TheElite Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 on their site, it doesnt give a contact email either. so does anyne know about the dialup thing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomwarren Veteran Posted December 16, 2003 Veteran Share Posted December 16, 2003 I've signed up for this "deal" as a matter of interest and to write something about it on Neowin ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+John Teacake MVC Posted December 16, 2003 MVC Share Posted December 16, 2003 cool. I wonder if you will actually get the PC or the company will go bankrupt before any pcs are sent out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason the Eighty Eighth Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 A company in the UK has come up with a new way of pushing ads down people's throats - by offering free PCs to those who are willing to watch three minutes of advertising for every hour of computer use. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/12/...1336938531.html was thinking what measures they've taken to prevent people from reformatting their harddrives so they have no ads.. but a free PC! or, some people could just rip out the CPU, motherboard, video card (which i doubt they'll have) and all the good stuff and scrap the harddrive. or, just find where in the registry (the XP is probably modded too, so that you can't mod the registry) with the annoying ads and delete them. if it's a decent computer, i'll order one, but it's probably going to be pos 486 which no one will use ;) oops, here are the specs on the site: Intel Celeron 2.4ghz, 256Mb RAM, 40Gb Hard Drive, Intel Extreme 64Mb onboard Graphics, DVD Rom, 56K modem, Integrated Audio, Infinity Ext Speakers, Microsoft XP Home pre-installed, IBM E54 15" CRT Monitor and Includes Full 3 year IBM warranty i would guess the PC is modded so much you can't even open the case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjo Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 https://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?show...=123720&hl=free Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason S. Global Moderator Posted December 16, 2003 Global Moderator Share Posted December 16, 2003 no wonder the computer's free lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason the Eighty Eighth Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 heh, i was the only one who knew :shifty: thanks for the link, i'll copy + paste my comment above so this thread can be closed. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason the Eighty Eighth Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 i was thinking what measures they've taken to prevent people from reformatting their harddrives so they have no ads.. but a free PC! or, some people could just rip out the CPU, motherboard, video card (which i doubt they'll have) and all the good stuff and scrap the harddrive. or, just find where in the registry (the XP is probably modded too, so that you can't mod the registry) with the annoying ads and delete them. if it's a decent computer, i'll order one, but it's probably going to be pos 486 which no one will use oops, here are the specs on the site: Intel Celeron 2.4ghz, 256Mb RAM, 40Gb Hard Drive, Intel Extreme 64Mb onboard Graphics, DVD Rom, 56K modem, Integrated Audio, Infinity Ext Speakers, Microsoft XP Home pre-installed, IBM E54 15" CRT Monitor and Includes Full 3 year IBM warranty i would guess the PC is modded so much you can't even open the case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yuxi Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 Couldnt you just reformat it? That's what I'm thinking... :shifty: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quigley0 Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 Here is the FAQ from Metronomy. The computer is a loan, so no reformatting, etc, etc Q: What is Metronomy? A: Metronomy is an innovative desktop marketing concept that aims to bring TV quality advertisements into peoples' homes via a PC. This allows advertisers to show fully interactive TV-quality adverts to specifically targeted households. Metronomy offers households a free IBM PC for 3 years in exchange for their pledge to watch up to 3 minutes of advertising per month on the PC screen. Q: How do I get a free computer? A: Please study our Terms and Conditions and complete the form in the 'Order your free PC' section. Q: What kind of PC will I get? A: Please refer to our Home Page where you can view a detailed specification and a picture of the free IBM PC. Q: When will my PC be delivered? A: First orders will be delivered in mid-February, so please do not register if you are expecting the PC before Christmas. We will let you know when your PC has been despatched and will be awaiting collection at your nearest courier depot. You will need to take along your customer reference number and proof of ID to collect your PC. Q: Can I protect my children against adult-orientated advertising? A: All Metronomy computers are fitted with Windows XP which allows you to set up different profiles for the members of your family. The advertising shown will be suitable for the person who is logged on to the PC at that time. If you do not use these profiles advert timings will reflect current broadcasting legislation - such as the 9pm watershed. Q: So, let me get this straight - I pledge to watch a couple of hours of advertising and you give me a free home PC? A: Correct, 3 minutes of advertising maximum, for every hour of use. Q: What's the catch? A: There is no catch, other then advertisements being shown, and a few basic terms and conditions; there are no further obligations. Q: How will you know that I'm watching the adverts? A: A Monthly update is automatically sent to Metronomy, confirming the number of ads shown to each household. Q: What happens if I try Metronomy and don't like it? Can I give the computer back? Is there a 14 day cooling off period? A: Within 14 days of the PC being delivered, you may return the PC at your own expense (estd. ?25) with no further obligation, provided the machine is in 'as new' condition. Assuming you are happy with the PC, you agree to keep the computer for 36 months, after which time it can be returned or upgraded. Q: Why is the computer on loan? A: Statistics show that the average life-span for a home pc is three years as technology moves on at a rapid pace. After three years we will arrange collection of the old PC and, should you wish, replace it with a brand new one. Q: Will I need to have separate insurance for your computer? What happens if it gets stolen? A: Exactly as you would do with for example a rented television, it must be added to your home content insurance. Q: What software will come with my PC? Will I be able to access the Internet and play games? A: The PC will arrive with Windows XP Home, which allows you to surf the net, send and receive e-mails, listen to music, watch movies, play games and more. Q: I don't have a home PC and therefore I don't currently have an ISP? Does this mean I'm not eligible? A: A connection to the internet(Broadband, 56k or ISDN) is a condition of the agreement, though this can be set up when the PC is first installed using the recommend ISP's that will be pre-loaded on the PC. Q: Will you be able to help me install my PC? A: We will provide a 'back to basics' installation manual and any connections will be colour coded. There will also be a technical help section on our website and if needed, advice will be available on our technical support telephone number. Q: Are you going to monitor what I do with my free PC? Isn't that a bit scary? A: We will only monitor activity relating to the adverts you see, i.e. number of ads shown and hours of usage. Specific user activity not directly connected to the adverts will not be monitored. Q: What happens when the advert is served? Do you lose what was on your screen? For instance, what would happen if you were playing a game or in the middle of an online shopping transaction? A: 60 seconds prior to advertisements being shown, a warning screen will appear, the screen contains an accept and delay button. Each advert broadcast can be delayed for 5 minutes to enable the customers to either pause a game or complete on-line transactions. Q: Could a student that applied for a PC before leaving for University take it with them to halls of residence or will it have to reside at the registered address? A: Provided all other conditions are met (eg: insurance), and internet access is maintained, students may take the PC away from home. Q: What does registering actually mean? A: Registering ensures your details are recorded as being interested in the offer. Once our consumer launch takes place in the New Year, you will be forwarded delivery confirmation details. Those who have registered early will be at the front of the queue. Q: Do I get a contract and when? At the point of order confirmation detailed above, consumers will be asked to complete the full PC loan agreement, either online or by post. Q: Does the PC come with a printer or scanner? A: The PC package includes a 15" Monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse and Windows XP Home operating system. The user can add peripherals at their discretion using the available parallel / USB ports on the PC. Q: Will any printer be compatible with this PC? A: Any Microsoft supported product will be compatible with the PC, we ask our customers to seek advise at point of sale. Metronomy will not offer support for added peripherals. Q: Do I have to use the PC for a certain length of time each month? A: 30 hours monthly. Q: What happens if I'm on holiday for 2 weeks? Will I have to watch all the ads in one go? A: No, holiday periods are taken into account. Q: What happens if I am a couple of hours over or under? A: Latest OFTEL statistics show average household PC usage to be over 44 hours per month. In order to ensure that sufficient advertising can be shown to fund the PC, we require a minimum of 30 hours of monthly use per household. We will exercise discretion in the enforcement of this regulation, as it is not our intention to disenfranchise users who may be light occasionally but are fundamentally operating within our terms. Q: How old do I have to be to be eligible for a PC? A: In order to qualify for the free PC, principle applicants must be over the age of 18. Q: Is there a limit of one PC per household? A: Yes Q: Will I be able to choose when to watch the ads? A: Normally, 1 minute of advertising will be shown every 20 minutes of PC usage. The user may delay each ad break for 5 minutes if preferred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason the Eighty Eighth Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 i guess you could smash open the case (really), and steal all the decent stuff, unless they too are welded on to the mobo. :pinch: ooooh.. cheap Christmas present, here i come! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyoshi Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 You could probably reformat it but their agreement is (#2 and 3): The following 5 key terms and conditions are for your guidance only, and do not constitute a legally binding agreement. Before delivery, you will be required to complete a written agreement, either by post or online.1) On screen advertising: In exchange for your free PC, you must accept up to 3 minutes of on-screen advertising per hour of PC use. Every month, you will receive a cd containing adverts to be shown over the following four weeks. Each disc must be loaded onto your PC for the system to update. Should you fail to do this, your PC will be disabled. 2) The PC is lent to you for a term of 36 months, after which you will be offered a new computer and a new agreement, or you can simply return the old machine to a local collection point. 3) Your household must use the PC for at least 30hrs per calender month, or approximately 1 hour a day. 4) The PC must be connected to the internet at least once a month, and you must maintain an ISP dial-up account throughout the term of the agreement. 5) The principle applicant should be 18 or over, and provide a home telephone number. We will conduct a security check linking you to the address given. Under certain circumstances, you may be requested to provide alternative proof of ID. This offer is restricted to one PC per household. If you accept these terms and conditions and consider yourself eligible, then please click on the 'Order your free PC' button to the left of your screen, and complete the short application form. So they probably must track you and if they sense you aren't watching the ads for the 30hrs month use, you'd probably get the PC taken away. Also Under the FAQ: Q: How will you know that I'm watching the adverts? A: A Monthly update is automatically sent to Metronomy, confirming the number of ads shown to each household. Q: What happens if I am a couple of hours over or under? A: Latest OFTEL statistics show average household PC usage to be over 44 hours per month. In order to ensure that sufficient advertising can be shown to fund the PC, we require a minimum of 30 hours of monthly use per household. We will exercise discretion in the enforcement of this regulation, as it is not our intention to disenfranchise users who may be light occasionally but are fundamentally operating within our terms. Q: Do I have to use the PC for a certain length of time each month? A: 30 hours monthly. Lol maybe someone may find a way to make a spoof program that tricks their software to thinking you watch the ads, but then they could always turn around and track for those software after learning about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yuxi Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 What if you reformat it? :shifty: Or is the CD-ROM not bootable? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yuxi Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 I suppose... :pinch: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyoshi Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 I think there is a merge of topics required. Anyway they will also track how many ads you watch and such so if you do reformat it, you won't be seeing any ads, therefore you violate the EULA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfhound Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 Basically they monitor the ads being sent to the household. So there's no chance of stripping for parts and such. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z3r0 Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 The ads are sent once a month, therefore u could potentially just reformat... stick on cracked copy of program that sends details every now and then gg pld tx :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DigitalFreedom Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 The ads are sent once a month, therefore u could potentially just reformat... stick on cracked copy of program that sends details every now and then gg pld tx :) Yes!, i will do this and give the comp to my sister :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjeeeboy Posted December 16, 2003 Share Posted December 16, 2003 Run ethereal, find out what datas sent. If it isnt encrypted or anything, just write a program to send the data whenever their program usually does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blaise Veteran Posted December 17, 2003 Veteran Share Posted December 17, 2003 merged..title changed to encompass all companies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yuxi Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 :pinch: So that's why this happened: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dessimat0r Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 Its only fair that you do what they want, in exchange for a free PC. Please, don't try and circumvent it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yuxi Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 I'm not trying to, it's just an idea :pinch: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkyoshi Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 Well for free, can't be that bad i guess. Think it sucks/is stupid? Well then i guess you just won't have to get one :p . They aren't forcing it on you. Think about how you would feel if you were the company and everyone was trying to cheat your system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blaise Veteran Posted December 17, 2003 Veteran Share Posted December 17, 2003 :pinch: So that's why this happened: :laugh: that quote function comes in handy ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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