Collecting Anon Usage Data

I wasn't sure where to put this post, but I guess it could be considered a security issue.

So far I've been asked by Microsoft, Hewlett/Packard and one of the Add-Ons (I forget the name of it right now but when you click yes the little dog wags it's tail) for FireFox, if I would allow them to collect anonymous usage data so that it could assist improving the software.

Before I joined this forum I would always click no when asked this because I just didn't like the idea of having any information of mine being sent somewhere. However, I have this desire to help make the internet a better place (sound corny?) and one way to do that would be to help companys and people who strive towards that same goal.

With that being said, does this pose a security risk? Should you absolutely trust the company before you click yes? Does anyone else share this information?

Thanks,
Richard

Hello Richard,

If you trust the company and software, then it is usually ok if you would like to help them improve their software. The key thing is to read the agreement to see what information they will be collecting for this.

I would never absolutely trust anything though.

Hope this helps some,
Shawn

Thanks Shawn, it helps alot!