Windows XP is dependent for its operation on other computers that the user does not own and cannot control.

Here is a (probably incomplete) list of ways Windows XP connects each user's computer to Microsoft's computers:

1 Application Layer Gateway Service (Requires server rights.)
2 Fax Service
3 File Signature Verification
4 Generic Host Process for Win32 Services (Requires server rights.)
5 Microsoft Application Error Reporting
6 Microsoft Direct Play Voice Test
7 Microsoft Help and Support Center
8 Microsoft Help Center Hosting Server (Wants server rights.)
9 Microsoft Management Console
10 Microsoft Media Player (Tells Microsoft the music and videos you like.)
11 Microsoft Network Availability Test
12 Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service
13 Microsoft Windows Media Configuration Utility (Setup_wm.exe, sometimes runs when you use Windows Media Player.)
14 MS DTC Console program
15 Run DLL as an app (There is no indication about which DLL or which function in the DLL.)
16 Services and Controller app
17 Time Service, sets the time on your computer from Microsoft's computer. (This can be changed to get the time from another time server.)

and a good firewall, i'm sure will stop 'em all.

It funny... I mean, the fact that you need a firewall to avoid that your paid version of WXP connects to M$ reporting something (on the rest of the world, privacy is a valuable statement)... This is a sandbox, I wonder how many ways will gave LH to connect to M$ machines and tell them what...

"You ain't seen nothin' yet!" as the old saying goes. The long range plan expressly stated by M$, is to have YOUR copy of THEIR Operating System interconnected with all other users via a network that THEY have a fair amount of control over. Sort of like a more intense bi-directional cable hookup. In fact, get used to this idea as the time is coming (if their plans come to fruition) when you'll receive a monthly statement from M$, just as you do from your local cable provider right now.

Their (M$'s) legal department is working right now, through various legal briefs in court cases, helping "bend" the internet regulations (in the US at least, initially) to allow them to accomplish this goal.

If you look at the way the EULA's are "evolving", you have "limited" ownership of "your" XP (assuming you actually paid for your copy). You basically license the use of XP; and, as time progresses, you'll simply subscribe to their "service" - even though you own your computer.

And in Linux you get none of this. :)