[Public_Domain]

[Gunnair]

[Public_Domain]

[DrCaleb]

Public_Domain Public_Domain:

Oh! DrCeleb! You can totally start up an android phone and neglect to put in information. They don't make it simple. No Google apps will work,especially the Play Store, but since they allow unknown markets that doesn't have to be an issue. At that point though you might as well flash the ROM and get yourself Replicant.

Yes, that's one of the benefits of Andriod being open source, you can get versions recompiled without all the Google hooks and 'phone home' APIs attached. But then, you don't get to run all the cool apps. I actually considered getting some Chromeboxen for an installation I was doing where the client wanted a strong centralized infrastructure. Until I saw the privacy policy! Then I went with HP dumb terminals.

But most people won't bother to distinguish what is requested and what it required. They'll just fill in the blanks and then wonder why their inbox is so full of spam.

As far as 'Evil' companies goes, Google is pretty benign. But computers can be fickle, and you never know if then next security breach will be the one that contains your data. I just play it safe and never give my data out for any price.

[herbie]

Did up a library a couple years back with EEE boxes, 80GB drives and Mint. Auto-logon, only the staff know the sudo password and made them a USB stick - serious damage, insert/reinstall.
Works perfect for them. Not for me - n more monthly service calls to manage DeepFreeze, updates, antiviruses, etc.
So be nice to know how one manages millions of dollars of Google accounts. Mines made literally HUNDREDS over the years...