For some time now, Microsoft has been strongly promoting the upgrade to Windows 11, which requires newer hardware and is more deeply integrated with cloud services and advertisements. The default telemetry in Windows 11 means that even ordinary users are sending Microsoft a lot of data about their computer and activities, often without having control over it.

There is an alternative: installing Linux allows you to use your current PC, protect your privacy, and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Switching from Windows 10 to Linux allows you to:

• Maintain privacy – Linux systems by default do not collect telemetry data and do not contain built-in ads
• Use efficient hardware for years – Linux works well even on older computers
• Avoid unnecessary expenses – there’s no need to buy new hardware or pay for licenses
• Reduce electronic waste – by extending the life of computers, you help protect the environment

Linux is:

• Free and regularly updated
• Free from ads and forced telemetry
• Lighter and less demanding on hardware than Windows 10 or 11
• User-friendly thanks to intuitive and visually appealing distributions

Windows 11 collects a wide range of telemetry data – even with minimal privacy settings, the system sends data to Microsoft and third parties, including:

• Information about hardware and software,
• Data about devices connected to the computer,
• Information about user activity.

This data can be used for:

• User profiling,
• Displaying personalised advertisements,
• Remote changes to system settings without the user’s explicit consent.

Microsoft explains the collection of this data as necessary for improving service quality, but the scope of information gathered is much broader than in older operating systems.

Windows 11 collects a wide range of telemetry data – even with minimal privacy settings, the system sends data to Microsoft and third parties, including:

• Information about hardware and software,
• Data about devices connected to the computer,
• Information about user activity.

This data can be used for:

• User profiling,
• Displaying personalised advertisements,
• Remote changes to system settings without the user’s explicit consent.

Microsoft explains the collection of this data as necessary for improving service quality, but the scope of information gathered is much broader than in older operating systems.

Even when it’s “just” about telemetry, data protection is crucial:

1. Data is power – Information about users gives companies and institutions real influence over our decisions, behaviours, and choices.
2. Profiling and advertising – Telemetry data allows the creation of detailed user profiles, used for ad targeting or even manipulating opinions.
3. Risk of abuse – Collected data can be used by employers, insurers, or financial institutions to assess credibility, which can lead to discrimination.
4. Security – The more data about you circulates online, the greater the risk of identity theft, phishing, and other cyberattacks.
5. Autonomy and freedom – Privacy gives you the freedom to think and act without constant surveillance; its absence leads to self-censorship.
6. Protection against abuse of power – History shows that excessive control and data collection can lead to violations of civil rights.
7. Unpredictability of the future – Data collected today may be used in unexpected ways years from now.
8. The right to decide – Privacy is not just about protecting secrets, but about your right to decide which information about yourself you share.

We work towards making our society aware about dangers of using so called free software delivered by big, well recognised IT companies. Here is our presentation (redirection to odysee.com) related to the topic.