Microsoft Vista Ultimate given away for free Cost: Privacy

Microsoft has recently launched a Windows user feedback program, in which participating users will be able to get several valuable genuine software products for free, including Vista Ultimate and Office 2007 Ultimate, among others. Of course, all of this comes at a cost, and that cost is your privacy.

To participate in the program, users need to download WFP (Windows Feedback Program). This program corresponds to WinXP and Vista systems, monitoring user usage, collecting information on user behavior, hardware configuration, system settings, encountered issues, etc., and providing daily feedback to Microsoft. User feedback lasts for three months, during which users must also participate in surveys related to the program, once at the beginning and then every two weeks thereafter.

After completing these three months of "hellish" online life without privacy, what can you get? It includes:

- 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

The total value of these software packages exceeds $1000. But, is it worth losing three months of privacy?

Unfortunately, this program is currently only available to U.S. citizens.