Mini PC security

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  • BootAble – FreeDOS boot testing freeware

    To obtain direct, low-level access to a system's mass storage drives, SpinRite runs under a GRC-customized version of FreeDOS which has been modified to add compatibility with all file systems. In order to run SpinRite it must first be possible to boot FreeDOS.

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H

HDEDitor

New member
May 5, 2025
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With Windows 10 support coming to an end, I was considering getting a "mini PC" (such as the Minsforum, Geekom, Beelink brands) for light gaming and Discord.

I am concerned about security with these lower tier brands.

Anyone know if there is data sent out of these little boxes, or issues with them being on a home network?
 
No idea about the security or performance of these boxes.

Have you explored upgrading your Win 10 PC to an "unsupported" Win 11 configuration? If the PC has a TPM then it should be possible.
 
There are two possible issues. The first is that there is something you would dislike somehow embedded in the firmware/UEFI image. There's little the average user could do about this, as there aren't really any generic replacements for that low level software. There is also a feature in the modern Windows/UEFI in co-ordination where a system manufacturer can specify to run an embedded executable when Windows boots. (This feature can usually be turned off in the UEFI, but you have to know it exists to know to do so.)

I feel like, if that were happening, that word would get out, eventually... so it may not be worth the risk to these manufacturers.

The second issue would be any supplied OS image. And for that, the simple answer would be to just wipe it clean and do a fresh install on your own. (Making sure to disable that option I mentioned above if it exists.)
 
Do you really need to upgrade to Windows 11? I for one am not, and I've already used the GRC software to actively prevent this from happening. Windows 10 will continue to run just fine, regardless of any FUD that comes your way.

Andrew
 
Bplayer said:
No idea about the security or performance of these boxes.

Have you explored upgrading your Win 10 PC to an "unsupported" Win 11 configuration? If the PC has a TPM then it should be possible.
Click to expand...
Current system over a dozen years old. No TPM.
(stats from https://www.notebookcheck.net/)

Intel Core i7-3770.
Series: Core i7 (Desktop) Ivy Bridge
Clock Rate 3400 - 3900 MHz
Level 3 Cache 8 MB
Number of Cores / Threads 4 / 8
Power Consumption (TDP = Thermal Design Power) 77 Watt
Manufacturing Technology 22 nm
64 Bit support
Announcement Date 04/08/2012 = 4779 days old
 
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