Okay, the privacy advocates are all keeling over from heart attacks right now, but I’ll admit that I’m a little tempted by a new offer Microsoft has put on the table.
Basically, if you let Microsoft automatically scan your PC occasionally, and you agree to manually fill out periodic surveys, you get one free copy of either Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit DVD), Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007, Microsoft Money Plus Premium, Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2008, or Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008.
Those are some pretty expensive packages, so if you’re comfortable with basically letting Microsoft run your PC, you might want to check it out.
FYI, here’s the info Microsoft says it will collect when it installs the scanning software on your machine:
We are 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.
A more thorough explanation of what data is being collected is available online.
The deal expires December 31.
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