Ympulse said:
ph0b0s123 said:
@Ympulse
So that's the benchmark now. If they are not worse than what the NSA illegally collects, it's fair game. That's a pathetic benchmark.
Exaggerated statement to prove a point. But, as we're being pedantic on the internets, LETS GET PEDANTIC ON THE INTERNETS!
Yes, lets.
Why do they need to collect and store my system specs,
To create aggregate data on which to base development of future PC games and ports.
Great why don't I have a choice in providing them free survey material. This is not directly related to whether I can run my already purchased game or not, so not directly related to the current service. It's just nice to have and therefore optional, as it's collection should be.
all the other software installed on my PC
Only that which is in your Origin folder. Let's be clear about this, it only scans the Origin folder. And it needs to gather data from said folder as local logs are created for crashes and other information that is eventually sent to Origin as aggregate data anyways.
The Origin EULA (http://eacom.s3.amazonaws.com/EULA_Origin_9.16.11.pdf) says:
"information that EA collects includes technical and related information that identifies your computer(including the Internet Protocol Address) and operating system, as well as information about your Application usage (including but not limited to successful installation and/or removal), software, software usage and peripheral hardware."
Origin may only search a few places at the moment, but agreement to the EULA gives them the right to search everything and it's usage etc.
Because routing. Here's an Explain Like I'm Five article on it: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4564505_computer-networks-work.html
I currently hold a CCNP and a CCDP, and do this for a living. That is not how routing works. Routers do not store your IP address but have routing tables telling it, which interface or port, it should send packets destined to your ip address to. The only network device that may need to temporarily know your and store your IP address, is a firewall. But that is only a temporary need.
So no, there is no good reason, directly related to getting the game to run on my PC, that my IP address should be recorded and stored for the future for.
Also an IP address is a pretty non-anonymous thing to collect and store. It in most cases, with the help of you ISP, can give your address. Even without ISP help it can give a very close location. And that is why it is collected with with the other info, to localize it. I.e to make the data less anonymous.
Whether my system is the right spec for the game is my lookout.
You -really- need to have a look at the general population of the First World again. Most people don't know the difference between RAM and ROM. Further concerns addressed in next segment.
Fine let them opt into the data collection.
This should only be collected, if I report a request for support on a game that is not working.
That information IS requested when you contact support. If all of this information gathering was as 'big brother' as you're suggesting, then the CS department wouldn't list the first step of their tech troubleshooting as "Collect DXDIAG information"
No, that just means the data they are collecting is more aimed for marketing purposes than helping the consumer.
And this would only be if it was an EA game as for third party games you would go direct to the games publisher.
Why is that? You're using the Origin Platform to launch the game, and as such Origin is still doing it's thing. Steam does the same thing. Also, the aggregate information as it pertains to those third-party developers is sent to them as requested.
My name, address, email address, billing details, games I have purchased from them and how long I have played them for etc, are fair game.
The same can be said after purchasing anything off of Ebay, Amazon, Ordering a Pizza online...
Exactly, that's why I said it was fair game, as it is info directly related to making the service work and is therefore needed by most online retailers. I am a realist....
And for the 100th time, Steam give you the option to provide this info or not.
Steam reports all of the information you're up in arms about every time you connect to their servers. The option is to have said information tagged as an individual for your own tracking purposes.
Wrong. From the link I already provided (http://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey):
"Participation in the survey is optional, and anonymous."
Please check your facts before getting into such a discussion.
Sound advice, I must say. Mayhaps you should listen to your own?
I would do if I had not already followed my own advise...
(now lets see if my BBcode is any good... fingers crossed)(edit: wasn't worried for a minute...)
