this post was submitted on 18 Aug 2023
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Hi. My school just started issuing devices last year, and they have this Lightspeed spyware on them. Last year I was able to remove it by booting into Linux from a flash drive and moving the files to a separate drive and then back at the end of the year. This year I have heard from sources that they have ways of detecting someone booting from Linux so I am hesitant to do that option. My only other idea is to buy an old laptop off eBay that looks like it and install Linux on it. I could probably get one for about 50€. Does anyone have any cheaper ideas?

Oh also talking to IT isn’t an option.

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[–] shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml 7 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Disregard whatever you've heard about installing Linux on the device, find the agreement given with it and see what it says. If no reference is made to doing your thing then returning it with the same setup, I'd say you're in the clear. I'd bet the agreement covers damage, lost and stolen aspects plus returning it good condition, yet if you reinstall the software like it was provided they'd have to be very explicit about not loading Linux. If they do, you could use linux on a USB without installation. This could get you off the spyware while not breaking the rules if they are in writing.

[–] skankhunt42@lemmy.ca 4 points 1 year ago

Basically this. I'd just buy a used disk, swap them out and install Linux. That or use a USB.

When it comes time to return it, put the old hard drive in it and return it. I can't think of a way for them to tell you did this aside from the lack of logs they keep from trying to track you.