Set Apple Software Update to ignore Safari
I use Apple's Safari browser on my iPhone but don't have much use for it on my Windows PCs. I do run iTunes and QuickTime on the Windows systems, so every time there's an update for one of those apps, I'm prompted to download Safari.
A quick tweak of the Apple Software Update utility makes the Safari prompts history.
Open the Apple Software Update application via its shortcut on the Start menu. To set the updater to stop nagging you about Safari, check the browser's option in the main window, and click Tools > Ignore Selected Updates. Then click Quit.
Set the Apple Software Update utility to ignore the Safari browser.
(Credit: Apple)Alternatively, you can change how frequently the program checks for updates or stop it from checking automatically. Click Edit > Preferences and choose Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Never. When you're done, click OK and Quit.
Change how frequently Apple Software Update checks for updates, or set it not to check at all.
(Credit: Apple)Now you'll get the Apple updates you need on your schedule without having to uncheck options for programs you don't want.
Dennis O'Reilly has covered PCs and other technologies in print and online since 1985. Along with more than a decade as editor for Ziff-Davis's Computer Select, Dennis edited PC World's award-winning Here's How section for more than seven years. He is a member of the CNET blog Network, and is not an employee of CNET. 




First, it was iTunes (which I no desire for) with Quicktime (which I do), and now it is a constant push to bundle their whole portfolio. Google is doing something similar with their updater and Adobe has done it for years, so I am getting to the point where the hassle far outweighs the convenience and returning to manual updates.
Is Apple so hard up for browser market share that they feel the need to try and trick unsuspecting iTunes users into installing their browser?
If Apple users installed say MS Word for OSX and then one day an update came down for Word that tried to install IE for OSX, they would be up at arms claiming that MS is using their monopoly to force software on to people.
What's the difference? Essentially iTunes is the monopoly of digital music, so what they are doing is flat out wrong. Why even put Safari as pre-checked in the iTunes software updater when I don't even have Safari installed. Now that's a bad apple to leave a sour taste in your mouth.
It's amazing how dim some people are.
I have iTunes, Safari, and QuickTime on my Windows PC. I prefer to use Mozilla as my browser, and I seldom run the updates unless there is a security issue for QuickTime. I don't update Safari, and I haven't installed later versions either.
I don't like to use my PC with Apple software for one primary reason, to protect the software from being "broken" or corrupted through changes (intended, not intended, or 3rd party malice) it uses static libraries that increase the footprint, and resource requirements. So, I hardly use iTunes and QuickTime is the only part I use a lot.
point is I shouldn't have to uncheck it because I don't have it... I don't want Apple trying to send me programs I don't want or have installed.
but I like you how failed addressed all the other crap that is installed with iTunes just to copy a damn song to an iPod. you're only point was that I called it an iTunes updater... heavens to megatroids! the audacity of me to misname an Apple product. Hope Steve Jobs doesn't call out his hit squad on me.
I especially took exception to the one-ipod-one-computer sync rule. I use a laptop and a desktop at home and a desktop at work. They all have different music libraries and iTunes didn't want to play ball, so screw it.
I have one word for 4wight:
decaf.
:-)
Then you missed the concept of sync - it doesnt make sense to sync with 2 computers.
The sync feature is the quick & easy option for people who dont want to bother manually updating or organising their music. It mirrors the exact music content from your computer to the ipod.
So if you were to sync with another computer you would effectively be asking it to replace all the current music with the music on computer 2.
In the situation where you have different music at home & work you should not use sync. Set your iPod to Manually manage music & then just drag all the music at work onto the iPod.
There are several benefits to this. A) you get to be precise on exactly what music you want where, B) you can play music on your iPod through any computer with iTunes
The point you guys keep skipping over is this... IT SEEMS OK WHEN APPLE DOES THIS. But you guys would act like the sky was falling if any other company used these same tactics to install software on your computer.
I unchecked the box because I noticed it, but there are many people who just NEXT NEXT NEXT their way through installs and updates and Apple is preying on their impatience and ignorance.
Again, why is it OK for Apple to use this practice, but you guys would scream bloody murder if Microsoft snuck in a piece of software because a checkbox was checked by default?
Apple is only trying to show people why they should have bought a mac in the first place.
Don't you know that every time you mention apple, the trolls come out?
I'm off to the apple store, just for a look around......I already waited an hour and got my iPhone no problems.
(I wont go into the problems I had with a mobile dealer on the launch date, and the following week)
When they then have the sense to buy the Apple product, it works better as a package only with their software.
I agree with mike.loux, in the sense that Apple does not explain the concept of syncing to the users properly. In addtion, I dont like having to authorize a computer for iTunes Music Store purchases just to copy content on to it. For example, at work, I only want to add free podcasts to the iPhone, but iTunes doesnt let me because it isn't on an authorized computer. I cant authorize the computer because of the Evil MS Proxy Server (ISAProxy).
- by iPosty March 13, 2009 6:28 AM PDT
- This is exactly what I've been looking for. Love iTunes, hate Apple forcing software I don't need.. I can only imagine the number of unsuspecting consumers that have installed these updates simply to make them go away and quit nagging.. (Exactly Apple's ploy I'm sure)
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