Windows 8... a bit shocking

[heartbone]

More shocking news: LEAKED: German Government Warns Key Entities Not To Use Windows 8 – Links The NSA
http://xrepublic.tv/node/5010

"there is a new set of specifications out, creatively dubbed TPM 2.0. While TPM allowed users to opt in and out, TPM 2.0 is activated by default when the computer boots up. The user cannot turn it off. Microsoft decides what software can run on the computer, and the user cannot influence it in any way. Windows governs TPM 2.0. And what Microsoft does remotely is not visible to the user. In short, users of Windows 8 with TPM 2.0 surrender control over their machines the moment they turn it on for the first time."

I'm sure that code developers will soon have to jump though very many hoops to get an application authorized for the official Windows 8 environment.

Also if through the NSA backdoor, the Chinese have the capability of remotely taking over your Windows 8 computer,
I'll wager pretty soon hackers will be doing the same thing!
Professor James McCanney's recent work in prime number generation ( http://calculateprimes.com/ ) renders all cryptology methods vulnerable.
___________________

@ the.weavster & Shardik, based on what I have read, Mint is preferred by the Linux experts.
The cognoscenti consider UBUNTU as Linux for dummies.
Maybe after I learn more I'll also feel that way, but for now it's just about perfect for me.
It's always nice to have choices.

[c4s]

@heartbone
...What an unfair exaggeration from you and other media. Here is an official statement from the BSI (German Federal Office for Information Security), translated by myself:

Media currently reports on Windows 8 and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) that the Federal Government is warning against Windows 8. [...]
The BSI warns neither the public, German companies nor the Federal Administration against the use of Windows 8. However the BSI is currently facing some critical aspects related to specific application scenarios where Windows 8 is operated in combination with a hardware that has TPM 2.0.
[...]

[heartbone]

To be fair here is the entire article translated by Google.

Media reports currently about Windows 8 and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) that the federal government would warn against Windows 8. According to the reports keep "IT experts of the federal Windows 8 for downright dangerous." In Media Reference is also made to a paper by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) and states: "The competent professionals in the Federal Ministry of Economics, in the federal and the BSI caution because even unequivocally against the use of trusted computing the new generation of German authorities."

Explained in this respect, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI):
The BSI warns neither the public nor the Federal German company prior to any deployment of Windows 8 The BSI is currently facing, however, some critical aspects related to specific scenarios in which Windows 8 is operated in combination with a hardware that has a TPM 2.0.

For specific user groups in the use of Windows 8 in combination with a TPM may well mean an increase in safety. This includes users who for various reasons can not take care of their security or want but trust the manufacturer of the system that this provides and maintains a safe solution. This is a valid use case, however, the manufacturer should provide sufficient transparency about the potential limitations of the provided architecture and possible consequences of the use.

From the perspective of the BSI, the use of Windows 8 in combination with a TPM 2.0 is accompanied by a loss of control over the operating system and the hardware used. This result for the user, especially for the federal government and critical infrastructure, new risks. In particular, on a hardware, which is operated with a TPM 2.0, with Windows 8 caused by accidental errors of the hardware or operating system manufacturer, is also the owner of the IT system error conditions that prevent further operation of the system. This can cause such an extent that in case of error in addition to the operating system and the hardware used is permanently no longer be used. Such a situation would not be acceptable for the federal nor for other users. In addition, the newly established mechanisms can also be used for sabotage of third parties. These risks need to be addressed.

The BSI considered complete control over the information used technique that a conscious opt-in and the possibility of a subsequent opt-out includes, as a basic condition for a responsible use of hardware and operating systems. The resulting demands on operating systems and hardware has formulated the federal government in its issues paper on Trusted Computing and Secure Boot.

Generally it should be possible IT users to maintain a self-determined and autonomous dealing with information technology. Example This example also includes the ability to use alternative operating systems and applications at its discretion.

Thus, these conditions continue to modules can be achieved with Windows and the Trusted Platform, the BSI remains with the Trusted Computing Group, as well as with the manufacturers of operating systems and hardware in exchange for the user as well as for use in the federal and critical infrastructure to find appropriate solutions.

The emphasis may be different, but I really don't see much exaggeration by the reporting media.

I emphasize this part:

From the perspective of the BSI, the use of Windows 8 in combination with a TPM 2.0 is accompanied by a loss of control over the operating system and the hardware used. This result for the user, especially for the federal government and critical infrastructure, new risks.

In the translation the risks are described as potential "sabotage".
An unfair exaggeration? I don't think so.

[IdeasVacuum]

The BSI warns neither the public, German companies nor the Federal Administration against the use of Windows 8. However the BSI is currently facing some critical aspects related to specific application scenarios where Windows 8 is operated in combination with a hardware that has TPM 2.0

Clearly, they are being careful with the wording of their statement for legal reasons. Equally clearly, they are pointing out that Microsoft and the Hardware Manufacturers are taking control of your property without even offering you a choice (or indeed, telling you about the implications of their systems). It's good for all of us that the BSI has stood up and made this statement, too many governments fail to protect their citizens in this way.

[heartbone]

The BSI warns neither the public, German companies nor the Federal Administration against the use of Windows 8. However the BSI is currently facing some critical aspects related to specific application scenarios where Windows 8 is operated in combination with a hardware that has TPM 2.0

Clearly, they are being careful with the wording of their statement for legal reasons. Equally clearly, they are pointing out that Microsoft and the Hardware Manufacturers are taking control of your property without even offering you a choice (or indeed, telling you about the implications of their systems). It's good for all of us that the BSI has stood up and made this statement, too many governments fail to protect their citizens in this way.

The German government, as it should, is protecting their citizens.
The US federal government is protecting the multinational corporations.

Another excerpt from BUSINESS INSIDER ( http://www.businessinsider.com/leaked-g ... nsa-2013-8 ):

Experts at the BSI, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Federal Administration warned unequivocally against using computers with Windows 8 and TPM 2.0. One of the documents from early 2012 lamented, “Due to the loss of full sovereignty over the information technology, the security objectives of ‘confidentiality’ and ‘integrity’ can no longer be guaranteed.”

Elsewhere, the document warns, “This can have significant consequences on the IT security of the Federal Administration.” And it concludes, “The use of ‘Trusted Computing’ technology in this form ... is unacceptable for the Federal Administration and for operators of critical infrastructure.”

Another document claims that Windows 8 with TPM 2.0 is “already” no longer usable. But Windows 7 can “be operated safely until 2020.” After that other solutions would have to be found for the IT systems of the Administration.

The documents also show that the German government tried to influence the formation of the TPM 2.0 specifications – a common practice in processes that take years and have many stakeholders – but was rebuffed. Others have gotten what they wanted, Die Zeit wrote. The NSA for example. At one of the last meetings between the TCG and various stakeholders, someone dropped the line, “The NSA agrees.”

Rüdiger Weis, a professor at the Beuth University of Technology in Berlin, and a cryptographic expert who has dealt with Trusted Computing for years, told Die Zeit in an interview that Microsoft wanted to completely change computing by integrating “a special surveillance chip” in every electronic device. Through that chip and the processes of Windows 8, particularly Secure Boot, “users largely lose control over their own hardware and software.”

But wouldn’t it contribute to higher levels of security? Certain aspects actually raise the risks, he said. For example, during production, the secret key to that backdoor is generated outside the chip and then transferred to the chip. During this process, copies of all keys can be made. “It’s possible that there are even legal requirements to that effect that cannot be reported.” And so the TPM is “a dream chip of the NSA.”

Perhaps even more ominously, he added: “The other realistic scenario is that TPM chip manufactures don’t sit within reach of the NSA, but in China....”

Any program calling itself "Trusted", one that is pushed by the US federal government, is guaranteed to be anti freedom and not trustworthy.

It looks like Windows 7 is the new XP, and will be around a long time.

[Lord]

True words, but ignorance is all over the world.

[IdeasVacuum]

Well actually, I think XP will stay around long after Microsoft drop support. That is their biggest nightmare and it will come true

[blueznl]

Well, assuming XP will never be patched or updated anymore, a valid approach to protecting it might be to simply 'freeze' it, in other words: generate checksums of all files and config files, make a backup of all of them, and actively replace anything that's being modified for whatever reason.

I mean, with MicroSoft no longer touching any of the system files, any modification would almost automatically be a virus, trojan, etc.

[utopiomania]

The only shocking things about Windows 8 to me was how fast it is, and how ultra-bad the apps are..

[blueznl]

+1

8 is fast...
8 apps are stupid...

[Zebuddi123]

NSA = "Neo Sociopathics Academy"

TPM = " Totalitarian Privacy Monitoring " 2.0 = " Post Snowdon "

zebuddi.

[heartbone]

Windows 8.1 Now Available for Free Download

Or you could save a bit of time and frustration and wait for Saucy Salamander which is due later today.

[heartbone]

Windows XP deadline looms, but many firms still aren't ready to leap

I'm not a firm, but as long as you have a suitable backup,
and that Paragon backup suite works wonderfully great for both Windows and Linux,
I'm starting to think that XP will be viable as long as the hardware that it runs on is.

I'm not too worried about the boogyman (hackers), because I practice safe computing.

I have a single bank card tied used for any and all online transactions and I don't store any financial institution or other vital passwords or data on my computer.

If any of my XP systems gets hacked, I can restore from any of several known good backups.

I'm not too worried about the NSA, just thieves.

Bottom line of the linked article...
"He added migrating to Windows 7 is "clearly the best bet". "Hopefully, we'll be able to leapfrog [from] Windows 7 to 'Windows 9', bypassing Windows 8 just as we did Windows Vista.""
I just wish I knew six years ago what I know know, because I'm a shamed Vista Ultimate pwner.

Based on what I do know now, I ain't getting suckered again.
You can keep your Trusted Computing toys.
Give me open source and open hardware.
And the rampant disregard for the dangers of wi-fi/cellular radiation is insane.
Wired ethernet & XP still gets the job done.

UBUNTU user

[doctorized]

I only have to say this: Windows XP was quiet a good OS. Vista followed and they were just a cr@p. I never liked them and many people didn't like them too. 7 followed and they are good, they work fine without problems. One day Windows 8 appeared. Some people think that 8 is the worst version never came out. I must confess I may be one of them. As netmaestro said, you have to do a lot of work to set 8/8.1 up as they should be set up by Microsoft. So, I am waiting for the next version of Windows to come out. This version will be good (as shown by history).