Is my PRIVACY AT RISK while using windows 10 ???

"My hope is that someone with integrity will invent a superior operating system and Microsoft will find itself kicked to the curb. "

You are a bit late. Linux has been free and safe for years. If Windows 10 is so bad, install Linux, Linux Mint is pretty good, and avoid all these terrible things Microsoft does.

As a safety tip, don't use the Internet, though, or bits of your information will hang around is all sorts of places. Just use you new installed Linux machine offline and you will be safe.

I reverted back to Windows 7 after reading Microsoft's Big Brother Privacy agreement. My computer died within 2 months. The only way I was able to bring it back to life was to do a clean install of Windows 10. Now I am stuck with it on my laptop. Thank God I didn't put it on my desktop. I am EXTREMELY disappointed with the lack of respect and the shove it down your throat (hiding Windows 10 download in regular updates) approach from Microsoft. My hope is that someone with integrity will invent a superior operating system and Microsoft will find itself kicked to the curb.

So you are running Linux, are you Barcode?

            Actually i Am presently running a dual boot config with windows 7 and L inux mint

because like a lot of us in the IT industry, im testing something to transition to after windows 7 support ends in 5 years because i dont intend to use support or deploy another Microsoft OS after windows 7

It's probably better not to use the Internet either as your privacy leaks out as you browse.

           No, actully, i have my machine configured in such a way as to block all tracking, I use mozilla firefox with adblock plus and ghostery, i also use peer block, and a number of other configurations.

Just stay offline to keep safe, Barcode. 

I dont think avoiding the internet is a very practical way to address the problems with our digital liberty in a rapidly evolving tech industry.

most of us are happy enough with the benefits that Windows 10 brings together with its functionality and think it's a fair trade that some of our information runs through Microsoft servers.

      I have no issue with people that KNOW the full extent of the data gathering CHOOSING, to participate in it, my concern is the industry taking advantage of the people who are unaware they are participating, and to what extent they are participating in mass collection of personal data, as well of the implications of such mass collection.

So far as I know Microsoft doesn't pass our data on to anyone else

      Actually, microsoft has stated in their privacy policy that they do regularly share data with other third parties and companies, and that they may keep your data "as long as necessary"

but, remember, the security services are collecting everything you do, Barcode, that's every bit of your data traffic.

      Actally a great deal has been done to address the digital privacy problems ever since the edward snowden revelations about mass NSA spying, but we have more work to do on educating the general public, most people have no idea what their data is being used for and by whom.

That's why you should stay clear of the Internet and go back to good old snail mail,

        Like i said, i dont think avoiding the internet is a practical way of dealing with our digital privacy problems in this world, i would rather educate people, problems dont go away by avoiding them.

So you are running Linux, are you Barcode? It's probably better not to use the Internet either as your privacy leaks out as you browse. Just stay offline to keep safe, Barcode. 

most of us are happy enough with the benefits that Windows 10 brings together with its functionality and think it's a fair trade that some of our information runs through Microsoft servers. So far as I know Microsoft doesn't pass our data on to anyone else but, remember, the security services are collecting everything you do, Barcode, that's every bit of your data traffic. That's why you should stay clear of the Internet and go back to good old snail mail,

of course your privacy is at risk, windows 10 has SPYWARE built in!

CNN Money

Is Windows 10 really a privacy nightmare?

http://money.cnn.com/2015/08/17/technology/windows-10-privacy/

Forbes

Microsoft Admits Windows 10 Automatic Spying Cannot Be Stopped

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/11/02/microsoft-confirms-unstoppable-windows-10-tracking/

PC World

Microsoft doesn't see Windows 10's mandatory data collection as a privacy risk

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2997213/privacy/microsoft-doesnt-see-windows-10s-mandatory-data-collection-as-a-privacy-risk.html#tk.rss_windows

ARS Technica UK

Even when told not to, Windows 10 just can’t stop talking to Microsoft

http://arstechnica.co.uk/information-technology/2015/08/even-when-told-not-to-windows-10-just-cant-stop-talking-to-microsoft/