In our previous guides we explained how to get rid of Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade offers and how to disable telemetry data connection in Windows 7. In addition, we provided a list of updates that track user activity and send telemetry to Microsoft. Naturally, some Windwos 8.1 users may want to disallow telemetry data sending as well.
Windows 10 has tons of nice features. Still, some people stick to Windows 7 or 8.1 for the sake of privacy. However, this kind of conservatism doesn't make much sense. While the problem isn't that big, it’s still there on Windows 7 and 8.1.
We have already described which updates can be removed from Windows 7 and 8.1 for privacy concerns in a separate guide. This guide will explain how to disable some system options to prevent certain data collection by Microsoft.
Microsoft is sending updates urging to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Obviously, not every person wants those. Also, Microsoft is pushing updates that enable user activity tracking.
Simply put, these updates don't bring security fixes or any additional functionality. You could as well skip or uninstall them without compromising security.
We’ll explain how to get rid of such updates and stop Windows Update Manager from offering them again.
System administrators, IT specialists, bank officers or anyone who works with critical information or has to restrict access to data are dealing with passwords. Following basic rules for using and storing passwords is very important for anyone who wants to keep information private. A lot of people think that their home computers won’t become a target for bad guys. This is not true! Anyone can face data theft problems if not being discreet.
Every person who wants to use Internet today should be aware of possible privacy and personal data issues. Governments of many countries want it to be controlled and companies strive to collect personal information and track users. Then this data ends up being used for targeting ads. Even if the use of such data is considered secure, there's always probability of a threat. The data could be stolen or it could become public. Nobody could gurantee absolute safety.
UAC (User Account Control) is an extra layer of security introduced in Windows Vista. It suspends any application you want to run: a dialog box pops up asking for an explicit permission to run the app. While offering extra security, UAC certainly complicates remote support because you lose control over the remote machine in some cases.
But let's see what other options we have here. All workarounds suggested are for Windows 7 but they also should work in Vista and Windows 8.
By far, malware problems are the most frequent support case out there. You hunt and remove the buggers on regular maintenance sessions. New customers would often call you, asking to fix a machine that’s strangely behaving, the screen is locking up, etc.