this post was submitted on 29 Jul 2024
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How to reinstall PC and Phone? (lemmy.world)
submitted 6 months ago by Colorfulhipp@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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My worry is my university might have access to my devices in any way, I already posted about it and many gave me reassurance about it, but I decided to reinstall them anyway.

Phone and laptop, how to do that? About the laptop, below is what someone told me, so I want to be sure I don't have any of those tools left on my devices (if they're there at all lol)

"It's normal for school and business networks to install extra software that gives them more control over your device. These are usually called endpoint management clients.

Removing your school account from your device will not automatically remove the endpoint management client that they may have installed. If you're genuinely worried that your school may be snooping on you, you should also be worried about some of those snooping tools getting left behind on your computer once you remove your school account.

The only way to be completely sure their tools are gone is to reinstall Windows from a bootable USB that you made yourself. Then, never ever log in to Windows again with your school account. If you do, your computer will rejoin their network and automatically download their endpoint management client(s) again."

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[–] Colorfulhipp@lemmy.world 3 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Can you explain why and how? Thank you for answering!

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 8 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Windows is closed source and controlled by Microsoft. There is no way to verify what it actually does on your PC and as long as it's installed, your computer is not really yours.

Linux is open source and closely scrutinized for security violations or any sort of data collection shitfuckery. That's no guarantee, of course, but you have a far better chance of your computer not acting as a surveillance mechanism.

Having said that, Linux does take some technical knowledge, so be prepared to put on some work before making the switch.

[–] Colorfulhipp@lemmy.world 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Thank you!

Advice on the phone? I'll do that first since it's more important for now, and get enough info about linux to decide...

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Google "factory reset" for whatever model of phone you have.

[–] Colorfulhipp@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

If I connect my personal gmail account on it (which I used on laptot too, with the school account) would they be able to access it again?

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

If there was malware on your machine that skimmed your password, it might be compromised. Better change it on a different device before logging in again. But that would amount to criminal malfeasance or at least criminal negligence on the part of your university. But better be safe than sorry.

[–] Colorfulhipp@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

oh ok but that wouldn't be done by the university I think, is that what you mean? taking my password and stuff

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

They absolutely should not do things like that. But I wouldn't bet the house on that.

[–] Colorfulhipp@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Just gonna create a new email then... should be fine then, right? haha

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

As long as you always keep your tinfoil hat on, yes.

[–] Colorfulhipp@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

what?

[–] fjordbasa@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago (2 children)

The stereotypical conspiracy theorist nutjob wears a foil hat to keep the government from reading or controlling their brain waves… they’re calling you paranoid.

[–] Colorfulhipp@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago

Or are they saying that it won't work? Only until I keep my tinfoil hat on (useless anyway)