After complaints, Apple tweaks Software Update for Safari

Following a storm of criticism, Apple has changed its Software Update software to mark a distinction between new programs, such as its Safari on Windows browser, and updates to existing ones.

Last month, Apple started to include Safari 3.1 in a list of applications available from its Software Update program.

Now Apple Software Updates distinguishes between new software and updates.

(Credit: Asa Dotzler, Mozilla)

That practice got many people riled up, complaining that Apple was essentially deceiving people into installing a new program--Safari 3.1 for Windows XP--through a program meant to update already installed applications, namely iTunes and QuickTime.

Among those complaining was John Lilly, the CEO of Mozilla which makes the competing Firefox browser.

In a blog, Lilly said that Apple's practice was "wrong" and bad for the industry "because it undermines the trust that we're all trying to build with users."

Now, Apple's Software Update has two separate boxes, one labeled "New Software" and the other labeled "Updates." Before Safari 3.1 was under the "Updates" box and there was no "New Software" heading.

The old way: including new programs like Safari in with updates of already installed programs.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

The folks at Mozilla noticed the change but don't appear fully satisfied.

"This is a good first step. Now Apple needs to stop checking the box for "New Software" items by default. With that change, I think I'd be pretty happy to let the Apple Software Update service back on my Windows machine," Asa Dotzler, director of Mozilla community development, wrote Thursday.

An Apple representative told Computerworld that the change was done to distinguish new software from updates but declined to say whether it was in response to criticisms or whether Apple may leave the "New Software" box unchecked, as Mozilla's Dotzler suggested.

[adasha76]

big deal

Let's see if it makes a damn bit of difference. They'll still be trying to force feed iTunes onto us when all I want to do is update quicktime, and the installer will still grumble if I uncheck the boxes

[tashman]

Not Good enough apple

Still not good enough. How about keeping the UPDATE SERVICE just an update service. If they would like to expand it there should be another service called CONVERT WINDOWS TO MAC that is optional, that can have all of the new crap.<br /><br />Basically big business has so gotten our political representatives in their pockets that they can pull this crap without second thoughts.<br /><br />tim

[Maclover1]

JHC

Microsoft has jammed stuff down your throat for years but its ok <br />with you? Its even worse with Windows, since everyone preaches <br />to turn on Windows update to make sure you dont get rapped by <br />exploits. WGA, IE7, etc jammed down your throat, automatically!<br /><br />Here are some options for you...<br /><br />1. Close the Apple update window when it comes up. Yes I <br />know its a simple click on the X, dont hurt yourself.<br /><br />2. Unselect Safari from the list, again dont hurt yourself.<br /><br />3. Un-install the Apple update program, download the updates <br />you want manually.<br /><br />4. Un-install Apple Software all together, have fun with that <br />Zune.<br /><br />This is a fact of life with free software. Java and Adobe try to <br />jam Google Toolbar onto your PC. If dont have to EVER SEE <br />another Slivershat popup from Microshaft again I will be a <br />happy man.<br /><br />Some people just cant be happy...ever.

[thimk2000]

if only

If Apple could magically turn my PCs into Macs, I would be all for that feature and fully support it.

[Gorbag]

Yep, nowhere near good enough

Not until it says it has an update for Windows that installs Leopard <br />will I be happy.<br /><br />And PLEASE default the checkbox to "yes".

[protagonistic]

RE: Not Good enough apple

If you are too lazy to read before you click then you get exactly <br />what you deserve. This step by Apple is far more than MS has <br />done with their "update" program in far more years.<br /><br />And perhaps if the Firefox people would spend the time they <br />are wasting complaining on fixing Firefox they would have a <br />much bigger share of the browser market. And I do use Firefox <br />on my BSD and Linux machine. On my Mac Safari is much faster <br />and works just as well for me as Firefox so I use it most of the <br />time.

[Sambandar]

The point tashman makes about businesses, not just Apple, doing as they wish is valid. Corporations treat us just as we once claimed bureaucracies did. Companies get immunity for past crimes; credit card companies charge 38% interest; now software companies treat your computer as their own. When does this stop?<br /><br />I have been a loyal Apple fan since 1984, but this 'ask for iTunes and get Safari' is indicative of something pernicious in our consumer meekness.

[Penguinisto]

Whine, Whine, Whine...

IMHO, the changes are sufficient. The rest is mere quibbling now... and this is from someone that uses Firefox primarily on all platforms.<br /><br />/P

[Pericles62]

Still Default

It is not whining to complain about unethical practices. Leaving as default is still an attempt to trick the unwary into installing. An even more important question is if they have now included an option to stop being asked to install. I have removed the Apple Updater from the machine that doesn't have Safari because I was sick of the updater popping up every few days offering to install Safari

[rcrusoe]

It's all about the money

specifically the money from the Google Search box.<br /><br />"The folks at Mozilla noticed the change but don't appear fully <br />satisfied". Of course their not. They make most of their money <br />from Google search, so they're never going to be happy with any <br />browser that cuts into their market share.<br /><br />Suck it up, Mozilla. You've got a great product (I've made FF the <br />standard at my company), and if IE7 is what we can expect from <br />Microsoft in the future you will continue to enjoy continued <br />good growth.<br /><br />But there's a new kid on the block, and he's looking good. Get <br />used to it.

[luxduke]

Tempest in Teapot

I think all these officials from the Mozilla community ought to stop <br />worrying about such petty concerns and begin focusing on how <br />they can match the excellent performance of Safari. While they're <br />looking over their right shoulder for Safari, it's zooming past them <br />on the left.

[sirron33]

Get over it.

Great job Apple. Keep it on the front burner. Infiltrate Microsoft a <br />little bit every day. One day they'll wake up and order a Mac. <br />Welcome to my world. Now begin to live a little. <br /><br />Isn't Safari fast?<br /><br />iTunes Rules....

[supoman]

No different than...

M$ shoving their garbage at you via Windows update. At least Safari is something worth having.

[Belinus]

Quite Different

Actually, no it is not the same as MS. If Microsoft pushes out an app via Windows Update it is separated as a "Recommended" or "Optional". Vista Ultimate users get yet another category.<br /><br />And how is Safari "better"? Especially since Apple started tricking people into installing it with a reported security vulnerability in it?

[sleepy7]

and that makes it ok?

It's ok for Apple to do it because MS has done it? Wrong. Neither one should be doing it. Are you one of the kool-aid kids? Safari isn't really worth having. Firefox is the browser to have. Mozilla doesn't try to shove any of it's other programs on it's users. Opera is also much better than Safari. What was the reason the MacBook Air got hacked so fast recently? Safari

[johnqh]

Make it opt-in

Have the checkbox unchecked by default, and all the complaints will go away.

[SteveLafferty]

Apple is evil

Check this out. Apple installing software without permission - <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://bakercg.typepad.com/baker/2008/04/why-steve-jobs.html" target="_newWindow">http://bakercg.typepad.com/baker/2008/04/why-steve-jobs.html</a>

[Pericles62]

MS's flaws make Apples Misdeeds OK?

For one thing IE 7 is, you know 7. It is an upgrade to 6, and since it was 100% safer then IE 6 is indeed a critical update. Anyway none of that justifies Apple's attempt to trick people into installing Safari. By the way, if Windows update offers any install and you reject it you have an option to tell it to not ask again. Not the case with Apple Updater and Safari.