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Which laptops send the most user data? Least?
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With a clean install of a samsung laptop still have telemetry “phoning home”? Any software to stay clear of when updating drivers/etc? Would you advise another laptop for privacy?
All laptops in a way don’t send like any user data, the user data comes from the operating system that you use.
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Anything running Windows is most. Anything running Linux is least. That’s the generally accepted understanding of it.
Yes, it may. But it depends if it is Windows you reinstalled or Linux.
And I would advice you to get Frame.Work or any of the System76 laptops with Linux installed as they are best for “privacy”.
Furthermore, I am not sure what exactly you want to understand or if the two questions are literally all you want an answer to. I am guessing you are new to privacy? And want to learn how to go about achieving it? There’s a lot more to the questions you asked.
But you should direct answers to your specific/direct questions you asked.
it’s why I gave a general answer not like 2 seperate responses.
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Yep - I agree with your comment too. But I felt this post is low effort and wanted to make clear to OP about what they are asking.
Sorry - I’ll try to include more about my privacy concern. With all of my research it’s hard to get a clear answer with samsung… But basically to update some of the drivers I was told some of the pre-installed software would need to be downloaded again. Wondering if these “update” apps would be telemetry filled, but at the same time I don’t want to fall behind on key driver updates, etc. Samsung has made it basically impossible to directly download the drivers/bios updates you need.
I was wondering if it would be a smarter idea to get an HP, lenovo, or dell? Or do you think they have the same concerns?
Yes, I’m new with very little mentorship other than what I read online. I’m trying to get better though.
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Okay - I get it now.
Look, with Windows - from no matter what brand you buy, there will alawys be apps with telemtry from the manufacturer too. But as far I know and understand, they can be deleted in full from Control Panel without issues. The driver updates are usually from the updates so you don’t have to worry about it.
If you are open to buying a new computer - I would highly recommend Frame.Work if you are absolutely need to have Windows. But I also recommend Frame.Work to install Linux if are you comfortable with it. This depends on your use case and the things you normally do with Windows.
If you have a monitor and a external keyboard and mouse, I would recommend buying a mini PC instead since they are “minimally” installed with Windows crap and do not have any manufacturer apps.
Abolutely do not buy HP though. They are a shit company in many ways.
Feel free to ask any follow up questions you have and I’ll do my best to answer them - many others here will too.
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I like Tuxedo Computers, which is a manufacturer of Linux-compatible laptops, if you want to get something beefy, but getting one could be kinda finicky.
But I think that by just using a regular laptop with data collection services and telemetries disabled will be fine.
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I still feel System76 is best for Linux computers. Their whole lineup is fantastic!
Hmm, that’s something I’ll check up! I mostly know about S76 because of Pop!_OS
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Their new Pangolin laptop is on my wishlist. High res screen with all their customization with specs - superb for long term reliable use.
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I was actually researching this as a replacement for my “smart” TV that attaches to the wall. Do you have any suggestions? Basically just want a media player that can work offline
I’ve seen a couple other people say it but don’t buy HP. It’s easier to remove malware than it is to remove their bloatware.
Well, that’s a hard one. It depends on how big you want it. There are some big Dell enterprise monitors you can buy but they don’t come cheap.
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What size of inches do you want?
It could be costly but depends of course.
Tbh it’s what I said before, Monitors are looking like the best replacement for Smart TVs now that there are bigger ones.
And if you really need DVB functionality for TV, This or similar config:
https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-tv-hat/
To go with any 40-pin Raspberry Pi (including Pi Zero and Zero W, provided they have headers soldered)
(or similar)
and can use something like kodi as the frontend.
Kodi can also act as a big screen offline media player (instead).
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I have the TV but i hate the built in OS media player. Hoping for a a micro pc around 200 or less? Or is that a bad risk?
I’m confused. What exactly are you envisioning your set up to be like? Do you want a monitor or a TV? Will you be watching TV on your computer or via a media player app like Jellyfin or Plex on your TV?
I need some clarification on this.
Laptops may not, but laptop vendors might. 
Ex: Lenovo Enables Man-in-the-Middle Attacks Via Superfish Adware | PKI Consortium (mirror).
yeah I’m saying on the hardware end not software end
Software is absolutely is where the user data collection part comes in.
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