14 DAY TRIAL // It's not enough that Windows Vista is the ultimate example of harvesting user data, Microsoft simply wants more offering the perspective that the boundaries defining spyware are quite blurred. According to the Redmond company, user consent makes all the difference. Without the knowledge of the user, monitoring software is spyware, with user consent is nothing more and nothing less than a feedback mechanism. Windows Vista and Windows XP users have the immense opportunity to become willing participants in the "The Windows Feedback Program".
Essentially, once you agree to the terms of the Windows Feedback Program, you will be provided with a piece of monitoring software that you can install on your Vista or XP machine, in order to provide feedback to Microsoft. The Redmond company will monitor all your activity and collect a variety of information, including Windows settings and usage, all the hardware details, data about your files and folders, and mundane activities, such as issues related to hanging or application crashes.
"If you agree to join the program, a small amount of data will be collected using the Windows Feedback Program software. That data will be sent to Microsoft so we can monitor how your computer is working and better understand how you are using Windows and Office. This data is collected every time you use Windows and Office. We use this data to help make future versions of the software better and more useful for you and other users", Microsoft revealed.
But don't think you are doing it all for free. If you sign-up for the program by the end of 2007, Microsoft is ready to offer you one of the following software as compensation for virtually handing over your computer: "Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit DVD); Office Ultimate 2007; Money Plus Premium; Student with Encarta Premium 2008 or Streets and Trips 2008." Each participant is eligible to get no more than one product.
"No, this is not spyware. You choose to participate in the Windows Feedback Program and you can easily withdraw from the Program at any time with no penalty whatsoever. Microsoft is committed to protecting customers' privacy and any information collected in the program will be kept confidential. In addition, unlike spyware applications, we provide a clear way for you to uninstall the Windows Feedback Program software if you choose to withdraw from the Windows Feedback Program", Microsoft assured potential participants.