Windows 10? - Page 120

**Ernesto75** · August 18th, 2016, 01:48 PM

Microsoft is facing two more lawsuits over the company’s questionable Windows 10 upgrade tactics. Both suits are seeking class-action status.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/31013...e-tactics.html

**Ernesto75** · August 18th, 2016, 01:50 PM

France Hits Microsoft With Windows 10 Privacy Complaint

http://www.pcmag.com/news/346338/fra...vacy-complaint

**Ernesto75** · August 18th, 2016, 01:53 PM

The FSF's statement on Windows 10

https://www.fsf.org/news/the-fsfs-st...-on-windows-10

**beutelwolf** · August 18th, 2016, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernesto75

The FSF's statement on Windows 10

https://www.fsf.org/news/the-fsfs-st...-on-windows-10

Hardly a surprise - that's like a statement of the Vegan Society about intensive chicken farming. Of course, they have a point, especially when it comes to operating systems - but their purist view that all software should be free I do not share - paying for specialist software is IMHO not fundamentally different from paying for some new gadget, so I don't have a problem with that.

**Ernesto75** · August 18th, 2016, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beutelwolf

Hardly a surprise - that's like a statement of the Vegan Society about intensive chicken farming. Of course, they have a point, especially when it comes to operating systems - but their purist view that all software should be free I do not share - paying for specialist software is IMHO not fundamentally different from paying for some new gadget, so I don't have a problem with that.

I share your view, Beutelwolf.

When you need a specialized software, it is for something special and it's normal to have to pay for it.
If not who would pay the programmers ?

But I think softwares like those who treat text or help calculations should be free and we know Microsoft will never let them be. It is their trade.

RowanMooreFan · August 19th, 2016, 04:21 PM

Lots of free software is excellent.

Why should word processing or other software be free? Do we have some god-given right to expect programmers to work for us for free. Only so if THEY decide to do so, and only then.

Good programs are hard to write and to make idiot-proof and deserve to be paid for. The market will determine the price.

From a paid-for program you are entitled to support. Back in the days when WordPerfect reigned supreme I got very elaborate and efficient support by most knowledgeable people.

**catweasel28** · August 22nd, 2016, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beutelwolf

Hardly a surprise - that's like a statement of the Vegan Society about intensive chicken farming. Of course, they have a point, especially when it comes to operating systems - but their purist view that all software should be free I do not share - paying for specialist software is IMHO not fundamentally different from paying for some new gadget, so I don't have a problem with that.

I totally agree with you on principle. The problem is with the FSF's misuse of the adjective "free". Founder Richard Stallman's claim was that it meant "free as in free speech, not as in free beer". Alas, all that showed was Mr. (now Dr.) Stallman's lack of appreciation of English Grammar. The adjective "free" does indeed have different meanings, but they are contingent upon the object they are defining. When applied to people, concepts or actions (such as speech, thought, movement) it means not subject to restriction, constraint, censorship etc. However, when applied to to products, it simply means gratis, no charge.
Whichever way to want to swing it, software is a product - not a person or action.
Some, like the founders of the Open Source Movement, claim the FSF's use of "free" is ambiguous. That's being too kind. It's simply incorrect.

**Ernesto75** · August 22nd, 2016, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernesto75

But I think softwares like those who treat text or help calculations should be free and we know Microsoft will never let them be. It is their trade.

What I meant in the post was : there are already free software that do what is required to treat text or help calculations but due to legal rights imposed by Microsoft they are limited.

If you look closely at World files there are much more that the text in there.

Most of it is unnecessary garbage.

What is it for really ?

Besides it is prone to attacks by malevolent hackers.

**Ernesto75** · August 22nd, 2016, 09:26 AM

I think the actual Windows 10 is a security risk.

If you have Microsoft Office (any version) installed on your machine there are twice more security risks.

This partly explains the numerous 'important upgrades' which were necessary to have machines more secure.

This in turn obliged others like Apple to release upgrades.

Besides there are more and more malicious hackers who are no more beginners.
These malicious hackers are probably more clever than Microsoft programmers; at least some of them.

**Rick Danger** · August 23rd, 2016, 03:23 AM

Like getting blasted by a 12 gauge double barrelled shotgun.........

BANG! Despite all the claims that Windows 10 is being tested by "millions" of early adopters, once again the lack of thorough testing rears it's ugly but INEVITABLE head.

BLAM! By adding junk into an operating system you are weakening your product overall. In this case forcing all Windows 10 users to accept the Xbox app with no way for the user to delete it is a dubious technical strategy. Why not just let those who wish to use this feature to install it as part of a separate update?

One year in and Windows 10 is still stumbling around like a punch-drunk boxer.

TechRepublic Software

Windows 10 Anniversary Update kills webcams, no fix until September
One of the big issues with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update is that it has broken some webcams. While Microsoft has apologized for the problem, there won't be a fix until September.

By Conner Forrest
August 22, 2016, 7:40 AM PST

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update, which began rolling out on August 2, came with some unfortunate side effects for some users—it killed their webcam. A Windows employee has addressed the issue, but it looks no fix will be available until September.

The problem was initially noted by several users a few days after the update went live. Basically, this issue renders USB webcams and network-connected webcams inoperable in programs like Skype or Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), among others. The update also caused some devices to unintentionally freeze up.

The reason for this behavior seems to rest in the changes that were made to how the OS access the camera in the Anniversary update. Before the update, only one application could access the camera at a time. With the Anniversary update, also known as version 1607, a new service called the Windows Camera Frame Server allows for multiple connections at once, and that's causing some problems.

As noted by Ars Technica, the new Windows Camera Frame Server only supports uncompressed data. That's a problem, because some webcams and video services rely on compressed data, which means that it has to be converted. And, when you have multiple applications trying to push both types of data, it gets even more complex.

So, why does this matter to the enterprise? Many conference rooms and video conferencing systems could be running Windows 10 with the update, and this issue makes it impossible to use video tools with many cameras. For example, the Logitech C920 and C930e cameras were among those affected. Although, it hasn't been noted to affect built-in webcams for laptops just yet.

The issue was addressed in the Microsoft developer forums by a user named Mike M, from the Windows Camera Team. The first issue involves a decoding problem for video compression format known as Motion JPEG (MJPEG). The second change involved to fix the issue is to expose the H.264 media type.

According to Mike M's post, Microsoft is working on the first issue, and they have a prototype they are working on, but it will be a little while before it is released.

"Once testing is complete, we will release it to servicing so it reaches you and your customers automatically through Windows Update," the post said. "We expect this update path will happen in September. I remain committed to communicating more specific dates once I have confirmation."

The H.264 fix will be shipped separately, and Mike M did say that it would take more time, but didn't give a specific date. What is troubling, though, is that there is currently no formal workaround. So, if your camera isn't working on Windows 10, you'll need to grin and bear it until September.

Until then, consider switching out your video conferencing machine for one running Linux, a Mac, or one running an older version of Windows. Or, just add this to the growing list of reasons not to upgrade to Windows 10.

The 3 big takeaways for TechRepublic readers

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update caused a problem that broke many users webcams, but a formal fix will not come until September.

The issue stems from a new service called the Windows Camera Frame Server, which only supports uncompressed data and has problems dealing with compressed data.

Currently there is no workaround for the problem, so IT will need to change out any machines in their conference rooms that are running the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

Microsoft crashes the party with a new version of the Windows 10 Xbox app
The Microsoft Windows 10 Anniversary Update has created major problems for certain gamers. Unfortunately, these are the kinds of problems that should never happen.

By Mark Kaelin
August 16, 2016, 1:30 PM PST

The Microsoft Windows 10 Anniversary Update is the first major update to Windows 10 since its release in July 2015 and it's a pretty big deal. The update offers new features, including above the login screen application access and improved security. These enhancements make the installation process, which can be rather long, worth the wait.

However, as with any major update to an operating system, there are going to be problems—it's inevitable. Some of these problems are caused by unanticipated conflicts and interactions with previously installed legacy software. It is just the nature of the complicated information technology environment we all deal with on a day-to-day basis.

But other problems are much less inevitable and therefore much less forgivable. A few stem directly from an overzealous attempt to change the collective behavior of users in order to turn a profit. This is the kind of problem I ran into with the Anniversary Update—and the solution was a bit bizarre.

It's in the game
I am a PC gamer and have been for many years. One of my go-to games is World of Warcraft, which is gearing up for the Legion expansion on August 30, 2016.

After installing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update onto my gaming PC, I started to experience game crashes when playing WoW. When I investigated, I found out something interesting.

The Anniversary Update includes a new version of the Windows 10 Xbox app, and one of its default settings turns on a feature called Game DVR. According to the Battle.net technical help forums, this setting was causing some systems to crash hard. To regain control of the PC, users had to perform a cold boot—never a good thing.

The recommended fix was to change the setting for Game DVR to off, which worked for me, but I was not satisfied. I don't have an Xbox and don't have any use for the app, so I decided to uninstall the Xbox app completely. Oddly enough, there is no normal uninstall function associated with that app and several other apps that come with Windows 10. It turns out you have to use PowerShell to remove them. That is a little ham-fisted, don't you think Microsoft?

Learn a lesson
This a perfect example of a company trying to force a change in user behavior rather than enticing users to change their behavior on their own.

Instead of something pleasant and desirable, the result is something annoying, confusing, and frustrating.

I understand that Microsoft is trying to create a gaming community for both Xbox gamers and PC gamers—that is actually a good strategy. By connecting the console group with the computer group, Microsoft can create a larger population of interactive users and, most important, potential consumers in the Microsoft Store.

But this is not how it should be done. Microsoft should create a community infrastructure that gamers want to participate in. To be successful, consumers should be practically demanding to get involved. Microsoft needs to build a community so "cool" that consumers will feel left out if they aren't part of it.

Forcing the Xbox app on every Windows 10 user and then removing any easy way to uninstall it just reeks of desperation. It is a lazy way to do business.

Bottom line
Connecting PC gamers with console gamers in a joint Xbox community is a terrific strategy, but it requires commitment, time, determination, and a great product from Microsoft. Placing an Xbox app on every Windows 10 device, especially when you don't fully test the consequences of that app's existence, is a recipe for disaster. Just because an Xbox and a PC can communicate doesn't mean that they automatically should communicate.

Microsoft, you need to do better. Much better.

August 23rd, 2016, 03:23 AM	#1200
Rick Danger Vintage Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: In the Chill lounge..... Posts: 1,725 Thanks: 6,794 Thanked 30,933 Times in 1,714 Posts	DOUBLE TROUBLE with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update Like getting blasted by a 12 gauge double barrelled shotgun......... BANG! Despite all the claims that Windows 10 is being tested by "millions" of early adopters, once again the lack of thorough testing rears it's ugly but INEVITABLE head. BLAM! By adding junk into an operating system you are weakening your product overall. In this case forcing all Windows 10 users to accept the Xbox app with no way for the user to delete it is a dubious technical strategy. Why not just let those who wish to use this feature to install it as part of a separate update? One year in and Windows 10 is still stumbling around like a punch-drunk boxer. TechRepublic Software Windows 10 Anniversary Update kills webcams, no fix until September One of the big issues with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update is that it has broken some webcams. While Microsoft has apologized for the problem, there won't be a fix until September. By Conner Forrest August 22, 2016, 7:40 AM PST The Windows 10 Anniversary Update, which began rolling out on August 2, came with some unfortunate side effects for some users—it killed their webcam. A Windows employee has addressed the issue, but it looks no fix will be available until September. The problem was initially noted by several users a few days after the update went live. Basically, this issue renders USB webcams and network-connected webcams inoperable in programs like Skype or Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), among others. The update also caused some devices to unintentionally freeze up. The reason for this behavior seems to rest in the changes that were made to how the OS access the camera in the Anniversary update. Before the update, only one application could access the camera at a time. With the Anniversary update, also known as version 1607, a new service called the Windows Camera Frame Server allows for multiple connections at once, and that's causing some problems. As noted by Ars Technica, the new Windows Camera Frame Server only supports uncompressed data. That's a problem, because some webcams and video services rely on compressed data, which means that it has to be converted. And, when you have multiple applications trying to push both types of data, it gets even more complex. So, why does this matter to the enterprise? Many conference rooms and video conferencing systems could be running Windows 10 with the update, and this issue makes it impossible to use video tools with many cameras. For example, the Logitech C920 and C930e cameras were among those affected. Although, it hasn't been noted to affect built-in webcams for laptops just yet. The issue was addressed in the Microsoft developer forums by a user named Mike M, from the Windows Camera Team. The first issue involves a decoding problem for video compression format known as Motion JPEG (MJPEG). The second change involved to fix the issue is to expose the H.264 media type. According to Mike M's post, Microsoft is working on the first issue, and they have a prototype they are working on, but it will be a little while before it is released. "Once testing is complete, we will release it to servicing so it reaches you and your customers automatically through Windows Update," the post said. "We expect this update path will happen in September. I remain committed to communicating more specific dates once I have confirmation." The H.264 fix will be shipped separately, and Mike M did say that it would take more time, but didn't give a specific date. What is troubling, though, is that there is currently no formal workaround. So, if your camera isn't working on Windows 10, you'll need to grin and bear it until September. Until then, consider switching out your video conferencing machine for one running Linux, a Mac, or one running an older version of Windows. Or, just add this to the growing list of reasons not to upgrade to Windows 10. The 3 big takeaways for TechRepublic readers The Windows 10 Anniversary Update caused a problem that broke many users webcams, but a formal fix will not come until September. The issue stems from a new service called the Windows Camera Frame Server, which only supports uncompressed data and has problems dealing with compressed data. Currently there is no workaround for the problem, so IT will need to change out any machines in their conference rooms that are running the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Microsoft crashes the party with a new version of the Windows 10 Xbox app The Microsoft Windows 10 Anniversary Update has created major problems for certain gamers. Unfortunately, these are the kinds of problems that should never happen. By Mark Kaelin August 16, 2016, 1:30 PM PST The Microsoft Windows 10 Anniversary Update is the first major update to Windows 10 since its release in July 2015 and it's a pretty big deal. The update offers new features, including above the login screen application access and improved security. These enhancements make the installation process, which can be rather long, worth the wait. However, as with any major update to an operating system, there are going to be problems—it's inevitable. Some of these problems are caused by unanticipated conflicts and interactions with previously installed legacy software. It is just the nature of the complicated information technology environment we all deal with on a day-to-day basis. But other problems are much less inevitable and therefore much less forgivable. A few stem directly from an overzealous attempt to change the collective behavior of users in order to turn a profit. This is the kind of problem I ran into with the Anniversary Update—and the solution was a bit bizarre. It's in the game I am a PC gamer and have been for many years. One of my go-to games is World of Warcraft, which is gearing up for the Legion expansion on August 30, 2016. After installing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update onto my gaming PC, I started to experience game crashes when playing WoW. When I investigated, I found out something interesting. The Anniversary Update includes a new version of the Windows 10 Xbox app, and one of its default settings turns on a feature called Game DVR. According to the Battle.net technical help forums, this setting was causing some systems to crash hard. To regain control of the PC, users had to perform a cold boot—never a good thing. The recommended fix was to change the setting for Game DVR to off, which worked for me, but I was not satisfied. I don't have an Xbox and don't have any use for the app, so I decided to uninstall the Xbox app completely. Oddly enough, there is no normal uninstall function associated with that app and several other apps that come with Windows 10. It turns out you have to use PowerShell to remove them. That is a little ham-fisted, don't you think Microsoft? Learn a lesson This a perfect example of a company trying to force a change in user behavior rather than enticing users to change their behavior on their own. Instead of something pleasant and desirable, the result is something annoying, confusing, and frustrating. I understand that Microsoft is trying to create a gaming community for both Xbox gamers and PC gamers—that is actually a good strategy. By connecting the console group with the computer group, Microsoft can create a larger population of interactive users and, most important, potential consumers in the Microsoft Store. But this is not how it should be done. Microsoft should create a community infrastructure that gamers want to participate in. To be successful, consumers should be practically demanding to get involved. Microsoft needs to build a community so "cool" that consumers will feel left out if they aren't part of it. Forcing the Xbox app on every Windows 10 user and then removing any easy way to uninstall it just reeks of desperation. It is a lazy way to do business. Bottom line Connecting PC gamers with console gamers in a joint Xbox community is a terrific strategy, but it requires commitment, time, determination, and a great product from Microsoft. Placing an Xbox app on every Windows 10 device, especially when you don't fully test the consequences of that app's existence, is a recipe for disaster. Just because an Xbox and a PC can communicate doesn't mean that they automatically should communicate. Microsoft, you need to do better. Much better.

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August 18th, 2016, 01:48 PM	#1191
Ernesto75 Vintage Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 1,106 Thanks: 12,732 Thanked 21,648 Times in 1,096 Posts	Microsoft is facing two more lawsuits over the company’s questionable Windows 10 upgrade tactics. Both suits are seeking class-action status. http://www.pcworld.com/article/31013...e-tactics.html

August 18th, 2016, 01:50 PM	#1192
Ernesto75 Vintage Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 1,106 Thanks: 12,732 Thanked 21,648 Times in 1,096 Posts	France Hits Microsoft With Windows 10 Privacy Complaint http://www.pcmag.com/news/346338/fra...vacy-complaint

August 18th, 2016, 01:53 PM	#1193
Ernesto75 Vintage Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 1,106 Thanks: 12,732 Thanked 21,648 Times in 1,096 Posts	The FSF's statement on Windows 10 https://www.fsf.org/news/the-fsfs-st...-on-windows-10

August 19th, 2016, 04:21 PM	#1196
RowanMooreFan Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 155 Thanks: 13,852 Thanked 7,286 Times in 151 Posts	Lots of free software is excellent. Why should word processing or other software be free? Do we have some god-given right to expect programmers to work for us for free. Only so if THEY decide to do so, and only then. Good programs are hard to write and to make idiot-proof and deserve to be paid for. The market will determine the price. From a paid-for program you are entitled to support. Back in the days when WordPerfect reigned supreme I got very elaborate and efficient support by most knowledgeable people.

August 22nd, 2016, 09:26 AM	#1199
Ernesto75 Vintage Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 1,106 Thanks: 12,732 Thanked 21,648 Times in 1,096 Posts	I think the actual Windows 10 is a security risk. If you have Microsoft Office (any version) installed on your machine there are twice more security risks. This partly explains the numerous 'important upgrades' which were necessary to have machines more secure. This in turn obliged others like Apple to release upgrades. Besides there are more and more malicious hackers who are no more beginners. These malicious hackers are probably more clever than Microsoft programmers; at least some of them.