If you read the About page on the new Windows Update, you see the following under “Windows Update Privacy Statement”:
“Windows Update is committed to protecting your privacy. To provide you with the appropriate list of updates, Windows Update must collect a certain amount of configuration information from your computer. This information includes:
Operating-system version number and Product Identification number
Internet Explorer version number
Version numbers of other software
Plug and Play ID numbers of hardware devices”
Ok. Now I know that XP has this same functionality, basically. All of your hardware info is sent to Microsoft when you install XP. Yeah. I did not like that very much, so I have not upgraded to XP. But nowfor Microsoft to slip this modification into Win2K is unbelievable.
Why does Microsoft care about the version numbers of OTHER non-Microsoft software that I have on my Win2K box? Why do they need PnP ID numbers of my hardware? They even send the Serial # up to Redmond when I do an update!
Now, I actually do realize the rationale for these actions. You need the hardware info to see if there are new drivers out. The software versioning can help to prevent conflicts between software and OS.
As for the serial #, the About pages states, “The Product Identification number is collected to confirm that you are running a validly licensed copy of Windows. A validly licensed copy of Windows ensures that you will receive on-going updates from Windows Update.” Of course, Microsoft wants to know that only valid, licensed copies of Win2K are getting updates. You don’t get a warranty replacement or repair on a car that is out of warranty! I get that.
I just don’t like it at all.
Am I too paranoid? Should I just chill out? Or is this just another dishonest step by Microsoft?