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hi there
I dont know maybe this does not belong to this forum(...maybe) but still, i need to have some adivice on this stuff,

at present i m creating one simple internet application, i require to gather some user information (actually lot of em) like all the Global environment variables, Harddrive serial number, version of windows, default browser, computer name, network name, MAC Address and some userspecific information

*WITHOUT THE USER KNOWING THEM*

Is it Legal ??? will I run in to some trouble if i m gathering these information, and storing on my Database ???

if yes, than can anybody guide me what should i do if i want to gather this information in a clean way.

It is illegal to take someones information without him knowing it. U can be sued ;D if u get caught.

I donot think it is illegal if the User is aware of what you are doing.

There are many such program like the Google toolbar which anonymously collects your site visiting habits. But still before installing itself, it informs the user that it will do that.

Just like that if you are making such a program you can include your application habits(its capabilities ;D) in a EULA(End User License Agreement). By the way most user donot read it much, to say i also too dont read it.

cookies?

I don't actually remember any company getting sued for using spyware in their products... And I guess it should be in EULA, for example Sharman Networks (makers of KaZaA) says that their product doesn't contain any adware or spyware, and both adwares and spywares definition says, that they are products collecting data about people, and showing ads to them, without user knowing about it. There's few lines in KaZaAs EULA, that says, what kind of programs are installed in computer...

Tony: Log off. That cookie sh*t makes me nervous.
-- The Sopranos

- Nick