A reader asked us whether it’s true that the new Windows 10 collects information on your computer usage. Yes it does, but no, we’re not worried about it (anyone watching us needs serious help). If you’re concerned, there’s a free program to shield you.
“Anti-Spy for Windows 10” is free from Ashampoo.com and prevents Windows 10 from sending information about your computer use. You decide how much or how little you want to share by checking or un-checking menu choices.
Windows 10 collects huge amounts of data to make it possible for the virtual assistant (that’s tech talk for imitation person) to answer your questions. The imitation person in Windows 10 is called “Cortana,” in Apple machines it’s called “Siri.” You can speak your commands or type them using the search bar at the bottom of your screen. If you don’t see Cortana, right-click the taskbar at the bottom of your screen and uncheck the word “hidden” next to the word “Cortana.” Sometimes a virtual assistant goes out for a virtual drink.
“Anti-Spy” begins with many items turned on, others turned off. “Driver updates” were turned off. We turned them on because we feel it’s safer to keep your computer software updated.