Privacy

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A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.

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Advice on cleaning bloatware off of a new PC (www.bestbuy.com)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I helped my 77 year old mother purchase a new laptop, and I want to be sure to get all the bloatware off of it, and set her up with with some better privacy options. I am aMac guy at home so I haven't done this kind of thing for many years. (I use Windows at work, so I'm quite familiar and capable, but obviously I have to rely on IT knowing what they are doing (they don't)). I did make sure to get the pro version of Windows 11. I'm going to set her up with Proton mail I think. This is the computer that is coming:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lenovo-thinkbook-16-g6-abp-amd-in-16-touch-screen-notebook-amd-ryzen-5-with-16gb-memory-512gb-ssd-gray/6565272.p?skuId=6565272

(Forgive me if this is not the correct place to post)

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago (2 children)

To begin with you would need to configure the machine to the desktop disabling all what can be disabled.

Then I'd check something from here and remove only what can be deemed safe.

Having somewhat answered the main query if mom does not do anything that makes windows a necessity I'd highly suggest installing something like this and set yourself up for unattended remote control so you can assist if seen necessary.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I like the remote control idea! She does do WordPress, not sure which interface.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

Could put rustdesk on it.

[–] [email protected] -4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Linux is an awful answer. See my other comment as to why.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

I will agree with you it's not the one stop solution but I recommend it due to having triaged it on my own.

Yes they gave me the mandatory eye roll and sighs as to why I installed Linux but aren't bothered with updates, ads, malware, tracking and whatnot. They want to watch a movie or do some work it just works and doesn't bog them.

Also I emphasise that I can't recommend it for CAD/Graphic/Professional workflows that are tailored for windows sadly.