Okay, this is just wrong, and a dangerous precedent. If I’ve specifically told software that its not to contact the mothership, I expect it to not then go and do just that.

Microsoft is fiddling with system files without permission | ZDNet.com

and

Confirmation of Stealth Windows Update

Being a sucker for new MMOs, and between games at the moment, when I got a PlayNC email regarding the preorders for the new Tabula Rasa I thought I’d check it out.

It looks pretty interesting: combining the usual MMORPG style of play with some FPS elements. Its always nice to see someone trying to do something a bit different for an MMO, rather than the old tried-and-tested fantasy-based level grind. Of course, it’ll be interesting to see how it fares for me. I tend not to get on well with MMOs due to limited gaming time (so no time-sinks for me), and my tendency to solo as much as possible.

I’ve also ordered up Civ IV which is going cheap on Play.com at the moment. I quite enjoyed Civ III but found some of the new game mechanics bogged it down (the resources could really kill a game once you started researching more modern units). Apparently this kind of thing has been balanced out more for the sequel, so here’s hoping. The multiplayer is quite appealing as well.