Well, I myself happen to own a Dell and I vaguely remember providing registration information when I started my computer the first time. Later on, I installed XP over the old W2000 that was on it and provided more information. I also used MSN Messenger on my system for which I subscribed to MS, again providing more personal information. And I installed MS Office on my system too, which liked to know some information about me. At least they know the static IP number that I have and even that could be used to get more information about me, as the RIAA has proven in their 'John Doe' cases against P2P traders.

You are right. I agree with you too. Of course you don't have to provide them your personal information but it does become pretty difficult to stay anonimous on your own system.

I myself am not too worried, though. All the software I use has been paid for. And neither is my computer part of some corporate system. I just feel uncomfortable by the thought of Microsoft spying upon the software that I have installed on my system. As if someone is peeking while I'm under the shower or whatever. I tend to like my privacy.