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Updated July 19, 2023, to reflect changes based on Windows 10’s Creators Update.
Don’t fret. I’m here to show you how to get your PC and its data out of the cloud and back on silicona firma. (Yes, I did just make that up.)
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CortanaMicrosoft’s built-in digital assistant is incredibly useful for quickly setting reminders, calendar events, and sending email, among many other things. The information it collects is very similar to what Google does with Google Now, which you may already be using on your Android device.
Once Cortana is gone, you’ll see a new option that says ‘Search online and include web results.’ As its title suggests, this includes Bing results when you search for things on your PC. You’ll have to decide whether you want that enabled.
Wi-Fi Sense and peer-to-peerThe first is Wi-Fi Sense. This is turned on by default, but it doesn’t do anything unless you explicitly use it. Wi-Fi Sense lets you share access to password-protected Wi-Fi routers. The passwords are shared silently in the background over encrypted connections. People with whom you share network access never see the actual passwords, and they cannot grant sharing permissions for their friends.
The idea is that if your friends or family come over to your house, they don’t have to ask for your password. Instead, anyone who uses a Windows 10 device and is a digital friend of yours is automatically logged in. This is arguably more secure than sharing your password—once a person knows your Wi-Fi password they can easily share it with others, after all.
If you want to shut off everything, just turn the slider on this screen to Off. If you want to share with PCs on your local network, leave the slider in the On position and select the radio button that says ‘PCs on my local network.’ For more detailed instructions, check out our primer on stopping P2P Windows 10 updates.
OneDriveIf you’re not interested in storing your files on Microsoft’s cloud servers, you can turn off OneDrive so it stops bugging you to configure it.
In the new window that opens, uncheck ‘Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows.’ You can also uncheck the other two boxes if they’re selected as well: ‘Let me use OneDrive to fetch any of my files on this PC,’ and ‘Use Office to work on files with other people at the same time.’
Back to SettingsAfter taking care of the settings under General, what you’ll mostly see in the remaining sections are methods for apps to access your data.
Each panel is pretty self-explanatory.
After location is taken care of, the rest of the settings follow a similar format, allowing you to turn off access to things like your camera, microphone, contacts, and calendar on a system-wide or per-app basis. Just be careful not to let your privacy zeal impact truly useful features. The Mail app has reasonable justification for accessing your contacts, for example.
Next page: The privacy reclamation continues with Microsoft Edge, various SmartScreen filters, local accounts, and more.
You're reading How To Reclaim Your Privacy In Windows 10, Piece By Piece
6 Ways To Reclaim Your Privacy When Using Google Products
1. Google DashboardPrivacy settings for nearly all Google products and services can be accessed from a single page – the Google Dashboard. Here, you can review individual settings for online services like Buzz, Reader, Picasa, YouTube, and more.
2. Chrome’s Incognito ModeChances are good that if you’ve used Chrome for any length of time, you already know about Incognito Mode. For those who don’t, you’ll be glad you’re reading about it now. Chrome was the first major browser to include a “private surfing” mode which allows users to browse the web without accumulating a trail of crumbs on the local PC.
Sites visited while in Incognito Mode will not show up in the browser’s history, and will not be allowed to leave cookies and other tracking information behind. Other browser makers have since added similar features to their products, to the general benefit of all.
Encrypted GmailFor some time now, Google has been allowing Gmail users to log in using a secure (SSL) connection. If enabled, your traffic to and from Gmail is much more resistant to eavesdropping and tampering by your work or ISP or others that may have access to your traffic as it flows from one end to the other.
Encrypted SearchMuch like the Gmail SSL connections mentioned above, you can now perform your normal Google searched using a secure connection. This of course doesn’t have the slightest affect on what Google knows about you, but it reduces the ability of unscrupulous web sites to track you based on your searches.
SSL Enforcer Chrome PluginI make several Google searches per day, but as a Chrome user, I search with the omnibar much more often than I go to the Google homepage. To get omnibar searches to use the new SSL feature, I use the SSL Enforcer extension. This will detect when a site supports SSL, and automatically use that option whenever available, including with Google searches.
This extension, however, is not foolproof. It needs to make a standard, unencrypted connection to the page before it can create the secure one. It’s probably not a good idea to rely on this for heavy security but it can be very useful to help protect casual browsing.
Analytics Opt-OutGoogle Analytics is an extremely popular tool for web admins to gather information about the users of their sites. There’s nothing inherently wrong with analytics, and it’s most commonly used to gather basic information that any serious web admin would want, such as the browser and OS types of their visitors. Some people, however, are uncomfortable sharing their system or user info with the world so Google provides a simple way to take yourself out of the Analytics equation. By using the new Opt-Out Tool, you can install a plugin for your browser (IE 7+, Chrome 4+, Firefox 3.5+) that will make you essentially invisible to sites using Analytics.
What other ways do you use to protect yourself from the Google’s clutches?
Joshua Price
Josh Price is a senior MakeTechEasier writer and owner of Rain Dog Software
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Npr: Mike Daisey’s Theatrical Piece On Foxconn Workers’ Plight Is Mostly Theatrics
Marketplace and This American Life retracted their stories based on the work of Mike Daisey due to further reporting and supplemental accounts from his translator. Daisey’s one-man show relived a trip to Foxconn where he claimed, among other things, to have met “14 year olds, 13 year olds, even 12 year olds” who toiled in Apple’s sweatshops for multiple shifts at a time. He also met people deformed from working on Apple products.
Marketplace’s Rob Schmitz, who covers Asia for the news organization, did not believe what he heard—that Daisey was able to find all of this on his first six-day trip to China. He looked for Daisey’s translator, but Daisey conveniently lost the contact information. When he found Cathy Lee (above), she had no knowledge about most of the information Daisey used in his monologue.
It appears that much of Daisey’s show is fabricated from news events and stories that Apple and Foxconn already documented. To their credit, NPR got to the bottom of the story. Here is the transcript of the radio interview on This American Life:
Rob Schmitz: Cathy says you did not talk to workers who were poisoned with hexane.
Mike Daisey: That’s correct.
RS: So you lied about that? That wasn’t what you saw?
MD: I wouldn’t express it that way.
RS: How would you express it?
MD: I would say that I wanted to tell a story that captured the totality of my trip.
Ira Glass: Did you meet workers like that? Or did you just read about the issue?
MD: I met workers in, um, Hong Kong, going to Apple protests who had not been poisoned by hexane but had known people who had been, and it was a constant conversation among those workers.
IG: So you didn’t meet an actual worker who’d been poisoned by hexane.
MD: That’s correct.
Daisey was quick to respond on his blog, where he wrote:
“This American Life” has raised questions about the adaptation of AGONY/ECSTASY we created for their program. Here is my response:
I stand by my work. My show is a theatrical piece whose goal is to create a human connection between our gorgeous devices and the brutal circumstances from which they emerge. It uses a combination of fact, memoir, and dramatic license to tell its story, and I believe it does so with integrity. Certainly, the comprehensive investigations undertaken by The New York Times and a number of labor rights groups to document conditions in electronics manufacturing would seem to bear this out.
What I do is not journalism. The tools of the theater are not the same as the tools of journalism. For this reason, I regret that I allowed THIS AMERICAN LIFE to air an excerpt from my monologue. THIS AMERICAN LIFE is essentially a journalistic - not a theatrical - enterprise, and as such it operates under a different set of rules and expectations. But this is my only regret. I am proud that my work seems to have sparked a growing storm of attention and concern over the often appalling conditions under which many of the high-tech products we love so much are assembled in China.
A video interview of Daisey from earlier this year:
[vodpod id=Video.16233269&w=425&h=350&fv=launch%3D46390964%5E68529%5E402736%26amp%3Bwidth%3D420%26amp%3Bheight%3D245]
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How To Personalize Your Windows 10 Notifications
Notifications are useful since they alert you when an app needs your attention. To have all your Windows 10 notifications in one area, you have the Action Center. But, it can be annoying when you get notifications for apps you couldn’t care less about.
It can get even more annoying when the notifications you do see stay on your display for too long. The good news is that there is something you can do about this. Let’s see how you can set up the Windows 10 notifications your way.
How to Limit the Number of Notifications in the Action CenterScroll down until you see the “Get notifications from these senders” section. Go through the list and toggle off the button for the apps you don’t want to receive notifications from.
As long as you’re here, there is another adjustment you can make. Under Notifications, you can turn off or on the option to see the notifications on the lock screen or not.
How to Maximize/Minimize the Time Notifications Are Visible How to Turn Off Badge Notifications on TaskbarIf you enabled the “Use small taskbar” button, this is going to grey out the Show badges on taskbar button. To allow the badges option, turn off the “Use small taskbar” button.
The new notifications will still be in the Notification Center, and you’ll know they’re there because the icon will turn white.
How to Make the Action Center DisappearScroll down until you see the Action Center option and toggle it off. It should appear as soon as it’s turned off. You won’t have to reboot your computer to see the changes.
How to Prioritize Notifications How to Change the Mail Calendar Notifications How to Turn Off Windows 10 Notifications During Presentations ConclusionWhen you’re dealing with a lot of notifications, it can all end in one big headache. But, once everything is set up your way, you can finally get things done without the notifications distracting you. How are going to set up your notifications?
Fabio Buckell
Just a simple guy that can’t enough of Technology in general and is always surrounded by at least one Android and iOS device. I’m a Pizza addict as well.
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How To Install Windows Terminal In Windows 10
Windows Terminal is Microsoft’s powerful integration of several software, including the Command Prompt, Windows PowerShell, Azure Cloud Shell, and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Using this latest console, you can easily multitask by switching between panes, running different types of commands side by side, and having a singular view of your entire system.
This tutorial covers different ways to install Windows Terminal on Windows 10 machines. The new Windows Terminal also allows you to experiment with different themes which we cover toward the end.
About Windows TerminalWindows Terminal was first launched in May 2023 with a stated aim to run a multi-tabbed console that could run the PowerShell and Command line simultaneously on each side. The new Windows terminal also supports Azure Cloud Shell, SSH, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Windows Terminal Emulator: Tabbed Browsing & Split Windows
From the top menu selection, you can choose between Windows PowerShell, Command Prompt, and Azure Cloud Shell window panes. While the default is PowerShell, you can change it to Command Prompt from Settings.
Windows Terminal Open with PowerShell, Command Line, and Azure Cloud Shell Visible
Ways to Install Windows TerminalThere are different ways to install Windows Terminal on your Windows 10 system, from the easy to the slightly more complex. Knowing these different strategies is important, as it would help you correctly install the latest versions and achieve more customization with additional themes and third-party software support.
1. From Microsoft StoreOf course, the easiest way to install the integrated Windows Terminal is to download it from Microsoft Store. The download link can be found here.
In case your Store is not working properly, you can troubleshoot with these tips.
Downloading Windows Terminal from Microsoft Store
Once the software is installed, you can readily launch it from the Store itself.
Windows Terminal Installed and Ready to Launch
You can always go back to the Windows search box to open the Windows Terminal app and even choose its default console window. Run it in “Administrator” mode for best results.
Windows Terminal Open Searc Box
2. Through GitHubGitHub Bundle Download for Windows Terminal
The “msixbundle” package is quickly downloaded and saved on your system.
Install Preview – Windows Terminal
It takes just a few minutes for the package to be completely installed. You are now ready to deploy Windows Terminal.
Installing App Package – Windows Terminal
Once opened, you will notice a “do you want to close all tabs?” option after you close the terminal window. This would never happen with individual Command Prompt or PowerShell windows.
Windows Terminal Close All Tabs
3. Through ChocolateyChocolatey is one of the most versatile tools to install any third-party software. It can be used to make Discord bots, launch Power Toys, and provide a component of lightweight browsers.
Press Y
You will be able to view the success screen once the latest Windows Terminal package is launched through Chocolatey.
Windows Terminal through Chocolatey Install Successful
Windows Terminal ThemesUnlike the monotonous background of Windows Command Prompt and PowerShell, the new integrated Windows Terminal offers many colorful themes.
While GitHub offers many different themes for Windows Terminal, you can find a huge selection of such themes from this online link. Go down to download a JSON file which has a collection of the themes.
Windows Terminal Themes Repository
Go to the “Settings” menu in the integrated terminal window. Select “Open JSON file.”
Open JSON File
Now open the Windows Terminal JSON themes from the downloaded location. This will give you more choice in colorful backgrounds.
Windows Terminal JSON File Downloaded
You can also manually change the background and foreground (font color) from “Color Schemes” in Settings.
Color Schemes
Here we have learned different ways to install the Windows Terminal on Windows 10, along with adding new themes. Installing the new Windows Terminal does not affect your existing Command Prompt or PowerShell software. You can continue to use them while learning to use the integrated terminal.
Moreover, it does not require too much learning, as the basic usage of PowerShell/Command Prompt has been retained. In fact, it’s been made easier. For example, you can freely copy-paste in the new Windows Terminal window for the Command Prompt and don’t have to separately configure it.
Sayak Boral
Sayak Boral is a technology writer with over eleven years of experience working in different industries including semiconductors, IoT, enterprise IT, telecommunications OSS/BSS, and network security. He has been writing for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of technical topics including Windows, Android, Internet, Hardware Guides, Browsers, Software Tools, and Product Reviews.
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How To Install Windows 10 On Your Pc
Updated with a link to Microsoft’s Windows 10 support page.
You’ve read the review, pored through the tips and how-tos, and have waited breathlessly for the day that you can download Windows 10.
So how do you do it, exactly? We’ve got you covered.
There are three primary ways to obtain Windows 10: either buy a new PC with Windows 10 preloaded, buy a license key to Windows 10 online, or upgrade an existing Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 PC. We’re going to ignore the first option and focus on the latter two, which we’ll consider to be essentially the same scenario.
Let’s assume that you’re upgrading an older PC, then. If you own a qualifying Windows PC, you had the option of “reserving” a free copy of Windows 10, an offer which will expire a year from now. If you did reserve a copy, chances are that your PC has downloaded a copy of Windows 10 in the background. At some point, Windows 10 will invite you to begin the upgrade process.
Microsoft
That’s the simplest option, especially if you don’t have any immediate, desperate need to download Windows 10. Let Microsoft push Windows 10 at its leisure, and it will end up in your hands eventually.
But there’s a second option, one that’s a bit more fun. And that’s to download Windows 10 right now.
The new Windows media creation tool shortcutTraditionally, Windows users would upgrade by inserting an installation CD or DVD into their PC. Over time, users became trained to burn their own .ISO files on their own media. And starting with Windows 8, Microsoft offered the option of restoring a Windows installation from an ISO file stored on a DVD or even on a flash drive. With the new Windows 10 media creation tool, you don’t even need to take that step—it creates a bootable flash drive that you don’t need to futz with. Just make sure the USB drive’s at least 3 GB in size. Mark Hachman
You have the option of using Microsoft’s tool either for upgrading the current PC, or to store the bits on a USB key for safekeeping.
On the media creation tool page, select the proper version—check the system settings to double-check whether you’re running a 32- or 64-bit OS. Then download and run it. Though simple, the tool has a number of lovely features—including the ability to simply upgrade the PC. Yes, it’s true—you don’t need the Windows 10 reservation, as the tool will simply jump you to the head of the line. Even better, you can select whether you want Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional, either 32-bit or 64-bit versions, and even the installation language.
Mark Hachman
Note that you can use this tool not only to upgrade Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 PCs, but also Windows 10 PCs with older builds. Don’t get sneaky, though. You won’t be able to score a free upgrade to Windows 10 Professional if you existing license doesn’t support it. Here’s a recap of who gets what:
Host operating system edition
Windows 10 edition
Windows 7 Starter Windows 7 Home Basic Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 8/8.1 Windows 8.1 with Bing Windows 10 Home
Windows 10 Home
Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Ultimate Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Pro Windows 8/8.1 Professional with Media Center Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Pro
You can try a clean installation by booting directly from the USB key or DVD; when you do so, you have the option of keeping your files or wiping out everything. However, I ran into an issue where Windows claimed my disk partitions were improperly organized and refused to let me go further. I tried an in-place installation instead.
From there, however, the installation proceeded smoothly. Make sure you allow Windows to download relevant drivers as the installation proceeds. You’ll need to agree to a license agreement, and then the installation process will begin in earnest.
Mark Hachman
Make sure you allow Windows to grab updates as it goes.
That same menu offers a chance to roll back from Windows 10 to Windows 8.1, as well. That option expires a month after you upgrade to Windows 10.
Are you still having problems upgrading to Windows 10? Try Microsoft’s Windows 10 support page, complete with chat and phone options.
One final note: you can upgrade an earlier Windows 10 Insider build to the “RTM” version using the tool. But doing so will take you off of the Insider track. If you want to hop back on to enjoy further beta upgrades, you can enable it in the Settings.
But downgrade to Windows 8.1? Why? Windows 10 is terrific, and well worth the wait. And if you’re feeling a little nervous about your first steps into the brand new world of Windows—don’t worry. Our Windows 10 tutorial will arrive very soon. In the meantime, be sure to check out these 10 killer new Windows 10 features first.
Updated at 10:02 AM with a bit more information on the installation process and at 10:52 AM with more details about the Insider track.
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