My job dictates that I have to use Windows, and I also use a properly licensed copy at home. Nevertheless I think Microsdoft is getting increasingly over reaching with the information they suck out of your PC. I read the EULA for the latest Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA- We Get it ALL?) update and section 6 says this.
“6. Computer Information. This supplement uses Internet protocols to send to Microsoft computer information, such as your Windows XP product key, hard drive serial number, PC manufacturer, operating system version, Windows XP product ID, PC BIOS information, user locale setting, language version of Windows XP, validation result and whether the installation of this supplement was successful. Certain information derived from your IP address, which cannot be used to identify you, is retained in association with this computer information. “
Now I really object to some of this one several grounds.
- Hard drive Number
- PC Bios Information?
- PC Manufacturer
– What business is it of Microsoft to know this?
Why do they need this?
– That’s commercially sensitive information!
I do wonder if they read the CPUID or network card MAC Address.
They also say in section 7. We may also share the aggregate data with others, such as hardware and software vendors and volume licensees to help protect their license keys. WTF? Since when is it Microsoft’s job to police on behalf of licensees? Do they police GPL? I bet not!
As a developer I appreciate Microsoft when they do things like provide the free Express Editions of compilers. But this stuff just builds up resentment. So I have declined the update. We’ll see what happens. I encourage you to decline the update as well. If enough people do it, Microsoft will start noticing.
Another thought. Some of the information they collect is commercially useful. If you want it, you buy it from me. Savvy?
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