Vista "Phoning Home"

[john.roswen]

I just purchased a new gaming PC. I originally planned on wiping the pre installed vista and putting a fresh copy of XP on it, but I was pleasantly surprised with vista and I think I'll keep it for now.

My only concern is this- I've heard that Vista sends a constant stream of information (activation, WGA stuff, windows updater information) to Microsoft. I want to completely isolate my computer from microsoft.

I can handle virus protection on my own and download updates I deem necessary, but I want to completely shut off communication with microsoft.


How do I go about doing this?

 

[KSoD]

You do realize that XP did this as well right? Activation only happens once. WGA is performed anytime you check for updates. Windows Updates can be turned off so that you have to check for them. It wont download or notify you or anything.

Other than that there is no way to fully cut it off. You would have to leave the PC disconnected from the internet.