[nopardons]

Can they do that?

If they do, can we get out of it?

[dayglored]

> Can they do that?

Sure. They can do anything they please, as long as they have access to your computer. As long as you're connected to the internet, your computer can "phone home" and take instructions from Microsoft. That's what "Check for updates" does, for example.

> If they do, can we get out of it?

Maybe, with effort, technical tweaks, and being very, very careful about what you allow your computer to do. Otherwise, just lay back and enjoy it. :-/