windows 8 store terms or use

[NeoGen]

I found comments about this online and it is shocking... From Microsoft's own website (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/store-terms-of-use)! :shocked:

They have the right to collect your personal information...

How does Microsoft collect or use data from my use of the Windows Store?
To provide the Windows Store service, we may collect certain information about service performance, your service use, and your use of your Windows 8 system. This information may be sent automatically when you use the Windows Store. You give us permission to use that information as described in the Windows Privacy Statement (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=232416). The Windows 8 system means the device running Windows, any software running on that device, and any devices or software communicating with that device.[...]

They have the right to delete apps from devices at their choosing...

What are my rights for apps I get from the Windows Store?
All apps made available through the Windows Store are licensed, not sold, to you. In most cases, that license includes the right to install and use your app on up to five Windows 8 enabled devices simultaneously. If you try to install an app on more than five devices, it may be deactivated automatically from one of these devices, so that no more than five instances are activated at any one time.[...]

They have the right to delete your data, including documents, images, or anything associated with an app that gets deleted...

Can Microsoft remove apps or data from my device?
We may change or discontinue certain apps or content offered in the Windows Store at any time, for any reason [...] You're responsible for backing up the data that you store in apps that you acquire via the Windows Store, including content you upload using those apps. If the Windows Store, an app, or any content is changed or discontinued, your data could be deleted or you might not be able to retrieve data you have stored.

They can change the rules at any given time for any reason (or no reason!!), and kick people out if they choose to do so...

Can Microsoft change the Windows Store or my access to it?
We may change the Windows Store at any time, for any reason or no reason, and we may also cancel or suspend your ability to access the Windows Store if you’re in breach of this agreement.[...]


And there's more if you keep reading on the website... my question is, is this even legal??

[AMDave]

It is if you accept the terms and conditions and sign up to it.
It's pretty similar to the ToS for the Apple store.
It all comes down to the "Managed Experience" which, as we know, has served Apple very well.

[NeoGen]

Now that you mention it, yea I guess Microsoft might be just doing what Apple and others have already done, but I really never "bit the Apple". :icon_lol: I actually dislike Apple with a passion, but have to work with their devices at work so I have no escape.

Is it just me, or has the IT industry been slowly claiming more and more control over people's devices and information in the last 2 decades? And equally less and less responsibility if something goes wrong?
I mean, Microsoft is even exempt if (heaven forbid!) a hacker hacks into their windows store servers and sends out mass commands worldwide to wipe everyone's accounts and apps on their devices. They are not responsible for it so why should they even make the effort of keeping it secure, right?

I don't know, maybe this is just me, but I think these large software corporations got out of control in this last decade. There must be a line somewhere where we can say "Ok, this is reasonable amount of control on our product", but that line is not even in the rear view mirror anymore.

[Dirk Broer]

My latest Apple was a G3 PowerMac (http://www.stevesonian.com/museum/desktop/PowerMac_G3_Blue_And_White/), fished from a trash can.
I also have a Apple IISi (http://computers.popcorn.cx/apple/macintosh/iisi/) bought on a Queensday fair years ago, the only Apple I ever bought.
And for fun I also have a StarMax 4000/200 DT (http://www.everymac.com/systems/motorola/starmax4000/starmax4000_200dt.html), found onna road, dead (without Ford logo).
They're all part on my hardware museum, as it is not economical to put them to work.