leather-guy, I wasn't slamming you or ZoneAlarm with that remark. I was just curious if you allowed it to check for updates is all. Most other applications, like Real Player, also have an option to automatically check for updates. I generally keep all my update checkers disabled and run a check manual since some seem to get confused if you arent connected to the net and take forever to load or dont load. However, there really is nothing to worry about by letting them do it. If anyone believes a company like MS or Real is going to risk all the money and credibility they will lose if they gathered info from you through a background app, you are crazy. Anyone remember about 4 years ago when Blizzard updated Battle.net, their online play area, and had it secretly checking the registry for Diablo player email addresses (it was an anti-piracy measure)? Well, it took all of about a day before they were caught and shutdown. That was back when security wasnt nearly as big a concern as it is today. With todays security watchers everywhere, any backdoor is lucky to have 5 minutes of life before exposure. Especially one from a large corp.