[smt88]

> So is this the normal state of Linux then?

Yes. I would also say it's part of the fun for some people.

I used to be obsessive about optimizing my workflows using customizations that are only possible on FOSS nix systems, but eventually I got other hobbies. Now I just want my OS to disappear in the background and "just work".

> Which one do you use?*

https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10 (recommended by other HN users, but would be interested to know if anyone has any concerns about it)

[surround]

I wish ShutUp10 was open source, considering it pokes around with the registry and system files.

Which is why I like Linux. I just don’t have to worry about telemetry at all.

Edit: Here’s a comparison of Windows 10 privacy tools. I wish there was one with a “yes” in all three columns.

https://www.ghacks.net/2015/08/14/comparison-of-windows-10-p...

[smt88]

I agree. It's not a great situation.

Honestly the telemetry is arguably better from a security perspective. We already trust Microsoft out of necessity, so what additional harm does the telemetry?

[surround]

I don’t understand. Microsoft’s telemetry is very invasive from a privacy standpoint. How does it improve security?

[smt88]

I was trying to say that installing a closed-source program with admin privileges is technically a bigger security risk than allowing Microsoft's telemetry, and it's arguably a bigger privacy risk as well.