Sigh. People get so worked up about these things that it often doesn't even seem that the reality of what's happening even enters into it.

There are two main issues:

*** When you play a Audio CD/DVD** your system needs some information. This is more important for CD's than DVD's. This keeps you from having to enter into your system all the information (track list and so on) of the CD.

It is conceivable that Microsoft will then know what CD you put into your system by keeping track of the information your computer asks for. Then they might (gasp!) know what your taste in music is. Heck, if you registered with Microsoft when you set up your system they might even then be able to send you spam.

Personally, I fail to see this as a massive threat to my privacy. It will be noted that almost every other Audio CD player does the same thing, and that the servers that keep that data could also track you.

*** Windows Media Player keeps a LOCAL list of** what you have played so that you can revisist those files int he future. This list is not transmitted outside your machien and it is password tied to your account. This only threat here is that your wife may log on and find out you have a huge MPEG collection you would rather not have her see.

If that is the case then maybe you would consider not given someone access to your account or maybe not thinking your local data is secure if it is not. this is no different than your browser history. You can turn this off if you wish.

Heck, even the folks at Slashdot couldn't make a good case for this being a "Big Brother" situation, and they hate Microsoft with a passion.

Feel free to relax :)