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But is this all? Not even by a long shot. Windows Genuine Advantage, Windows Defender, Support Services, Windows Media Center and Internet Explorer 7 all collect and transmit user data to Microsoft. Don't want them to? Then simply turn them off, or use alternative programs when possible or stop using some services altogether. Otherwise, when your consent is demanded, you can opt for NO.

Easier said than done.
Most users will be unable to know even where to start.

How many of these services can be permanently disabled without crippling the utility of that new computer? How would one go about doing so?

Will VISTA even allow you to use alternative means of watching videos, movies and other content deemed "protected"?

How many of these services can be permanently disabled without crippling the utility of that new computer? How would one go about doing so?

Most important to me.... WHY would you want to? Why would you buy a fancy vehicle and then dismantle half of it and try to drive it around like that? Use all the alternate browsers and media players you want. I do, alongside all the MS products. Meanwhile my computer software can write home often as it wants, and MS can keep all their products up to date, without me having to do a thing.

Just like my virus checker does, automatically.

Just like my Mozilla browser does... automatically.

It's just not scary at all... come out into the sun :~D