Windows ME is a spyware?

[Greg12]

My dad said today Windows Me scans your hdd and sends reports to Microsoft.

I want to stop this. I am downloading a firewall, will this do>?

I have no illegal software, but i don't like the principle.

[tinycorkscrew]

If it were true, a firewall would prevent the transmission of data.

[Shabubu]

Nope, WinXP does that, without it it won't work after 14 days. Though it has been proved that it only sends an hashed number based on your hardware, no information on your hard disks is scanned. Firewalls are a good idea anyway, expecially if your cable/DSL.

[Shabubu]

Unless of course your talking about windows update, and if your are just don't go to it.

[Tommy]

For the firewall make sure that it also stops unauthorized outgoing transmissions as many of them do not. Zonealarm does and its free.

[d4n13l]

greg12,
What do these reports contain?
I dont think that they contain detailed info on your www cache, hehe - Porno'd up? LOL . If it were anything to be concerned about then there would be an outrage against it.
It is probably just "Windows Update", disable it if you really dont like the idea. But remember how unsecure 9x is, do you really want to miss out on security patches?
BTW, I too am cynical about these things.


PS.
M$ is really not doing anything unethical here (surprised?). The cookies that you unknowingly get sent and other spy-ware are far more worrying. Get a utility called AD-Aware, if you dont already.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: d4n13l on 2001-11-22 12:37:18 ]</font>

[bilbogod]

I heard a rumour (although it's probably complete rubbish), that Microsoft collect info on who has installed pirated versions of their software. The theory being that only 1 person can have legitimately registered the original cd/dvd etc. Going to their website for technical support can help them identify crooks and perhaps windows update is the bait. Anyone been prosecuted for this?? Done time at Billy boys pleasure??

[wcb4]

windows update doesnto send anything to microsoft. It is an active x control that runs entirely on your own computer. Their are numbers that correspond to each MS update. When that update is installed, the number is stored in your registry. When you connect to windows update, microsoft's site streams the ID numbers of updates for your OS and the control compares them to the ids in your registry. All that goes back to MS is a yes or no and the page is built based on which updates are installed. I've done a registry dump before an update and after then DIFFed the files and noticed that there is an additional key for each update installed. I also noticed that the key number corresponds to the update number listed on their site....I know that MS is evil, but there is no need to be paranoid

[ember]

MS says it does not take any information about your pc: if anyone was prosecuted for having put one licensed copy of Windows ME onto 2 pcs then MS would be blatantly lying. This does not mean that they won't take pc information (especially with XP) just to gauge the extent of piracy (so they can up the price of the next Windows upgrade accordingly) but that they won't prosecute if they detect such piracy.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ember on 2001-11-22 17:41:43 ]</font>

[vhelp]

Just my two cents worth.

This is why I refuse to upgrade any further than windows 98!!

IMO, all the other version are practicing this - it was actually in
the news a few years ago and in several articles I've read during
my lunch at work over the past few years. It's a shame, but
this is how MS prays on us. You can fill in the rest as to WHAT
they do this this information, and how much info they are syfing
from our privacy and personal life, etc.

I don't use windows update. I even delete it. But, there are times
when I install something (testing ro what-have-ya) and I'll see it
pop right back up on my desktop. So, my suspicians are this:
MS is in cohoots with anybody who will join in with him to take over
the world - I mean, to have the most customers, etc. he, he...

I'll stop here!!

[tigerwolf]

well you can get your updates without windows update, though
I do use windows update, I've never had a problem with it and don't worry about such things. If microsoft was ever going to do anything about pirate software they would have already started something, I've been using windows update since my first windows 98 install and at first was a little concerned about doing it, because well lets say I was testing the software okay. But have never had anything negative come from it, plus it isn't advantageous for them to prosecute an individual they are more concerned with real pirates, like individuals that sell illegal copies, the conditions overseas where pirates are easily obtain at little to no cost. Sygate firewall stops alot of info from going out, I don't let anything that I don't recognize make a call. LOL. anyway, have a great day. To those in the US, Happy thanksgiving.

[FlUfFiEz]

Well i have heard about winME having this problem and about winXP having a more better chance of getting caught for whatever....a good fire i wall would be ZoneAlarm, and my fav. is BlackIce Defender!...this is my opionion u can use this...BUT if my friends all USE ME and XP and they have alot of "stuff" so don't be scared and just continue if u r paranoid then u can get a firewall!

[Kdiddy]

Stop being so paranoid...

Dont use Windows ME because its a useless RAM hog, not because of suppose spyware

[kr0n0s]

IF MS was after one times then they would be broke

big companies will only go after those disro'in their products ..

paranoid people should just go out and buy a dell and do nothing more than get email .. man .. even thats not safe .. better just pack it up in the box and send it to me .. easiest way to avoid all internet hassles with a computer

[Greg12]

I was just curious

[TIbrO]

Besides... don't you think that if MS wanted to slow piracy more, they would tell you that they scan your drives for pirated software? This alone would make tons of people stop pirating or be way more careful about it...

Kinda like security cameras and stuff... if you have a store and you have a sign on the front door that says your store is monitored by closed circuit television and audio, potential robbers might desist in their attempts because they just know now that they'll be seen and get caught. But then you might say "What if he's wearing a mask?" Well, he's being more careful about what he's doing then, now isn't he? Hehe...

But anyway, if and when M$ really starts to spy on you, they will tell you. Whether it is going to be in the fine print in the License Agreement or one of the little description screens during installation, they will tell you.

Hehe... I can picture it already...

"Windows Just got Better! Now we scan your drives, local and network, for pirated software and everything else to be sure that you are being a good boy. Enjoy this version of Widnows. The Microsoft Windows Development Team."

[d4n13l]

Hehe, you would get:
"Fatal Error: You cheapskate bastard! You are running XP 2600 build. The program will now termimnate."

[apollo9]

Paranoid? It's easy, esp. after installing firewall stuff like ZoneAlarm (free) and AD-Aware. ZoneAlarms allows the option of prompting you when software tries to send something out from your machine. Surprising what software you find out that tries this without the computer user's knowledge otherwise or permission.

Too bad have to be paranoid; but too many marketing rapists, not even speaking of subject of a company confirming whatever else info about ya.

BETTER PARANOID TODAY THAN AFTER YOU'RE ROBBED.

[Shabubu]

Just because your paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you !!!!

(Quote from Strata by Terry Pratchett )

[salvius]

Lol, guys, it does not scan your hd. That would be an invasion of privacy unless you accepted the terms of use. Go read terms of use: does not say that.

MS may have a bad rep. but crimnals they are not.

[wellmashed]

Ok. If they wanted to go out prosecuting everybody using a pirated version of windows then how many people would be dragged through the courts for nothing.All at the expense of microsoft who do have money but are not going to waste it on false court proceedings.

What happens when you buy a secondhand computer that is all ready loaded and ready to go with windows and you go home.

The person that sold it to you then goes and buys another secondhand but better computer and has to format it eventually and goes to reinstall his copy of windows.....

Do you see where this is going.....

Don't be paranoid.

[bilbogod]

dude we were last paranoid about that thread two months ago