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[roseway]

Not being a Windows user I can't really comment on this, but you might like to read about it and decide for yourselves:

http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/000681.html

[HPsauce]

You don't own the Windows operating system and what it does (if you choose to install the update - it's optional) is pretty similar to what Sky boxes do.

[silversurfer44]

Another reason I use Linux. 

[HPsauce]

You probably don't own that either.  

Which has made me think, what about the BIOS and other embedded software/firmware in graphics, network, etc. etc.?

[oldfogy]

Similar info can also be found here:

http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,6805.0.html

[silversurfer44]

Agreed, I don't own the OS. However I am allowed to modify any part of of I wish. I can pass it on, and there is no money making company saying the want to put spyware on the machine. 
If one was so inclined I suppose one could replace the BIOS chip, The graphics firmware, same again. The drivers for graphics cards and network cards are free anyway. Seems like a win win to me.

[sevenlayermuddle]

One thing I'd be (and am) resentful of is the unauthorised use of my network.  My resentment in that respect also extends to 'automatic updates', for which Linux, OS/X and Windows are equally to blame, although admittedly the motivation may be more justifiable.

I'm kind of surprised no one's ever tried to make a legal case over that issue, sort of 'theft of ADSL bandwidth'.  Or have they?

[oldfogy]

One thing I'd be (and am) resentful of is the unauthorised use of my network. 
My resentment in that respect also extends to 'automatic updates',

But surely you have given your authorisation by either selecting, or not de-selecting the Auto update feature?

[sevenlayermuddle]

But surely you have given your authorisation by either selecting, or not de-selecting the Auto update feature?

Actually that's a sore point at the moment with reference to an ongoing HTPC project.  In the case of fedora linux - Eric or another Guru may correct me here - that doesn't seem to be the case.  I've set checking to 'never', but still it checks for so-called 'security updates'.

In the case of Windows 7, however, it's the 'phone home' feature I was referring to.  As I interpret the atricle, the user is not warned of, and can't choose to avoid, the use of his network.

[roseway]

I'm afraid I've never used Fedora, so I'm unable to comment, but if they are not honouring the option to disable automatic checks then I agree that it's not acceptable.

[sevenlayermuddle]

I'm afraid I've never used Fedora, so I'm unable to comment, but if they are not honouring the option to disable automatic checks then I agree that it's not acceptable.

It's also possible I'm just not doing it right, time will tell. 

[oldfogy]

In the case of Windows 7, however, it's the 'phone home' feature I was referring to.
 As I interpret the atricle, the user is not warned of, and can't choose to avoid, the use of his network.

True, there were/are no warnings, but it is possible to de-activate the facility.
Although if I am correct, this only happens about once every two weeks or so, "after a initial period of time which does it every day when connected to the internet"

The solution may be in Kitz's tutorial section, "I can't remember"

[tickmike]

Not being a Windows user I can't really comment on this, but you might like to read about it and decide for yourselves:

http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/000681.html

This sounds like the heavy hand of big brother, I'm glad I use Linux 

[Chrysalis]

yep you pay for the right to use it only.

I just checked my update history and this update is not installed, the article dated feb.  So seems its not rolled out to everyone.

[Shaft]

I only just read this as i haven't been on the forum for ages, had a look and yes it was there so i deleted It.

Shaft