 A1Premium
join:2005-08-28
PA
4 edits | *Dead* [Free] Vista Ultimate or Office directly from MS. Update: It seems Uncle Billy has had enough and this offer is dead, good luck to everyone.
Receive your choice of Vista Ultimate, Office, or other MS software for completing a survey (about 15 minutes) and then letting MS monitor your PC for usage for 3 months.
I know, I know... 
Note the following restrictions:
* Participation is currently limited to US residents of 18 years and older.
* You are the owner of the computer you use for this program.
* The automated feedback program is offered to Windows Vista and Windows XP customers only.
* The survey feedback program applies to all versions of Windows.
* Microsoft, comScore, and MarketTools employees are not eligible to participate.
If you are a Windows Vista or Windows XP user and decide to join and participate in both programs, we will send you a free Microsoft product when you participate in the program. Our website provides details about this offer, including the current list of product choices. Limit one gift per person. This offer is non-transferable. This offer expires on 12/31/2007, while supplies last, and is not redeemable for cash. Taxes, if any, are your sole responsibility.
»wfp.microsoft.com
Before the flame war starts let me say that I'm installing this on a secondary computer. 
Credit goes to Engineer at SD. |
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 MSengPremium,Ex-Mod 2001-08
join:2000-07-13
Ork
kudos:6
 ·AT&T U-Verse
| Re: [Free] Vista Ultimate, Office directly from Microsoft. said by A1:Before the flame war starts let me say that I'm installing this on a secondary computer. That's a wise decision.
I joined this awhile ago (never pass up on an opportunity to get another Vista license) and suffice to say I did not have a pleasant experience. I don't know if I just had a bad install but it slowed the machine down to a crawl in less than 24 hours, broke the Windows installer and I had to System Restore to get rid of it and get the machine back to normal.
Your mileage may vary...
--
Isn't it ironic that only intelligent people understand the meaning of "ignorance is bliss"? |
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 AirwolfPremium
join:2001-10-30
Windsor, ON | reply to A1
Re: [Free] Vista Ultimate or Office directly from Microsoft. Yay, left out!  |
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amungusPremium
join:2004-11-26
America Reviews:
 ·AT&T DSL Service
| reply to A1
Heard about that... know somebody doing it...
I think it'd be funny to load it on a spare machine with a fresh install... take the 3 months just slowly setting everything up until it's about ready for actual use
I'm still not sure it's worth it. Sure, it'd be nice to show them, firsthand, some of the things I find very annoying. Sure, it'd be nice if some of those things were fixed someday, but putting it on my main system, no way. There's just no way unless they were talking about paying actual money for such a thing. It'd have to be a substantial amount per month for at least however many hours/week of use.
Very interesting offer though. I'm almost tempted to do it, just to go through every little setting...
Oh, and wouldn't it be interesting to download lots from eTree or archive.org during those three months. Just to really piss off whoever's watching the traffic by downloading legal things via bt. |
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 Mr Stonestupid should be painfulPremium
join:2001-06-20
From hell | reply to MSeng
Re: [Free] Vista Ultimate, Office directly from Microsoft. MSeng
Just your input/thoughts or others.
Just what info are they going to be looking at? I seen programs, files, hardware and so forth. I like some input as to passwords, bank acct logins. This is going on the wife's computer and we move a lot of money over the net with a few banks. She goes to Fed web sties for her work. I don't mind them to know what kind of computer she has, software/hardware or how she surfs the net, in fact they could learn from her when it comes to shopping on the net and saving money. LOL! I have gone through the Privacy bull crap but then it be Uncle Bill and short of taking it to a law firm. (Not happening) LOL
Thanks
--
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!! What a Ride!
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MSengPremium,Ex-Mod 2001-08
join:2000-07-13
Ork
kudos:6 Reviews:
·AT&T U-Verse
| "Uncle Bill" has nothing to do with it.
The privacy statements and what is referred to as information collected is pretty straight forward.
If one is concerned about the data collected then one should either (a) consider putting it on a secondary machine or (b) don't participate.
--
Isn't it ironic that only intelligent people understand the meaning of "ignorance is bliss"? |
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A1Premium
join:2005-08-28
PA
1 edit | reply to Mr Stone
Taken from their FAQ:
The following list describes some examples of additional data collection our software performs:
* Windows settings and usage, such as the number of user accounts on the computer and the view settings for Control Panel (that is, if you use the default Category view or the Classic view to display Control Panel).
* Details about your computer hardware, such as processor type and speed (as well as the number of processors), system memory, video memory, and other hardware configuration information.
* File and folder information, such as the number of files and folders located in common places (for example, in Documents).
* Which programs you open (for example, which application you use to read your e-mail).
* Changes you make to your hardware or software.
* Problems you encounter, such as application crashes. 
We do not intentionally collect sensitive information, such as the passwords on the user accounts, the contents of any of your personal files, the name or HTTP address of any of the websites you mark as Favorites, or what websites you visit.
»wfp.microsoft.com/FAQ.aspx |
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Mr Stonestupid should be painfulPremium
join:2001-06-20
From hell | reply to MSeng
said by MSeng:"Uncle Bill" has nothing to do with it. The privacy statements and what is referred to as information collected is pretty straight forward. If one is concerned about the data collected then one should either (a) consider putting it on a secondary machine or (b) don't participate.
Well I went for it but he is getting a bare bone system and I mean bare.
I just want the SOB I mean MS to come off with another Vista so that way my first one will be in a way free. More than one way to skin a cat.
--
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!! What a Ride!
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 denb45Premium
join:2001-02-04
Albuquerque, NM
 ·Comcast
| reply to MSeng
said by MSeng:said by A1:Before the flame war starts let me say that I'm installing this on a secondary computer. That's a wise decision. I joined this awhile ago (never pass up on an opportunity to get another Vista license) Nothing wrong with getting a FREE Vista Ultimate License, so I'd agree with you on that.. |
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 OwlbetIgnite the IcePremium,MVM
join:2002-09-24
Palmer, AK | reply to A1
Re: [Free] Vista Ultimate or Office directly from Microsoft. •Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit DVD) $399.00
•Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 $679.95
•Microsoft Money Plus Premium $49.99
•Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2008 $49.99
•Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 $149.95
Wow, Office Ultimate 2007 would be worth the hassle. I have a secondary Vista machine I could lend to the project and I do have plans to build my first computer after the first of the year. The biggest expense would be the operating system and getting the OS for free would free up funds for other stuff.
My only question: Are these full versions or "upgrades"?
I'm sorely tempted to wander on over to my secondary Vista computer.....
Thank you for posting about this offer from Microsoft, A1  .
--
Team Discovery
Alaska Aces 2007-2008 record as of this post: 13-8-1 |
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MSengPremium,Ex-Mod 2001-08
join:2000-07-13
Ork
kudos:6
1 edit | They are full retail versions.
Also, take note that you are responsible for any taxes due.
"Uncle Sam" will want his share. |
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OwlbetIgnite the IcePremium,MVM
join:2002-09-24
Palmer, AK
3 edits | said by MSeng:They are full retail versions. Also, take note that you are responsible for any taxes due. "Uncle Sam" will want his share. Today is Day 1.
Privacy issues aside, I sold my soul to Microsoft. Rather than install the software on a secondary machine, Microsoft will get a genuine 90 day run of my day to day use of my everyday computer. I'll regularly post what Microsoft is doing or asking (if anything) of me. Please, no flames. 
As tempting as Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 is, I chose Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate.
As for owing Uncle Sam, I'm aware of my obligations. But I won't worry about the tax implications (if any) until April 15, 2009. Unless Microsoft is placing blind faith in me to follow this through to completion, I doubt I'll get a $400.00 DVD anytime soon in what's left of 2007.
I'm hoping all goes well. When it's all over, I'll thank Microsoft while building a new computer and while reformatting this one.
EDIT TO ADD: I'll use my secondary Vista computer to take care of sensitive issues such as banking and the like.
--
Team Discovery
Alaska Aces 2007-2008 record as of this post: 13-8-1 |
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| reply to A1
I'm using my regular computer too. Only reason is that all my important stuff has been backed up to my wifee's laptop.  |
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gsm8
join:2004-09-29
Renton, WA | reply to Owlbet
I am doing the same thing in 3 months I will be getting a new cpu and more memory so I will be reformating |
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 jhavoc3Premium
join:2006-02-27
Chicago, IL | reply to A1
So how does this actually work? You take the surveys and just let Microsoft monitor your computer for 3 months an afterwards they send you the free software? If that is the case can you just install it on a secondary machine and do nothing with it, or use it sparingly like once a week for 3 months? Will that be enough to get the free software? |
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 PortmonkeyMy watch stoppedPremium
join:2004-04-09
Southern IL | reply to A1
Thanks for posting this. It is very tempting. I'm going to sleep on it and probably give it a go tomorrow.
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Ninja of the Nasty |
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scsa20
join:2007-12-04
Queen Creek, AZ | reply to A1
According to the website, as long as you have a connection to the Internet for the program to talk the servers at least once a day, yep, you earn your free software
And I'm game, and I installed it on my main computer for no reason (I was here at the time >_> ) |
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 djrobx
join:2000-05-31
Valencia, CA
kudos:1
 ·Verizon Wireless..
·RoadRunner Cable
·AT&T U-Verse
 ·VOIPo
·PHONE POWER
| reply to A1
Sounds good to me. I considered installing this on one of my lesser used machines, but decided that I'd rather offer my real day-to-day use data as MS intended. That increases the likelyhood that MS's future changes will work in favor of how I use this box rather than against it, which I have to assume is the point of this program.
-- Rob
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Laser eye surgery rocks! I love frickin' laser beams. |
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 Talon88 The One
join:2003-08-13
Toronto | reply to A1
:::
Can I install the monitor app at WinXP
& request a copy of Retail Vista Ultimate?
Or Do I need to run & mon at Vista &
get Vista Ultimate?
Also, Is the offer include Canadian?
Thanks
:::
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 gaforcesUnited We Stand, Divided We Fall
join:2002-04-07
Santa Cruz, CA | reply to A1
Thanks, going to need a new OS when Nehalem comes out
»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nehalem_%2···rocessor
I put it on my secondary xp machine. |
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