cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/609404

I mean, exactly how invasive are default operating systems? (Like Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Android, iOS) Do they log your keystrokes, log passwords, capture screen, upload your photos, videos, or audio? (Assuming you aren’t a target of government) Is it even possible for the average person who doesn’t feel comfortable messing with installing operating systems to have any privacy?

  • AdanisiEnglish
    32·
    1 year ago

    I’m not sure about mobile stuff, but Windows is very invasive. I remember people talking about how bad Windows 10 was, and it’s just gotten worse.

    Some companies sell computers with Linux already on them, so if someone isn’t comfortable with changing their OS, they could try one of them (I think Lenovo does it, but they use Ubuntu so it’s not the best for privacy).

    • Notnotmike@beehaw.orgEnglish
      15·
      1 year ago

      Also worth mentioning that dual booting with windows is easy and will give you some time to transition. Get yourself used to Linux while still having a “fallback” if things get too hairy

      • SSUPII@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        4·
        1 year ago

        That’s what I did. Windows helped me in some situations. Now its just unused wasted space I am planning on reclaiming.

        • macallik@kbin.social
          1·
          1 year ago

          I took the same plunge this week. I partitioned 125 GB to Windows and the remaining 350GB to Debian 12. I was making do w/ a 240 GB SSD previously so it’s overkill, but I like the idea of disincentivizing my W11 usage by limiting the space available.

          For me, there’s still some workflows that need to be optimized in Debian, but overall I’m slowly transitioning towards it as my main driver.