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.

[MadLyb]

Better yet, don't run the Updater on your machine.
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.

[thelemurking]

It's amazing how convoluted iTunes is now. I install it, I get iTunes, QuickTime, it tries to trick me into Safari, it adds AppleMobileDevices + service, iPod service, iTunes Helper service, Bonjour and so on... Do I really need all of that crap just to transfer music?

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.

[4wight]

It would be better if you actually knew what you were talking about before you start your whining. For a start, there is no 'iTunes software updater' - there is an Apple software updater that runs periodically - if you wish it to - and that let's you know what new Apple software is available for download. Is that so terrible? So Safari is pre-checked in an Apple software update utility - wow big crime! If you don't want it uncheck it. Some people would think that having a centralised programme that checks and allows you to update applications all in one go is a good thing - not some kind of evil attempt to take over the world, as you seem to think.

[Thomas, David]

The Apple software updater does not "trick" you into anything. You are prompted, which is the same as asking you. As the article states, you can now tell the updater to only give you what you want, when you want it, if you want it.

It's amazing how dim some people are.

[Thomas, David]

One further note.

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.

[thelemurking]

It's the same f'n thing... it installs with iTunes to update iTunes which is the only thing I fracking need to copy songs to my iPod.

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.

[mike.loux]

I'm with thelemurking. It got so bad that I took it a step further, removed iTunes and pretty much all Apple software from my PC, and installed the iPod plugin for WinAmp (not the one that comes with Winamp, which is rather limited).

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.

:-)

[Riquez-001]

"I especially took exception to the one-ipod-one-computer sync rule"

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

[MCOjerry]

Go buy a Zune if you are so unhappy with iTunes and the extreme energy it takes to uncheck a box or two.

[thelemurking]

oh god is that all you Macintards can say??? go buy a Zune as if that's the biggest insult to humanity you guys have. I wouldn't mind getting an iPod touch later on down the road, but my 5g iPod is sufficient enough for the time being. It stays in my car for the most part. I am using my Instinct as my main player since I always have it with me, 8gb of music is plenty and I did not want to jump ship to AT&T.

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?

[drukenhard]

I suppose all of the people who are being offered free, good quality apple software forget about the trash they probably had on their PCs when they got them, or the huge amount of crap that windows accumulates (seemingly by itself) when on the net and trying to get drivers for things?

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)

[connectionfailure]

I agree with drukenhard. Most of the Great Unwashed out there don't know what they are doing, unlike those of us Cnet readers... they dont look for music management software, video codecs or new web browsers. They will just use whatever's on the PC when salesteen shows them.
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).

[iPosty]

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)