Microsoft seems to be seeking more recruits again for its mysterious "PC Satisfaction Trial."

This week, ActiveWin.com and other Windows enthusiast sites posted copies of beta invitations from Microsoft for the trial.

According to the latest invitations, once Microsoft selects the beta pool, the trial is slated to last three to four months.

"The Microsoft Windows Product Team is looking for a select group of people to help us test and perfect technology that is to be used in an important Web services trial, the PC Satisfaction Trial, which will be part of our 'Real People, Real Data' customer research program.," reads the invitation.

("Real People, Real Data" was the name Microsoft used for its real-world Windows XP testing program. Microsoft's on-staff anthropologist gathered data on home-use of XP in order to help Microsoft understand better how users interact with their operating systems.)

The PC Satisfaction Trial is intended " to see how much more satisfied Windows customers are when they feel confident about the security of their PC and the safety of their data and personal information," the invite continues.

There is no explanation of what the trial — which Microsoft is targeting at home and small-business users of Windows XP — has to do with Web services.
If prior invites are any indication, however, the trial could be a way for Microsoft to test some of the new technologies coming from its Security Business Unit. The SBU currently reports into the Windows client division.

Neowin noted in March that the trial seemed focus on testing an improved personal firewall, a built-in antivirus program, an updated version of Windows Update and new backup capabilities.

Microsoft said last week at the RSA Security conference that it is working on updated versions of its Windows Update and Software Update services. Windows Update is a service that allows individuals and small businesses to obtain user-initiated or automatically generated software updates and patches.

A Microsoft list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the PC Satisfaction Trial confirms that a new firewall (different from the one that ships in XP) is part of the trial package. The FAQ also mentions a new virus scan service (that quarantines contaminated files/documents) and a system backup service that may or may not be part of the trial itself.