XP - spyware?

I was wondering recently about XP and whether or not it reports everything you do to Microsoft - acting like a form of spyware.
My firewall, constantly when using FireFox or any other program, will pop-up saying PROGRAM X is using the parent application explorer.exe to access the internet.
If I deny it, then my connection goes down.
If I accept it, it's fine.

It makes me wonder, is it possible that Microsoft watches what you're doing or knows what programs you are using?

Or was XP tested by a group to ensure consumer privacy?

Just food for thought, wanted to see what you guys had to say on the matter.

 

That's just the program control on your firewall. What program is it specifically?
I wouldn't think they would watch everything you do.

 

I meant to say, FireFox was one of the programs.
Same with Foxit reader (pdf reader).

Just found it odd and got a little curious.

 

Are you using ZA or Comodo? I know they both have program control so they won't let any program do anything without your permission. I don't remember ever having Foxit reader asking for permission to access the internet, though.

I just check the remember this setting box and continue, but sometimes it asks again for the same program, which I don't understand.

 

Regardless of the firewall asking, I'm curious as to why, firefox or other programs most of the time need explorer.exe as the parent application....puzzling.

 

More often than not, a program will try to connect to the internet to check if there any updates to the version you are using.

Foxit reader will ask to connect if you are trying to use the program for a certain reason and the app you want to use was not set up when you originaly set up the program.

Foxit will connect if you only installed the Reader and you want to create a PDF of your own. Since the reader can't do this, the program will ask if it can connect so it can install the program for creating PDF files.

If you want to stop FF go to the settings and uncheck the box to automaticly check for updates.

Hope this helps.