Microsoft is NOT Tracking Your Every Waking Moment with Windows 10

The Internet is a wonderful thing, but it can also be one of the biggest piles of junk. Sadly, it’s the junk part that seems to capture audiences the most. We live in a world where sensationalism and conspiracy thread through our lives, and we welcome it. And, if it sounds even the least bit plausible, or fits any morsel of personal belief, it's true.

Take the case of Windows 10. Early on, Microsoft said that the Technical Preview for Windows 10 was designed to capture feedback so that a better Windows could be developed. Mary Jo Foley reported that Microsoft would provide almost real-time telemetry, codename: "Asimov," in Windows 10 that would deliver measurable feedback.

Feedback is part of the program and you're supposed to realize that going in. Microsoft provides several ways to deliver feedback in Windows 10: through its forums, through the built-in Feedback App, and also through real-time feedback based on your actions in the Technical Preview. In addition, Windows 10 Technical Preview is not to be used as a daily driver for your computing needs. First off, its beta software, meaning it will have bugs and could possibly damage data. Secondly, it has an expiration date of April 15, 2015.

There are those sites (I'm not even going to name them) that have taken the conspiracy angle for a useful and valuable feedback system and are attempting use it to scare the public and make them question Microsoft's motives. This is the same Microsoft, by the way, that has been leading the fight for the entire, worldwide industry to limit the reach into our privacy by the U.S. government.

If you have questions or concerns about the data Microsoft is gathering, please read the Technical Preview Privacy Statement. It's pretty clear. I realize, Privacy Statements are like the small print in TV drug commercials, but I promise Windows 10 will not cause uncontrollable and explosive bowel movements, and it will definitely not tell Microsoft about that questionable web site you "accidentally" visited. The true intent is to build a product that you actually like. And, if you still have issue, just stop using it. When a finished Windows 10 finally releases publicly next year, the real-time telemetry will be removed. It's not a permanent part of the operating system.

And, to those sites proliferating conspiracies? (you know who you are)

Stop it. Just, stop it.

So, let's get back on track. Take Windows 10 Technical Preview for what it is and for its intent. If you decide to use it, provide feedback. If you decide not to test it, don't be flabbergasted by what releases next year. Microsoft is giving you the chance to help develop an operating system of your liking. You had your chance.

On the @Windows Twitter account, Microsoft has been running a series of promotions designed to help customers make the decision about whether or not to participate in the Windows 10 Technical Preview program. Obviously, a "Technical" Preview should be used by "technical" people, but beta software, particularly a new OS from Microsoft, tends to peak everyone's interest and lure unlikely suspects that the program is not intended for.

Here's mine…