hardware survey

[Zoltarr]

I was going to fill up the hardware survey for steam a few minutes ago and i was wondering why the hell would they collect hardware and software data from my computer? I dont mind telling Steam i have and intel cpu with a microphone, but whats the point of asking for which softwares/games i have installed, especially when some of them are not genuine.

[Pheace]

It's probably useful information considering they're selling software now too.

[Marble]

The results are compiled here. I am guessing they collect the software to see which OS you're running and what drivers you have.

http://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey

[Spawn of Totoro]

Software compatability. If they know what software is popular, they can test agaisnt it first and make sure it works.

Also, the software is non-personal and can't be connected to you anyways. If it doesn't show up in your "Uninstall" area in windows, then it isn't listed.

[Wurum]

I don't like them collecting what software I have installed either. I don't mind them knowing what OS I'm running but the rest of it gets personal. All of my software is licensed too, so I'm not concerned about that. And regarding the anonymity of the survey, well, I'm not sure it really is.

[Jade]

Αναρτήθηκε αρχικά από NsR Wurum:

And regarding the anonymity of the survey, well, I'm not sure it really is.

You have to be really egotistical to think that anyone at Valve cares what you specifically have installed on your computer.

[Wurum]

Αναρτήθηκε αρχικά από Jade:

Αναρτήθηκε αρχικά από NsR Wurum:

And regarding the anonymity of the survey, well, I'm not sure it really is.

You have to be really egotistical to think that anyone at Valve cares what you specifically have installed on your computer.

More like paranoid.

[Deault]

I don't mind collecting the information, even though it's used for marketing after.

The issue I have is that the scanning is biased. Have you noticed how Intel gpu are popular. Looking at my report, I also get Intel HD 4000, but only because it's imbedded in the cpu. Gamers most certainly don't rely on onboard gpu.

Same goes with crossfire not being recognized properly and this as been going on for years. It just annoys the hell out of me when I see the results.

Anyways, my two cents, I prefer Valve getting my info rather than Apple and/or Google.

[Azza ☠]

"... especially when some of them are not genuine."

Haha, busted! I could report you in for a $50k reward you realise, or is it just you have to pay $50k per pirated software package??? Where's my snitch reward, what you mean the NSA already knows all about it? ... don't worry I remember the days of being a moneyless preteen with a 'try' before you somehow can buy R18 games and getting a freebee stealth trojan with it as a bonus :P

[JoeTess]

Steam Survey calls my Windows 7, a Windows Vista. How and why?

[Ozon.Swe | Xena]

I am also wondering why they really need to know that I have software like MATLAB on my computer. Games I can understand, but I believe that you should only ask for what you really need to know not what you might need, possibly in the future.