Is This True?

[greenfirs]

Please don't make fun if this seems like a naive question.

I am not too sure about the details and I want to find out the truth from the experts here.

My question is in regards to Win XP. I am considering an upgrade from Win 98 but I heard certain rumors and I want to know how true they are.

I heard that Microsoft can remotely control and/or disable the entire OS or parts thereof at any time for any reason they choose with no accountability. For example, they can revoke your license to use Media Player. Or disable your access to your Word documents. Or your sound card. And so on. And since they use an End User License, you can't sue them if they break your computer like this. You have to go out and buy another Windows.

Is this true? How true is it? And if this is true, how can the government let Microsoft do this? I don't let Ford come into my garage and break my car after I have paid for it in full. So how can Microsoft legally do this?

TIA

 

[smp]

Capital rights > Individual rights

although I ain't sure if what you said is true.. I never took too much of an interest in XP.. maybe I should

 

[CplHicks]

You'll be pleased to know that none of what you said is true. The _only_ thing that you have to go through MS to do is activate your product. However, this sends no information to MS and is a one time thing.

 

[earthman]

Microsoft can't do any of that, but any skilled hacker could, so rest easy.