As our office writes apps we need to be sure our apps work on Windows 7, 8.x and 10.
However we don't use the email login and the privacy issues you note are now an issue with phones and more. Look up Lavabit and why it closed if you need more than what's out there already. Apple? Well, that's a done deal.
-> If you want to be more secure and not leak so much, would you consider TAILS? It's so good that government agencies call it's users "extremists."
After spending the last couple of days reading Various Pro/Con statements, questions and even Rants (justifiable in my opinion) I have decided that I will be keeping my Win 7 Desktop and will also forgo the upgrade options on my Win 8,1 Desktop and my wife's Win 8.1 Laptop.
Too many incompatibilities, too many driver issues, Far too much tweaking to make your machines perform the way you are used to and comfortable with.... already. Biggest concern... automatic updates and system changes in the name of 'improved security'.
My wife said I could use her Laptop to evaluate this System so I made a System Image backup on Wife's laptop but now have reservations is that would be enough.
I only want to be able to Start my machines smoothly, watch my movies when I want and occasionally browse the Net to see what's going on in the world.
My Win 7 machine, connected to my large-screen TV... is perfect for that. Why would I even consider changing that? People say it involves 'security issues' Whose? Turning your computer into a 'Botnet' computer by using File-sharing techniques to retrieve updates faster, placing all of your information into a 'cloud' and allowing a company to track, catalog and trace every piece of information you own with little-to-no choice is all 'Improvement', More secure? Of course the Tech-Savy users know ways to work around these thing but the average user just want to turn on their machine and use their purchased programs without jumping through hoops. Most will never even know what the 'New, Improved, OS is actually doing. "Ignorance is Bliss".
Hey... If keeping up with the newest, supposedly fastest is what you want... it's your choice. I'm over 60 yrs old and have my computers and my wife's working exactly the way we want. I can use them while disconnected from the net if need be and turn-on security before reconnecting if there seems a need.
Nothing is 'Free' in this world without some agenda. It seems that MS has found a way to recruit several Million 'volunteers' to contribute their private information and shopping/browsing habits with this move. BRAVO MS.. smart move. For now though... I think I will pass.

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