Microsoft's Requires A Phone Number

 I QUIT MICROSOFT!!!

It has come to my attention that Microsoft makes it mandatory (in a sneaky way) that all accounts must have a phone number associated with it. This was the last straw for me, I had previously switched from Microsoft OS's to Linux and while it took some time to get used to, I will never go back. Microsoft is invading our privacy each and every which way they can. Windows 10 was the push I needed to ditch Windows as a OS. Now, I am ditching Microsoft and ALL their products completely!

What exactly am I talking about? Well, anyone can setup a Microsoft account for free, for a number of uses (Windows 10/PC/XBOX/Email/Cloud Storage/Etc.). Great! sign me up. But wait... After a day or up to a week or two, Microsoft will say "Your account has been locked" and you will not be able to login or use any services with that account. With a BS excuse of "We've detected some activity that violates our Microsoft Services Agreement and have locked your account." Microsoft will claim a number of vague reasons why your account was locked and will never admit that it's a complete and utter lie. Now in order to unlock your account, you need to provide Microsoft a phone number where you can receive a text with a code to be entered on the site to unlock your account.

No matter what you do, call, submit a ticket, etc. They will not accept anything in lieu of the number, not even the alternative email you provided during setup! Microsoft will claim that this is to cut down on spam and/or fake accounts. And why that is semi-reasonable, they should not force everyone to do this unless their account actually has suspicious activity. So why do they want your number? Besides the "reasons" they are telling you? Well, to track and monitor you. They can link all your accounts on their back end, with the phone number you provided for any accounts you created. If you aren't aware of all the privacy concerns around Windows 10, you should read up on that and then see why this is phone number issue is even more concerning.

But I am not here to convince you, read up on the issues I noted above and take action as you see necessary. I highly recommend that each and everyone of you file a complaint and voice your concerns to Microsoft, the Attorney General/Privacy Commissioner in your country/region and any activist/privacy groups you know of. This kind of privacy invasion cannot continue, where will it end!?!

Western Digital (WD) RED SMR Issues

Most of you are probably aware of the recent issues with WD RED Drives. These RED drives were built for NAS's (Network Attached Storage), they run specialized firmware and are built for reliability and resiliency. One key feature of RED drives was they used CMR or PMR technology for storing data on the platter. Well, WD decided to change from CMR/PMR to SMR without letting their users know. This can cause major problems for your NAS, especially if you use ZFS. Now, you can read more about this issue from dozens of internet sources. That's not why I am here, I am here to talk about what they are doing about it and why I do not agree.

 

WD has been replacing (for some who raise an issue with SMR) the SMR drives with PMR/CMR drives through a process called RMA. User are happy that WD is doing this, and it is good of them to do so. But here is where things get tricky. When you bought your drive, you purchased new, free from any defects (you would hope) and had a 1 year or longer warranty. The replacement drives they (WD) is using to replace the RMA's for the SMR issue are refurbished drives. Not NEW. So, you are replacing a reliable drive with a defective one that was "fixed" or "corrected" by WD.

Some of you may say, well they give you a warranty. Well fine, but are you prepared to replace your drive if it decides to quit right after the warranty? Do you want something used when you paid for new? This is even worse for those who bought the drive as a hot or cold spare. If you paid for a new car, new phone or new shoes, but received a refurbished one (used then reconditioned by the manufacturer), would you still be happy? I myself, would rather sell the SMR drives or re-purpose them and purchase NEW NAS drives from a different manufacturer.

Home Automation

Say No to WiFi Home Automation

The best option is to use something that communicates over RF such as:

• Zigbee
• Z-Wave
• Insteon
• X10
• etc

I recommend these because they only send data when it is required and is not always communicating with the base station. Unlike the following, which I do not recommend:

• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• Bluetooth LE

 WiFi and Bluetooth will clutter your home with radio waves, slow down bandwidth and waste energy. Not to mention I still believe that too much radio waves is not healthy. At the very least do not get any WiFi home automation products such as Wall Sockets, Light Switches, etc. They are made by manufacturers because they are easier to setup, however the cost both financially, health wise and bandwidth wise, is not worth it.

Vera Controller is an example of a simple setup Z-Wave system, easier than WiFi. I have tried this system and while they advertise you do not need the cloud, you actually do. Without the cloud the Vera system is severely limited, you can barely make any configuration changes and most of the feature are in the cloud. Without the cloud you have basic control.

In the end I used HomeAssistant with a USB Z-Wave controller and I absolutely love it. I even have my Hikvision NVR and standalone IP cameras displayed in the same interface as my Z-Wave devices.

Frigidaire Is Not Good

Well like I said when I made this blog, I will also be talking about general things besides tech ocasionally. I want to let you know to be weary about Frigidaire we all thought they were great products and they were but since Electrolux bought them over the quality is horribly.

I personal and some people have experienced problems with dishwashers, fridges, stoves and microwaves, All kinds of problems such as display panel led's breaking for no reason(you never need to touch this part so i dont understand how this happens.) Dishwasher spray arms fall off and when put back it just falls off again. Well im not gonna tell you all the problems I and other people have encountered you can google that, But just consider yourself warned, I wont be buying any frigidaire products again(matter of fact anything under the Electrolux brand).