Windows 10 Shock Microsoft Now Owns All Your Data

Well if there is ever case to read the new Windows® 10 "END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT" & the "PRIVACY POLICY" then this is it.

It seems that the new Windows® 10 agreements basically say, we own your data and record everything you do on any device with the Windows® 10 operating system installed.

Here is the first extract from the EULA.

"Microsoft collects information about you, your devices, applications and networks, and your use of those devices, applications and networks. Examples of data we collect include your name, email address, preferences and interests; browsing, search and file history; phone call and SMS data; device configuration and sensor data; and application usage."

Now if that was not enough how about....

"We may collect information about your device and applications and use it for purposes such as determining or improving compatibility" and "use voice input features like speech-to-text, we may collect voice information and use it for purposes such as improving speech processing."

Yes you read that correctly they are actually stating they will listen to you, your voice and your chats.

But there is yet more.. no we mean it, wait till you read this next piece of contractual text!

"If you open a file, we may collect information about the file, the application used to open the file, and how long it takes any use of it for purposes such as improving performance, or if you enter text, we may collect typed characters and use them for purposes such as improving autocomplete and spell check features."

So with that you are agreeing to them recording your every keystroke and looking at your files.

Now we here at Numus Software, are self confessed Microsoft® lovers, but we are a little lost, if the information above was not enough of a shock, then how about this. The new Windows® updates are forced and are not optional! Why is that a problem? Well as developers we run hundreds of servers and we have previously had forced updates take down servers. Sometimes these updates can take a few minutes, sometimes and hour. So we have always had to turn them off, and in some cases had to use a registry hack to disable them.

So the issue is this, if your income is based around web servers, then having it forcibly showdown and update is an absolute non-starter. The update could take your server down for hours and it could even crash it. How about if you manage servers that host web sites for your clients? They will not be very happy if you can not control the auto update system and randomly shut-down their income.

The Licence states that "The software periodically checks for system and app updates, and downloads and installs them for you" and that "You may obtain updates only from Microsoft or authorized sources, and Microsoft may need to update your system to provide you with those updates. By accepting this agreement, you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice".

We would interpret that statement to mean that Windows® 10 will work in the same way as the Apple® app store. All installs, software and anything extra.... in fact everything will have to come from a Windows® approved source (The Microsoft® Cloud) .. So what happens to all the other Software providers and developers?

We predict that there will be a sudden huge rush to "Jail Break" Windows® 10, just like there was on the iPhone.

Some not very helpful information can be found here along with some other posts about peoples concerns.

We remember when the focus of Microsoft® was "Developers" .. you know where we are going with this! Here is the old CEO of Microsoft®, Steve Ballmer, having a meltdown about developers... we miss Steve!