[Upd-discuss] Microsoft

[Richard Stallman]

    As much as some of us would like to hear it, I've seen nothing that
    indicates that XPs activation opens a 'back door' to Microsoft.

Isn't it the case that, due to activation, Microsoft knows who the
user is?  That way, when XP asks for an upgrade, Microsoft can give
you an upgrade designed specifically for you.  That would be a back
door, even though activation itself is not one.

    I'm not sure the car analogy holds: you'll find that certain car
    manufacturers will insist on your use of authorised dealers to make
    repairs and having problems fixed elsewhere is likely to invalidate your
    warranty. In that respect you have been forced to 'register' your car with
    the manufacturer to keep it working.

These are not analogous.  The car does not refuse to run just because
its warranty is void, and you can continue repairing it yourself.