Windows
2000
Privacy Threat
by Mike Ketcher, Editor
The Financial Privacy Report
In
mid-February, Microsoft released the latest version of their
popular Windows operating system. Windows 2000 retails for around
$180, and has upgraded security and Internet browsing features
as well as many other improvements. However, you may want to
think twice before installing it on your computer.
The first problem is
that Microsoft requires that you register Windows 2000 with them
to get the second half of a unique product code you need to keep
using the software. When you call to get the second half of your
code, Microsoft will ask you for a lot of information about both
you and your computer, creating a dilemma for privacy buffs.
However, without the second half of the code, Windows 2000 will
stop working after just 50 uses, shutting down your computer.
Another serious Windows
2000 problem: According to industry reports, up to 1/3 of non-Microsoft
programs may not run on Windows 2000, at least not without you
spending a lot of time (and possibly money) getting technical
help from Microsoft and other software experts.
To get Microsoft's
view of which programs will and will not work with Windows 2000,
check out their Web site www.microsoft.com/windows2000/upgrade/default.asp.
However, Microsoft's opinion is hardly gospel.
There are many reports
of software that won't run under this Windows 2000, installation
headaches, and so forth. Corporate Information Service departments
can handle these questions, but, according to some experts, end-users
will be "playing Russian Roulette" with their systems,
unless they really know what they're doing."
In fact, Windows 2000
is designed mainly for sophisticated computer users, such as
business users and networked computer systems. A Windows upgrade
designed more for consumersMillenniumis due out later this year,
and you may want to wait for that product.
If you do decide to
upgrade to Windows 2000 anyway, three pieces of advice:
1. Give Microsoft
the absolute minimal amount of information possible when
registering Windows 2000. In particular, we recommend that you
don't give your home phone number, fax number, address, or regular
e-mail address to Microsoft, unless you want to receive a lot
of unsolicited offers and e-mail from Microsoft and possibly
other customers.
2. To avoid
an interrogation by Microsoft's staff when registering. or inadvertently
giving out your home phone when you call their 800 number, register
by mail.
3. Before you
upgrade, make sure you back up all of your computer files
(including your software and previous operating system) using
a Jazz Drive or similar mass-storage backup device. That way,
if you have problems, you can reinstall your old software and
won't lose important computer files.
Editor's Note: Michael
Ketcher is editor of The Financial Privacy Report, P.O.
Box 1277, Burnsville, MN 55337, 1 year, 12 issues, $148. Single
issue $15.
