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Get Vista free, sacrifice privacy
Author: Gareth HalfacreePublished: 12th December 2007
Would you accept a free Vista Ultimate to let others know what you do on your PC?
Microsoft is currently running the discretely-named Windows Feedback Program, a kind of after-release beta-test designed to give the programmers an insight into how to make Windows (and other Microsoft products) better. Like a normal beta, you get copies of the software for free; this time, however, they're full-release products.
The catch? A teeny little software program that runs in the background and sends information to Microsoft during the first three months of use. Although Microsoft is being rather cagey about exactly what information is sent, it's rather telling that the company has failed to place any particular limits on what the software could monitor.
Microsoft's official stance is that it is “looking for information that will help us understand problems you encounter with Windows, how you have configured your computer and Windows, what hardware you are using, and general information about how you are using Windows and Microsoft Office products on your computer.” It's that last part which gives cause for concern.
I don't know about you, but I don't particularly want Microsoft gathering unlimited data with no particular limits being set. The FAQ for the program has further information, but still leaves wiggle room by describing the provided list as “some examples” of collected data and not an exhaustive selection.
If you trust in your Uncle Bill, and if you do absolutely nothing interesting and/or embarrassing on your computer, you have until the 31st December to sign up for the program.
Fancy a free Vista Ultimate DVD, or would you rather Bill keeps his nose out of your collection of (ahem) 'videos'? Sound off in the forums.
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Comments (24)
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Install XP and Vista, use xp mainly, vista once or twice in the 3 month time frame, remove the vista spy software?
how is MS to know that you are the type of person that uses the pc once every blue moon, like my grandparents do for example.
However at the end of the day, id not want them or anyone else sniffing round my pc.
The program has no point now.
Just setup the most basic computer, just barely able to run vista, and have it dl/watch porn 24/7 for the entire three months. Obviously set it up to run headless, and be completely automated, but still.
Could you imagine working at MS, and taking a look at those data packets? ;)
dang that was fast.... but i believe they'r not 'running out of software' lol... i think its more like they got enough people to participate and wont b able to handle all the incoming info....
aside from its being yanked, i have no problem with saving up $200+ in exchange "sharing my computer with Microsofot" for 3 months. either dual-boot or have 2 box... do ur little browsing, documents, emails, games whatnot... and leave the... *ehm* more private stuff to the other machine. after 3 months, clean it up, and have free software.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FVbf9tOGwno
that is the best way to install vista, or use a toaster, works well in toasters.
now i am really paranoid about getting vista, what if SP1 has this spyware hidden from the user, and sends info back to microsoft, with a filter to look for keywords or file extensions..
i must amit that like many others i have a few downloaded mp3's and a few films, but not masses of GB's like others. what i dislike is the breach of privacy. its like me fitting a tacho meter in your car and recording your speed every time you drive.
Four months to for a response?? :|