AMERICAN software giant Microsoft is raising eyebrows among computer users with plans to release a program that lists all the software on a person鈥檚 computer and sends a report back to Microsoft. Called Registration Wizard, the program will be included in Windows 95, an update to Microsoft鈥檚 popular Windows package. The company says that the extra information will be used to provide better support for customers.
Registration Wizard will offer to let users register their copies of Windows 95 over a network. When the user authorises the registration, the program audits every piece of software on their system. It then shows the list to the user, asking them to confirm that they want it sent. If they agree, the program forwards the information to Microsoft.
The Internet was buzzing last week with rumours that the program would do all of this without the user鈥檚 knowledge in an effort to track down pirated versions of Microsoft software. But according to a company spokesperson, the program will tell users exactly what is going on and let them stop the process if they wish. The company also says that the information will be sent to its customer support and marketing departments, rather than to the department which traces pirated software.
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Customers are often encouraged to register their newly acquired software and are promised support and upgrades if they fill out a special postcard and send it to the manufacturer. Such cards already ask for information on other software being used. 鈥淸Registration Wizard] is an alternative to sending in a registration card. It does it automatically for the user鈥� says the Microsoft spokesperson.
Although the program will not function without the cooperation of the customer it still raises concerns for some. 鈥淚 still think it鈥檚 an issue,鈥� said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center. 鈥淎fter reporting to Microsoft, they know more about your computer than you do. We should ask if it鈥檚 necessary for them to collect this information.鈥�
Such information could give a company a massive advantage over its competitors. For example, by discovering which customers are using products from its rivals, a software audit would enable the company to tailor its marketing to individual users.
Peter Beruk, head of litigation for the Software Publishers Association, says he has not received any complaints from Microsoft鈥檚 competitors, but that he will not be using Registration Wizard. 鈥淚 will never agree to let Microsoft have that information. It鈥檚 my business,鈥� he says.
