Microsoft Offers Free Copy of Windows Vista Ultimate if you Surrender Privacy *UPDATE*

Need a free copy of Windows Vista Ultimate? Are you incredibly trusting of big corporations? Well I have the deal for you, with a new program through Microsoft called the Windows Feedback Program. For the small price of privacy and perhaps some dignity, you can let Microsoft watch your every move for 3 months, in return for some software of your choice. Surveys are also required, one at the start, and then another in 2 week intervals, but compared to the bigger issue those are pretty painless. Some might find this to be an excellent deal, with software prices high, and cost of your free time to be almost nothing at all.

Through the following link http://wfp.microsoft.com/ you can sign up for this program, which has the following rules:

• Participation is currently limited to US residents of 18 years and older.
• You are the owner of the computer you use for this program.
• The automated feedback program is offered to Windows Vista and Windows XP customers only.
• The survey feedback program applies to all versions of Windows.
• Microsoft, comScore, and MarketTools employees are not eligible to participate.

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What's Free?

• Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit DVD)
• Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007
• Microsoft Money Plus Premium
• Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2008
• Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008

I really don’t know how I feel about this program, since my privacy is worth quite a bit. Will they be tracking websites I go to, software I use, content I post on websites? In a world where spyware software exists to calm the ever increasing paranoid attitude of the public, how would a program like this be treated by the masses? While I am fairly confident that my online security is safe with Microsoft (credit cards, etc) do I really want to put my digital life on the line for the small price of one software product? Well … if it was a free $4,500 WoW XPS M1730 notebook maybe. But for a free copy of $350 software, I think I'll pass.

UPDATE:

We have recently discovered that yesterday afternoon (12/11/07) Microsoft took away the freebie part of this offer (the software). However, Microsoft is still running the survey and 3-month feedback program. This means anyone who signed up after the cutoff is still going to be monitored, but recieve nothing in return for the forfeit of privacy. Microsoft apparently thinks your privacy isn't worth anything now.

 

Boy, no thanks. Notice comScore employees are listed as non-eligible and the only thing that company does is collect data and track things. They're obviously involved, so you'd better believe your every move will be tracked. Yuck.

 

I'd go for it... Though id make sure i had a dual-boot of a 'non-monitored' OS on my machine in case i wanted to do anything that might come back to embarrass me. Not that i am admitting to doing anything illegal... at least according to canadian law.(hey, i'm paying an extra 20cents on my blank media, i'm gonna take advantage of that legal gray area!)

 

Can't I just put it on a old computer which I rarely use? I have no problem with answering a couple surveys and visiting a couple websites just for the heck of it. After that 3 month period, can't I deactivate and activate it on another computer?

 

This is...interesting...yeah, I don't want to be 'stalked' by companies...

 

I'd just put it on a second partition and not boot to that partition at all for 3 months.

 

Hm, that Vista Ultimate looks pretty...interesting.

Sayy...I'm going to go stick it on my ****ty laptop! Barely anyone uses it...and probably very little info will be going out. I'll just check it every few days for the surveys.

This may be the boon I've been looking for

 

I should have known people here would just think up ways to get the free software and figure a way around the program

I'm sure all these methods would work.

 

I'm game. I don't have anything to hide. I could care less who knows what websites I go to, or what software I use

 

Gotta say that Microsoft's giving away some expensive software for this. Really tempting to install this on one of my junk computers.

 

Would have to boot once in a while, rules state: Used our software for at least 3 months on a Windows Vista or Windows XP computer that is periodically connected to the internet.

 

When do you get the software? Before the program ends or after?

 

From the website: Note that you will receive your product only after we have confirmed that you have:

* Entered a valid e-mail and shipping address.
* Fully completed the survey.
* Downloaded and installed the software on Windows Vista or Windows XP.
* Used our software for at least 3 months on a Windows Vista or Windows XP computer that is periodically connected to the internet.

We will verify that you’ve used the Windows Feedback Program software for three months, and then we’ll send your gift to you. If we detect that your computer does not send data, we will notify you.

Limit one gift per person. This offer is non-transferable. This offer expires on 12/31/2007, while supplies last, and is not redeemable for cash. Taxes, if any, are your sole responsibility.

 

Hmm, so use it for 3 months like I use OS X then. Shouldn't be too hard

 

Better than pirating no

 

I think I am going to go for it. I am already dual booting my desktop anyway, so it isn't a big deal for me. I don't have anything to hide anyway. I was also planning on rebooting soon anyway, so I'll just wait until summer.

I've kind of been wanting 64bit Vista anyway....

 

Hey, if you're a huge company that almost no one likes, you need to cover all of the loopholes if you decide to give stuff away.

 

Yep, I think I'll go for it as well. I'll need to find some hard drive space though...damn, I don't have nearly enough. Considering I reboot my iMac once every other century, it shouldn't be that much of a pain with the boot screen and stuff.

 

I'm game. I don't have anything to hide. I could care less who knows what websites I go to, or what software I use

 

Junk!

 

Sounds very interesting. I'm sure a lot of people are just going to install it on a secondary partition/laptop and boot it up once in awhile. I might do the same thing then keep the copy for future use or something.

 

Surrender my privacy to Microsoft? HA!

 

I just did it on an old XP machine that I salvaged from my sister. I connected it to my Plasma TV and use it to watch movie trailers and DVD's. I can use the Office ultimate, no doubt.

 

Windows Vista or XP only. Sorry buddy, but Microsoft doesn't want your privacy.

 

You're safe anyway because you can't play.

 

Wll since they ganked me on my xbox360 (3 red lights, long story), and after numerous ignored emails. I could get this, setup a box, and use it for nothing but to bash post about M$, and they would have to watch.

 

I'd do this, can't beat getting free stuff, esp. since they made it nearly impossible for me to get the 60 dollar Office deal-community college won't give students email addresses

 

Well I'm all signed up. Figure I live in the United States, run Vista Ultimate, and go online daily. There isn't much privacy I have left that hasn't been already stripped away.

 

Hence the I'd/I would

Though i wouldnt be surprised if microsoft opened this up to canadians too(maybe for the next round) Its not like our surfing habits are too different from americans. The market research would still be worth something.

 

i definitely, chuckled when I read this. I never thought Microsoft would end up doing this, but then again they did give out the free office and vista before it came out.

 

Isn't this old news? I already signed up weeks ago.

 

Something seems really really fishy about it though.

 

Really? You think its odd a company is willing to give you something they could sell for $400, provided you let them watch over your shoulder for a solid 3 months? I dont know where you could have POSSIBLY gotten that idea...

On a TOTALLY different subject, anyone want to help me get a free ipod? I just need 5 people to fill out 20 forms, supply their SSN, credit card number, mothers maiden name, blood/stool/hair sample, and all their secret fears... Its totally legit, i swear!

 

Uhhh so what do the Canadians do? No free windows/software for us I guess...

 

if only it was in canada, just boot it on my piece of crap, and load it up every tuesday to get updates... lol, after that, put vista ultamite on any new systems... hehehe to bad...

 

Last time I checked, Canadian != US Resident 18 or older. It may have changed though.

 

To be honest, I think Microsoft is doing this, because of all the complaints about Vista's problems. Hell they even gave people with Ultimate the option to downgrade to XP.
Especially this part on the "About the windows feedback program page:
" What types of information will you collect and why?
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."
I'll sign up, could use another copy of Vista.

 

I actually had a friend who did some survey based thing like this with MS before Vista came out and actually got a free 32 bit version of Vista Business. He didn't have any complaints about it either.

 

That's awesome, lol.

 

Do you think there would be a legitimate concern for me not to install this if I were to download something illegally? I don't think this would put me at more of a risk.

 

Well.. u might be sued.. tat's all.. read the agreements thou, i never read them so i dunno what it states inside.. I dun believe this crap anyway.. giving away privacy for free stuff is like selling your soul to the demon. (That's y i stopped using facebook )

 

Considering that it says we can do this with XP or Vista, and I have a 2nd machine...well, I might just sign up.

My 2nd PC is frequently connected, but I never visit my banking sites or other sites that require passwords...except for NBR and my online email. I don't have SSN numbers or stuff floating around either, so I think I'd be safe. Since the the D430 is my 2nd PC, I can keep my most sensitive work on my 8710p.

EDIT: Just forgot, I use this laptop to log in to stuff on Purdue's resources...the most they could do is steal my password, log into a Sun server, and run some VHDL programs. Or view the source code for a webpage I'm building...again, not that big of a deal...

Do you guys think this 'invasion' of privacy would risk leaking passwords?

On 2nd thought, maybe I should forget it and just use my copy of Vista Business x64 when Vista is ready for me. My university only offers Ultimate 32bit for $30, and I'd probably want 64bit...which would be the only reason I'd consider doing this. Hmmm...interesting.

 

I don't think so. It seems like more they are just trying to collect info about what you do with MS related products, and perhaps what programs you use, but I doubt they would be tracking your passwords.

 

can somebody comment on this, please

I am concerned, if u know what i mean

 

me want 64bit,

btw, do u guys actually see any performance diff from 32bit to 64bit. I heard so and so

 

Not sure what you mean. You download music and movies? About Facebook or Microsoft? I read the privacy statement; it is fairly standard stuff, nothing too surprising.

My favorite part is that the information is not limited to these parts.

Would give information without subpoena apparently.

 

First things first, I hope this is the Full retail version. I already acquired from MSN 2 free copies of Business and one of Home Premium and they are a pain every time I install something new on my computer or get a new toy notebook (have to talk to a MSN rep to reactivate). Secondly, didn't your momma ever teach you to keep at least one 100% legit computer in the house with no pirate software of any sort on it. The terms state that it has to transmit for 3 months every now and again, I installed it on a legit computer, just happens to be the computer I set up for my mother to check her email every night. I would use my media machine, but I wanna try some Windows Alternatives on there in the next few months like Blue, Dark or one of the other Customized versions of Windows. I'm really tempted to install this on my future EEE if I can get on before my 10% coupon expires (8GB SSD and 1GB RAM version, Galaxy Black with Windows XP Professional SP2).

 

What are Blue and Dark versions of Windows? How do they differ from say MCE or Vista Home Premium?

 

Tempting... Well considering that I have 3 computers, I might give this a shot on my oldest computer. My primary computer is my desktop with XP Pro, secondary is my notebook with Vista Home Basic, my third computer is an old desktop. P4 1.8Ghz, 512MB'a of RAM (RAMBUS), 160GB HD, ATI All in Wonder etc.

I just reviewed the minimum requirements for vista:

 

The only one that is worth having is the Office Ultimate and thats not that great because you can get that for $60 through theultimatesteal.com as a student.