The more we learn about Windows as a Service the less we seem to know. Already many have discovered that a fresh install with license from an upgraded Windows install is not as simple as it sounded, the license has far more to do with your current hardware than the OS license you once purchased. Now it seems that figuring out what updates are being installed on your computer will also be obfuscated, where before you could see the number of the relevant Knowledge Base article now you will simply receive generically labelled updates. This should worry home users as it will make it difficult to avoid Windows Updates with known compatibility issues and terrify any businesses which were considering moving to Windows 10 as releasing untested patches into a production environment is verboten and this makes the testing process more, not less difficult.
Windows Insiders may actually end up knowing more about the updates than the regular users who will only hear details of a limited number of updates. Build 10525 has recently been released to insiders on the Fast Release ring with Microsoft's Gabe Aul went into detail about what changes were made in this new build, as well as the new issues present in this version. Build 10512 of Windows 10 Mobile was also just recently released for those few souls running on Windows Mobile and testing the newest incarnation of the OS. The Register did try out the new version, you can read about their experiences here.
"The Register asked Microsoft for clarification on the policy after the company issued a new cumulative update for Windows 10 and refused to say what it does other than to say it offered “improvements to enhance the functionality of Windows 10.”"
Here is some more Tech News from around the web:
- Coming in 2016: Intel Optane SSDs based on 3D Xpoint memory @ The Tech Report
- Win8 inventory glut? Yep, it's all Microsoft's fault, says HP @ The Register
- Yet another Android app security bug: This time 'everything is affected' @ The Register
- Google reveals OnHub WiFi router, complete with GLOWING RING @ The Register
- Replacing ifconfig with ip @ Linux.com
- Tenda W568R Wireless N900 Concurrent Dual-band Gigabit Router @ eTeknix
- Netis WF2150 N600 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter @ eTeknix
- FBI Informant: Ray Bradbury's Sci-fi Written To Induce Communistic Mass Hysteria @ Slashdot
- Netis PL7500 Kit AV500 Powerline Adapter Kit @ eTeknix
- Get whimsical and win a Western Digital Black 6TB hard drive @ The Register
Latest news say that some
Latest news say that some torrent trackers block windows 10. One more thing a few people would have to consider.
Personally I got my reservation for Windows 10, but I will not install them before 2016. There are too many things we don’t know about Windows 10, that we might start learning after the first 30 days period that is necessary to pass, so that people wouldn’t have the option to go back to their original OS(their keys will be valid only for 10). After that period Microsoft could start saying more about Win 10 and the future. Right now I think they prefer to not say many things that could discourage someone from turning that Win 7/8/8.1 key into a Win 10 key.
The ones that runs those
The ones that runs those trackers seriously need tinfoil hats as well.
The basis of the block was the EULA that governs certain services and games that is controlled by Microsoft.
It doesn’t even begin to touch games or programs not published by Microsoft.
I have upgraded a tablet
I have upgraded a tablet (W8.1 Bing), laptop (W7 Pro), and a desktop (W7 Pro). The experience so far is not very impressive, not enough to upgrade the remaining W7 Pro machines we have. Obfuscation is the perfect word to describe W10.
Microsoft seems to think that ignorance is bliss, but I think it fscking blows.
It seems like the only Kryptonite to W7 will be DX12, but if enough developers support Vulkan, DX10 will not be necessary.
Those figures are going to
Those figures are going to fluctuate wildly as it gets close to some of the windows 10 Freebee adopters 30 day time limit, why have your windows 7, or 8.1 license eaten and be stuck with that spyware that’s also an OS, while simultaneously being an OS that is also adware! The terms of that draconian EULA are being reviewed by reporters, lawyers, and government consumer/trade watchdogs. And also add in those forced updates with no information provided as to just what these updates are doing. Are those little opt out check-boxes even being adhered to, or is there still telemetry being gathered with all the switches turned to the off setting, as some have been reporting.
And be sure to remember to check those new laptops/PCs that come with a windows 10 image factory installed for the presence of a windows Secure Boot off switch in the UEFI/BIOS, as even having a Secure Boot off switch in the first place on the new hardware is NOW an OEM “OPTION”, and there just may not be any alternative option for other OSs without the key signature provided by none other than M$, how convenient is that.
That EULA may have those switches turned right back on, and the user with no options other than the appearance of opting out! With the privacy settings issue morphing in eternal game of M$ privacy Whac-A-Mole on windows 10!
Edit: morphing in
To:
Edit: morphing in
To: morphing into an
Ya know, the Secure Boot rant
Ya know, the Secure Boot rant comes up every time Windows 10 gets blasted. I’m sitting behind my gaming system, which (on occasion) dual boots Linux to help out distcc compiler work. Secure boot is enabled (although my MB does have the option to disable it).
There are two separate solutions for booting Linux on a Secure Boot system (Shim and PreLoader). Or in some systems you can replace the Microsoft Secure Boot keys with your own keys (I think PreLoader is easier). Rants on Windows 10 are pretty easy but I don’t think the tinfoil-hat Secure Boot rants need to be part of them anymore. Windows 10 has plenty of “merits” to rant on by itself :-).
Please provide the step by
Please provide the step by step, and the complete links to the respective man-pages, etc. But Mom and Pop need to be aware of the optional presence of a secure boot off switch on their new hardware’s UEFI/BIOS, it takes time to learn all that is necessary. I would rather not have any hardware controlled or firmware within a device’s UEFI/BIOS and no options to turn off features that I may not be comfortable with!
We are dealing with a monopoly OS interest with M$, and one that is trying its best to ignore the Sherman antitrust act. If M$’s attempt at closing a walled garden around the Third Party OEM PC/Laptop market with windows 10, and M$ using its broad horizontal PC/Laptop OS market share to leverage an illegal vertical market control over the so called independent OEM’s, and by default the consumer market for third party produced independently produced OEM laptop and PC products, then I do not Know what is! That secure boot key signing authority needs to be watched, as well as the presence of a secure boot off switch for the computer layman’s ability to load the OS of choice unhampered by M$!
Mom and Pop aren’t going to
Mom and Pop aren’t going to care. The only one’s who care are people who visit forums and websites like this one. For the largest portion of PC users you could completely remove the ability to install even the same OS and they’d never know.
Simply put. If there is a market for PCs that run an OS other than a MS one someone will make it. There’s zero reason to worry about this.
Not if you read M$ win 10
Not if you read M$ win 10 EULA, and the information and control it gives M$ over your system and personal privacy. Most people are not going to go to 10, or even 8. And for new hardware that I purchase if I find there is no secure boot off switch in the BIOS then it’s back to the retailer for a refund. There better be a sticker on the computer to avoid the trouble of many in having to return a new computer to the retailer.
And most users will have to get their heads out of the sand. I’ll go as far as saying it’s time for some regulations that require that consumers be informed at point of sale about a secure Boot off switch, and other important information. That includes the banning of bundled OSs on any Laptop/PC device, let the user have the driver disk with drivers for at least 3 of the major OSs, Windows, Linux, and BSD, and let the user choose the OS. No more of this baked into the firmware UEFI/BIOS features for a specific OS! The consumer buys the hardware, and then separately obtains the OS, with the OEM providing drivers for at least 3 of the main PC OS Kernels, windows/NT/whatever, Linux Kernel(if not already in the kernel build), or BSD. Any computing hardware found to be locked to a particular OS needs to be legally Banned. Third party OEMs need to be totally banned from any direct OS bundling arrangements with the makers of OSs. Users should have the option of getting the hardware with no OS, and to not have to pay an OS tax for an OS that they will never use.
If you want to see how consumers have responded to an OS, just look at windows 8, and 10 is much more dangerous than 8. How’s that red hot PC/Laptop market doing now!
Secure Boot, and the secure boot Key signing authority needs to be in a the hands of a impartial industry standards standards organization.
Secure Boot doesn’t need to
Secure Boot doesn’t need to be in the hands of anyone. Any company who produces a product should be able to decide if they wish to use the technology or not, and even how it’s implemented.
….which is exactly how it is now. I don’t understand all your fear mongering.
There doesn’t need to be a sticker on a computer. At least not here in America. You can return almost anything that isn’t software for any reason what so ever including computers within a reasonable amount of time (15 days – 30 days).
The idea of this “driver” disk is ridiculous because it forces companies who may not be interested in supporting multiple platforms to support multiple platforms. Even if doing so it detrimental to the health of the company.
Bottom line: Microsoft can’t force a company to sell a Windows PC. They can’t even dictate what hardware or software has to come with that PC outside of the OS. There may be some special saving if they do, but it’s still up to the manufacturers to decide what kind of personal computer they want to have on offer. Windows being consumer unfriendly is a separate issue.
Solution: Don’t buy the
Solution: Don’t buy the fuccing thing. See how long Sucure Boot lasts when companies who have it starve.
MS could stand to lose a few pounds on this one too.
Learn Linux today.
It’s about the presence of a
It’s about the presence of a Secure Boot OFF SWITCH in the UEFI/BIOS and the big PC/Laptop OS Monopoly’s influence over the entire process. so it’s the OFF SWITCH that must be available or the potential customer warned that the particular device does not have the OFF SWITCH to be able to turn of windows Secure Boot in the first place. This has implications for the Mom and Pops that may want to load a Linux distro, and M$ holds the Secure Boot key signing authority over the firmware/software and by default control over the hardware ecosystem that uses UEFI/BIOS and Windows secure boot. So in America they do have product labeling requirements, and the presence, or not, on any PC/Laptop device’s secure boot Of an ->OFF SWITCH<- should be known to the potential customer. M$ is a monopoly and the presence of its code in the Firmware of any independent third party OEM PC/Laptop needs to be watched, least the hardware become locked into the M$ OS ecosystem. There is too cozy of a relationship/domination between M$ and the independent laptop/PC OEMs and that secure boot software/firmware apparatus/Key signing authority belongs under the control of an impartial, non single vested interest, industry standards organization. Having to go through the trouble of returning a laptop or PC that does not posses/have a secure boot OFF Switch is a unacceptable extra hardship placed upon the consumer in an attempt by any OEM/M$ to remove the control from the consumer and the hardware that they may purchase and own. Make the OEM's accountable for labeling the device as able, or not, to have the M$ windows Secure Boot software/firmware apparatus turned off. M$ as a PC/Laptop monopoly OS market share holder needs to be regulated, especially concerning the presence of any of its software/firmware apparatuses integrated into the UEFI/Firmware of the independent PC/laptop OEM's hardware, and the independent third party OEM software/OS/hardware market need to be regulated to enforce fair and equatable competition for any and all OS/software makers. The Sherman antitrust act regulations need to be applied to the third party independent Laptop/PC OS/software/hardware ecosystem and hardware market as if that PC/Laptop OS/Hardware market was a single entity, and not diluted with any other mobile devices market with a healthy fair and equitable OS market balance.
No. This option means that
No. This option means that consumers have a choice and lets them exercise that option!
They(consumers) will not have
They(consumers) will not have the option to turn off secure boot and run their choice of OS/Kernel if there is no secure boot [OFF Switch] provided in the devices UEFI/BIOS, this is illegal M$ monopolistic hardware lock-in attempt pure and simple!
It time for the letters of complaint to the US Justice Department, and the State Attorneys Generals! Time to get the control of the secure boot key signing authority into the hands of an impartial third party standards origination, before M$ secures full control over your new independently produced OEM PC/Laptop hardware.
Consumers buy most of their PCs/Laptops from independent OEMs and the devices are not directly made/branded by M$, so why give M$ an Apple Style control over your independently produced laptops/PCs! Users want the OS doing their bidding, and not their(the consumer’s) hardware to be captured into doing M$’s bidding!!!
I understand the privacy
I understand the privacy issue and everything, but it makes
you wonder what some of these people are trying to hide?
“Things that make you go hmmmmmmm”
Their bank account numbers,
Their bank account numbers, their vacation plans, those B&E types would love that, and probably will pay some disgruntled and stacked ranked loser at M$ for that info on where and when you are going out of town! There will probably be offers to M$ employees for a price, for similar info, among other private information. It’s not just the crazy uncle that is kept hidden in the attic types of embarrassing info, but enough personal information for someone else to obtain your identity. Do you trust M$’s cloud, especially if it’s running on M$’s Swiss cheese of security OS!
Thank you pcper for teaching
Thank you pcper for teaching me “obfuscated”
I can only hope that
I can only hope that Microsoft doesn’t succeed with imposing this new attitude onto us. I’m already concerned about the day when Windows 7 support ends, as I’m not liking what I’m seeing here.
Going to be a problem for
Going to be a problem for those in the IT industry. How do you troubleshoot the unknown? Please dont say ask Cortana…
Nope. My 7 Ultimate is
Nope. My 7 Ultimate is getting ditched because of random changes over the last couple of weeks. ALL services are off and they still sneak code in. I ran 10 on a VM, and sure its faster and a bit easier to navigate, but heyall naw. Back to Gnome for me.
Like most malware, Windows 10
Like most malware, Windows 10 doesnt tell you what its doing in the background.
the updates only gave you
the updates only gave you some kinda vague 1/2 ass explanation in all the other versions of windows so now they are just hiding the blabber.
What are you going to tell me with a straight face you read every single KB article for every single update before you installed it?
LOL
in other news, do you hear yourself? what facts does anyone have?
none, again windows 10 has been put on wireshark and watched, once all the proper security settings were changed it was air tight.
don’t want MS looking at your files, don’t use one drive.
the whole pirate game thing… FROM THE WINDOWS STORE, pretty sure google and apple do the same thing.
Pirate games, don’t use the store.
New windows 10 game, make up anything and its true.
car broke down, damn windows 10, roof leaking..windows 10!!! dow down 400 points, WINDOW 10 HACK!!! microsoft just broke into my bank account and stole all my money THANKS WINDOWS 10.
black van drove down my street… microsoft is on the phone with the NSA right now.. THANKS WINDOWS 10!!!!!!!!!!
^
THIS
And I would also like
^
THIS
And I would also like to know, who of those who really read the KBs, actually did understand what are they really about.
That being said, I would like to have control over HW drivers.
there is a setting and even a
there is a setting and even a reg hack to keep HW drivers off limits.
“Something Happened” was the
“Something Happened” was the harbinger for the new MS Windows philosophy of using simple sentences to tell us the blindingly obvious, while keeping resolutely mum on what we really want to know.
Honestly, I find this to be even more troubling than the missing start menu in Windows 8 ever was.
Windows 10 Pro users can
Windows 10 Pro users can decide what patches to apply and when, but we’re not going to tell you what is in patches. Good luck, sucker!
It’s really embarrassing for
It’s really embarrassing for MS. I had 2 separate instanes where their random patches killed my performance.
So I clicked the “revert to windows 7 button.” After 20 minutes, it booted back into windows 10.
So I tried it again. Would freeze on win7 load screen and was stuck in an ineffective “repair” cycle. So I tried a win 7 boot disc, “not a compatible version of windows.”
So I tried a win 10 boot disc and clicked “repair” and finally I had windows 7 back …
Good luck fixing this thing MS. Guess this is why we don’t have release dates for Fable or Gears of War.
Window 10 pro users can only
Window 10 pro users can only delay the inevitable with respect to windows 10 patches, eventually even the windows 10 Pro users will be force-fed those patches. It’s not a simple list with the option of turning down a particular KB/Patch its all or none with the delays, and some special M$ software is needed for the driver cock-up issue. Only enterprise users will get the choice, and even the enterprise customers will have to pay extra for the specific information about the updates, as that is a service now too for enterprise customers only! That “Free OS” needs to be paid for, and the cost is that the customer becomes the product, now get out there and dance for those windows 10 crumbs, that EULA you agreed to says you are M$ property!!
“and terrify any businesses
“and terrify any businesses which were considering moving to Windows 10 as releasing untested patches into a production environment is verboten and this makes the testing process more, not less difficult.”
Any business that wants to control Windows Updates will be running their own WSUS server. If you’re panicking because you;re failing to use the tools available (and have been available for the last decade) then any problems are entirely your own fault.
Of course we are, however
Of course we are, however instead of a nice list of KB articles which can be tested one at a time you will get a package which might or might not allow you to know which updates are contained within the package.
Haven't seen it as we are not testing Win10 yet … have you seen the Win 10 WSUS by any chance?
Looking at my WSUS 3 server,
Looking at my WSUS 3 server, under products and classifications there are:
Windows 10 and later drivers
Windows 10 and later upgrade & servicing drivers
Windows 10 Language Interface Packs
Windows 10 Language Packs
Windows 10 LTSB
Windows 10
(LTSB = Long Term Servicing Branch)
LTSB seems to only be for the
LTSB seems to only be for the enterprise edition of Windows 10, meaning any company that wants to limit themselves to LTSB only is required to get a volume license agreement.
The ability to pick and
The ability to pick and choose updates will cost money, as well as receive information(for a M$ price) about the updates. Only the enterprise licensing arrangements will offer what was once standard with all windows editions. That “FREE” has to be paid for somehow, and the enterprise licensing does cost dearly. The consumer themselves are the fodder for M$’s data metrics and marketing division, it’s SatNad’s big cloud of marketing metrics driven ad pushing mills from now on, prepared to be processed into Soylent Green and promptly devoured!
Expect more of the Old Standard OS features of windows to be removed with those future UN-described, and ultimately UN-refuse-able windows 10 “updates” on the consumer side of things, and most likely offered back to you at a Big M$ markup($$$). You do Know what that EULA allows!
Hmm, hopefully more
Hmm, hopefully more categories are listed under LTSB as opposed to having all the above grouped in.
hey don’t you come here with
hey don’t you come here with your level headed talk.
this is strictly for crazy people to b*tch about things that aren’t true.
i’ve got another tinfoil hat to make and you are holding me up!!!!!!!!
this is almost like windows 10 troll edition, how to get all the tech blog coment cry baby crazy sh*ts off your OS and onto linux 100%.. now the linux community has to deal with these morons LOL
if they really wanted a 100% secure OS they’d be going BSD.. but nope they are still going linux, cause they are trolls.