CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide

Beyond A+
Privacy Concerns with Windows 10
All of the positives of Windows 10 are countered by Microsoft’s
unprecedented and questionable use of what many consider private data. One
of the most controversial questions is why Windows 10 seemingly requires
you to log in using a Microsoft (Hotmail or Outlook) account. Savvy techs
discovered that logging in with a Microsoft account enables Windows to grab
a disturbing amount of personal information, including data such as your Wi-
Fi passwords. Security-conscious users should consider creating and using an
old-style local user account. Be warned that not using a Microsoft account
disables the Microsoft Cortana voice command feature.
There are a number of privacy issues beyond the Microsoft account issue.
Here’s a list of features you should consider turning off. Most of these
features may be shut down using the Privacy utility in the Settings app.
• Let apps use my advertising ID for experiences across apps This
gives Microsoft the right to create, use, and share a unique advertising
ID that will at the very least create custom advertising on Web sites.
• Send Microsoft information about how I write to help us improve
typing and writing in the future Microsoft doesn’t clearly state the
purpose of this option, but suffice it to say they may capture all of your
keystrokes. Scary!
• Let websites provide locally relevant content by accessing my
language list Why does Microsoft need to access language settings
given that a Web site can easily tell your default language? Unless you
go between multiple languages, it’s a good idea to turn this off.
• Location Location services enable Microsoft to track your location
unless this setting is disabled.
• Getting to know you This happy-sounding feature tracks a large
amount of information about you such as your contacts, calendar
events, speech, handwriting, and more. Turn it off.
The bottom line is this: Windows 10 is easy to use and full of features.