone the right to use executive power to override Congress & make himself king/dictator.

And, Yes, Snowden IS a traitor. Divulging our Country's classified info went WAY too far, & he should've gone through the proper channels concerning the NSA. That being said, with the way the Media has turned against the 'search for the Truth' HE decided to reported the facts on his own, but he forgot to edit out information that could put our Country in jeopardy.

I don't discuss politics as a rule, so I'm closing my end of this discussion now.

Respectfully,

Nuts4Mutts

 

I agree the buck stops at the Commander in Chief, but I am quite certain if a Republican had won the Presidency, the situation would be the exact same, or maybe worse (with "worse" defined here as even deeper invasion of privacy).

I don't say that with criticism for though a registered Independent, I am also a very strong, extremely strong advocate for a military that cannot be defeated with an offensive capability second to none - a long Republican stand - God Bless Ronald Reagan.

That said, this country is no different than any other with these capabilities. We all spy on each other - even among friends. We just got caught - ratted out by a traitor.

Been watching the news lately about Russia spying on US diplomat cell calls? Yet who does the press call on it? One of diplomats because trash-mouthed the EU in what she thought was a private conversation. Little is mentioned that it was the Russian government who FIRST "tweeted" the supposedly private conversation.

BTW - someone else needs to be held accountable for their part for (knowingly or not) helping Snowden get away (out of the facility) with so much information. He didn't do it in one trip.

 

Hey guys, talk of paranoia - you only need to worry if you're doing something wrong.
ALL of our electronic info is being scrutinized for pornographic and paedophillia and numerous KEY words including Piracy of Media etc.
Who cares - if we keep within legal and moral ideals - we have nothing to fear.

Nuts4Mutts, when you download a Software Program - do you always read the Eula or do you just click Next/Install?

You don't need to BUY from MS Store. You need to have an "Account" to get around in W8/8.1. I have installed FREE software from MS Store.
If you want Xbox software - then you WILL have to pay for it.

Mozilla asks if you want to allow them to "READ" your movements and I think Google and quite a few other programs do as well.
Do you use Facebook? I'd be more worried about Privacy with Facebook or Twitter and the likes.

Nice to see you use Start8. It makes it a little easier to get around in the OS rather than have to move the cursor to a corner all the time when you want to do something different. (Bill, i've invested in Start8 now).

If you want to avoid the Login screen and go to Desktop when Booting up :http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57591261-285/how-to-boot-directly-to-the-desktop-in-windows-8.1/

I personally found this a lot quicker when starting my comp. Cheers Neil.

 

Well, I personally think it is $5 well invested.

That is with 8.1 only, not 8.0. But then Start8 does that for you, if installed.

 

The other option Bill > Start > Type netplwiz in Search box > Enter > User Account > uncheck "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer > Apply > OK.

I had a corruption with Classic Shell and decided to try Start8 - worked OK - so I bought it. Neil.

 

That does not automatically get rid of the login screen, it just means you don't have to enter your email address to get in - it can just be a password, or no password (not recommended).

 

Hi,
To retiredlearner...

You asked if I read EULAS when I download programs, etc. I read ALL EULAS because I was told that was the best way to avoid PUPs; unwanted Toolbars; changes to my start page, etc. I do it even though most people think it's stupid.

As far as Facebook & Twitter...I do NOT use them any more. I opened a Twitter account & in a matter of 15 minutes I had dozens of strangers who wanted to 'follow me'.
That's WAY too needy for me! I have real friends who enjoy being in my company, so I never posted again. I have a Facebook account but I haven't visited there, nor have I opened any notifications for over 8 months. I stopped going there because I didn't like their so-called 'privacy' policy. People go to social media sites & wrongly assume that the only ones who read their posts; look at their photos, etc. are the ones they know as friends, family or friends of family & friends. This can't be further from the truth, as anyone can. That was proven 6 months or so back when it was discovered that posted photos were being copied & used in advertizements and on morally objectionable places without the owner's permission. Shortly after that was revealed, Facebook tried to improve its image & offered new 'privacy' options. Unfortunately, it only applies to NEW photos, posts etc. Everything that was already there was not allowed to be made 'private' in any way.

I've never gone to the MS Store, and I don't have an X-Box & I'm not going to have a need for either one. I have my own games installed & I'm happy with this setup.

As far as Mozilla, I have it setup so it tells sites that I do NOT want to be tracked; I don't save any passwords or history, etc. I followed the safest guidelines I could find from Mozilla's Support Forums.

I do NOT use Google, Yahoo, etc. I only use DuckDuckGo or StartPage for searching. I know they use Google & Yahoo info, but they do not save your IP Address & they do NOT follow you from one site to another.

Start8 is well worth the $5.00! I'm glad you like it, too.

Thanks for the link you provided, but I actually like the log-in screen...it add a nice level of security in case someone would find your closed laptop unattended. They'd need the password to get to your info. I want to get rid of the picture of Seattle! If anyone knows how to get rid of that picture & go right to the Log-in Screen, let me know!

Thanks for asking about my thoughts on EULAs & social media.

Best Regards,

Nuts4Mutts

 

I do not think it is stupid, but your reasons for doing it are not valid. You cannot avoid those things by reading the EULA.

The EULA spells out the terms of use telling you how you can use the software (number of computers, transfers, copies, etc.). It also may say what the company will do with your information.

To stop unwanted toolbars, start and home page settings, default browsers and more, you MUST use the custom install option whenever you install anything, then "opt-out" of those "extras ".

I like the log in screen too - just not the one that forces me into a MS log in - so I don't use that - just a password to get me into my system, not Microsoft's.

As for Mozilla, if using FF because you feel it offers the best security, you might want to reconsider and switch to IE11, or if you just don't like the look and feel of IE, then Chrome. FF continues to suffer, continually have more "newly" discovered vulnerabilities than the other, and it continues to do less well on socially engineered malware distribution methods (the most popular).

I am NOT saying FF is insecure, I am just saying if security is your priority, use a different browser. And regardless your browser of choice, keep Windows updated, use a decent ant-malware solution, and avoid risky behaviors - things you need to do regardless your browser.

 

Well said Bill. Eulas don't worry me - it's doing the Custom Download which is the important thing.
The sneaky attached search tools or AV's that concern me more.
BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!!! Neil.

 

You might be interested in the article below, Nuts4Mutts...

Dangerous Terms: A User's Guide to EULAs ​

Web of Trust is a valuable tool when surfing the web. I would also advise installing Win Patrol, as it will alert you to anything that tries to install itself behind your back.

I used to know of an online tool / program that can help interpret EULAS, but I can't seem to find it.