Very Computer

by **John Gosset** » Fri, 04 Aug 1995 04:00:00

>>>It was my understanding that the information on ones system is only
>>>sent if the user registers and indicates by checking a box that it is
>>>ok to report that information. It is not automatic, I don't believe.

>>That's their story - and of course, you accept it without question?

> if you answer ``no'' to the registration question, no scanning
>occurs. no directory structure or other local data is transfered. period.

>my concern is that one day this might not be the case. call me paranoid.
>i also truly believe that m/s has left back-door passwords in the
>m/s net shipped with win95, wfw, and nt. again, probably just paranoia.
> but...if this is the case, all m/s would need to do is send a command
>and instantly retrieve all information from all machines connected my
>the m/s net.

As I recall, several years ago Prodigy was accused of some similar
scanning of their dialin customers which raised a
big stink. This might be the reason why M$ is asking permission to
scan. I am paranoid enough (and perhaps a bit too hysterical) to believe
that my saying 'no' to the scan would completely disable the scan.

Quote:>will this ever happen. no. why? one of us paranoid folks would quickly
>discover it causing (1) a public relations nightmare, (2) <<LOTS>> of
>lawsuits, (3) gov't action

Is anyone aware of the results of the stink about Prodigy's supposed
scanning and if any other of the services (AOL, Compuserve) have attempted
this? I don't think any company has any more right to sniff around on my
computer than they have the right to walk uninvited into my house to
search it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Gossett Research Engineering Assistant
University of Texas: Applied Research Labs

Standard Disclaimer: These views may not reflect my employer's views.
My Disclaimer: I fully claim responsibility for the above views.
Quote: "Get over it!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

by **John Gosset** » Fri, 04 Aug 1995 04:00:00

Crude and immature ASCII image of myself with my foot
in my mouth admitting to the distasteful, immature nature
of my origional post. :-(

It won't happen again. :-) (Same applies to the art.)

__________
/ \
| |
/ |
/ <> ^ |
/ | |
-- / |
| |
--- __--\ |
| | /
\ /--/ /
| | | /
| | \__ |
| | | |
| | | |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Gossett Research Engineering Assistant
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

by **John Gosset** » Wed, 09 Aug 1995 04:00:00

> They can also log what sections of the service you access, and sell user
> profiles. You already KNOW they have that information on their system.

I strongly suspect AOL of this. Within two to three weeks of downloading
time management shareware from AOL I was bombarded with time management
software junkmail at my home. Later, I downloaded software that
calculates amortization rates and again shortly after that I started
getting junkmail of commercial financial packages. Once might be
coincidence, twice is suspect.

( OK now flame me for having AOL.... I defend myself by saying it is a
convenient way to stay connected between school and jobs.)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Gossett Research Engineering Assistant
University of Texas: Applied Research Labs

Standard Disclaimer: These views may not reflect my employer's views.
My Disclaimer: I fully claim responsibility for the above views.
Quote: "Get over it!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Very Computer

Micro$oft INVASION OF PRIVACY

Micro$oft INVASION OF PRIVACY

Micro$oft INVASION OF PRIVACY

Micro$oft INVASION OF PRIVACY