Hi, I've never posted before; I hope this is the right way to do this... I wanted to just ask all of you on this topic to please write more! I am very interested to read what you have to say. I have just reformatted my computer with XP home media center edition, I have no idea about service packs. And the machine works fine. But I put earthlink's protection software on it, which allerts me every time the computer is trying to connect to the internet, and i am a little freaked out about how often info is sent out from my computer to who knows where. What info is it? How do i even find that out? Is it dangerous? Or am I just being paradoid! I admit I am a little freaked out about privacy issues in gerneal these days, maybe I am being irrational about it, but the idea of windows being big brotherly creeps me out. Any info would be so appreciated! holly > [Original Message] > From: David Gillett <[log in to unmask]> > To: <[log in to unmask]> > Date: 9/24/2006 1:22:04 AM > Subject: Re: [PCSOFT] Restoring/Reformatting Windows XP > > On 22 Sep 2006 at 13:54, Computer9 wrote: > > > I am trying to find a legal retail version of XP Home SP1 because I > > don't want SP2 on my machine either - especially not VISTA (the big > > brother of all big brothers). > > I've been running XP Pro SP2 for quite a while now without any problem -- > and I believe that I am more likely to depend on oddball programs that might > have had issues with it than most "normal" users. I know of no good reason > to advise anyone to avoid it. > > VISTA, however, is the code name of the *NEXT* release of Windows -- > recall that XP goes back to 2003. It's currently possible to obtain a Beta > test version, but only people are actually prepared to use an experimental > OS, and tell Microsoft in detail when (not IF) it blows up and destroys all > their data, should be doing that. And everyone else will have to PAY for it > AFTER it becomes available. > I have not heard that it has any special surveillance technology built in. > It may possibly support Microsoft's "Palladium" DRM proposal, but I believe > that requires support from the hardware and not just the OS.... > > I am pretty sure that you do not have to worry that Microsoft is going to > sneak Vista onto your machine without your knowledge, approval, and some > cash. > > David Gillett > > "Hold No Punches.." Rode brings you great shareware/freeware > programs with his honest opinions in this weekly column. > http://freepctech.com/rode "Hold No Punches.." Rode brings you great shareware/freeware programs with his honest opinions in this weekly column. http://freepctech.com/rode