It checks to make sure you have authorized microsoft programs and is compiling a database of "repeat" serial numbers on huge numbers of folks machines.

For all those folks who didn't buy their Windows or Microsoft programs from reputable sellers or who lost their certificates and used a hack site for generic Microsoft serial key - I'd recommend not running Microsoft antispyware. I wouldn't put it past microsoft (and with their own in-house virus team) to implement code which crashes these "illegitimate" Microsoft programs - with their live hook up to GatesCentral they can do so at any time. That's quite creepy.

Microsoft is trying to recoup lost revenue and force upgrades and new OS purchases for millions of PCs.

Always look a gift horse in the mouth. The extension is a big joke - they'd do anything to get more folks to download their spying anti spyware.

Once I saw what they were doing it made me quite uncomfortable (and all my software is legit!) and I've even disabled the automatic updates. Microsoft is on a seek and destroy mission. I don't want my computers, or the systems I work with, to get caught by "friendly fire".