Bet you wouldn't be downvoted if it was any other country :-).
I don't like the Russian government, but they have a point - Windows 10 borders on 'insane' when it comes to the user data it shares "anonymously". Plus it helps the open source communities...
Then again, I don't trust Android and Google Docs apps that want access to my files, information, contacts, microphone, and more...
I use an Android Note 4, but I don't install many apps. I use a web browser instead for Facebook, Twitter, and many other sites instead of installing apps. I do this because of the permissions many apps require, even though they don't need some permissions to support their functionality.
I'm also surprised at how many apps need to run in the background. Notepads, music players, file explorers, an expense manager - why would they need to run all the time if I don't even use them and haven't set up any syncing.
Not to mention that Google Play Services is draining my battery like crazy by using GPS and keeping the CPU awake for way too long...
Getting access to Microsoft source code isn't that hard. As an MS MVP, I had access to it. (Rather useful for debugging stuff.) Smart card and remote viewer is how they did it for me.
Russia certainly has access. Plus it simply cannot be hard for Russia to get it via extralegal means. Field some great programmers, have them get hired. If intelligence agencies aren't doing this to most companies then they're just incompetent.
Don't overestimate them. I don't believe MS or US government would give access to source code to anybody with "alternative" world insight. It's like to give access to source code to N. Korea.
Well, for Win 7 MS had a "special co-operation agreement" with the modern Russian analog of the KGB agency, and disclosed Win 7 OS source code in full. There also was co-operation around Win 8 http://www.gazeta.ru/business/2011/12/01/3854510.shtml, but not around Skype sources.
Not sure what your point is. Also, not sure why my factual comment has been downvoted. (Is this reddit?) However, there is no shortage of info for anyone who knows how to use Google. To quote Computer Weekly:
An agreement signed in 2002 gave Russia access to the source code for Windows XP, 2000 and Server 2000.
Under the latest agreement, Russia will gain access to the source code for Windows 7, Server 2008 R2, SQL Server and Office 2010.
All governmental requests (whether from local, state, provincial, or national governments or agencies) for access to Microsoft product source code must be directed to the Government Security Program Team. They can be contacted at gspteam@microsoft.com
For security reasons, it seems like country's using secure open source software that they can audit makes a lot of sense.
I like Microsoft and Apple but who knows what pressure might be applied to them to back doors computers shipped to specific countries.