Comments on: Trial software trying PC users' patience

More and more PC real estate is up for sale to application vendors, and that can mean a slower box for consumers.

[houseofman]

EXACTLY!!!!

Your article is spot on! I totally agree with Roger Kay... "Simplicity is elegant. The less stuff you have on a system, the more likely it is to run cleanly." - THANK YOU!!!

After reading c/net's article about last week's deal between Dell and Google to install Google software on new Dell PCs, I wrote to Dell Canada to voice my objection.

Their reply?
Quoting Dell, "We do apologize, all of our systems come with the pre installed software and trial programs. We have no way of the Customer to request not to have this pre installed on their system. The only thing we can suggest is to contact Technical Support for assistance in having the programs that are not required removed from your system."

[houseofman]

EXACTLY!!!!

Your article is spot on! I totally agree with Roger Kay... "Simplicity is elegant. The less stuff you have on a system, the more likely it is to run cleanly." - THANK YOU!!!

After reading c/net's article about last week's deal between Dell and Google to install Google software on new Dell PCs, I wrote to Dell Canada to voice my objection.

Their reply?
Quoting Dell, "We do apologize, all of our systems come with the pre installed software and trial programs. We have no way of the Customer to request not to have this pre installed on their system. The only thing we can suggest is to contact Technical Support for assistance in having the programs that are not required removed from your system."

[houseofman]

EXACTLY

Your article is spot on! I totally agree with Roger Kay... "Simplicity is elegant. The less stuff you have on a system, the more likely it is to run cleanly." - THANK YOU!!!

After reading c/net's article about last week's deal between Dell and Google to install Google software on new Dell PCs, I wrote to Dell Canada to voice my objection.

Their reply?
Quoting Dell, "We do apologize, all of our systems come with the pre installed software and trial programs. We have no way of the Customer to request not to have this pre installed on their system. The only thing we can suggest is to contact Technical Support for assistance in having the programs that are not required removed from your system."

[houseofman]

EXACTLY

Your article is spot on! I totally agree with Roger Kay... "Simplicity is elegant. The less stuff you have on a system, the more likely it is to run cleanly." - THANK YOU!!!

After reading c/net's article about last week's deal between Dell and Google to install Google software on new Dell PCs, I wrote to Dell Canada to voice my objection.

Their reply?
Quoting Dell, "We do apologize, all of our systems come with the pre installed software and trial programs. We have no way of the Customer to request not to have this pre installed on their system. The only thing we can suggest is to contact Technical Support for assistance in having the programs that are not required removed from your system."

[Ted Miller]

Wake up Dell

Hope you read this story. The truth is in there. Take me for example. I buy lost of Dell computers, laptops as well as desktops and yes we look for bargains just like any one else. But when I don't see a restore CD or I do see a lot of crapware bundled with my computers that I need to send out to one of our customers or sales persons, then I am frustrated. I started to design and build our own PC's and even started to look at other venders such as System Max (not to happy with them either). In short I STOPPED BUYING AS MANY DELLS AS I DID BEFORE. Don't get stupid, fire the idiot that came up with those ideas in the first place. Build computers in a reliable and SIMPLE fasion and let your customers decide for themselves as to what software they want to install. By the way Google has gone down the STUPID WAY with that toolbar. They got a good thing going for themselves with their search engine and mapping programs. Adware and spyware people do the tool bar thing. DON'T JOIN THEM

[t8]

I disagree

Google software is very useful and it's free.
Their toolbar is downloaded by millions for a reason.

I agree that crapware is crap, but Google is not crap.

Also, it is one thing to say I want this and don't want that, but you are speaking for yourself.

In the real world PC vendors need to sell desktop real estate in order to be competitive. There isn't much margin of profit for hardware companies and it's extememly competitive.

The long shot is that if they do not come up with other ways to make cash, then the price of the PC goes up.

That is how it is. Like it or lump it.

[Mallardd]

RE: Wake up Dell

Perhaps you should reinstall your spellchecker?

[Ted Miller]

Wake up Dell

Hope you read this story. The truth is in there. Take me for example. I buy lost of Dell computers, laptops as well as desktops and yes we look for bargains just like any one else. But when I don't see a restore CD or I do see a lot of crapware bundled with my computers that I need to send out to one of our customers or sales persons, then I am frustrated. I started to design and build our own PC's and even started to look at other venders such as System Max (not to happy with them either). In short I STOPPED BUYING AS MANY DELLS AS I DID BEFORE. Don't get stupid, fire the idiot that came up with those ideas in the first place. Build computers in a reliable and SIMPLE fasion and let your customers decide for themselves as to what software they want to install. By the way Google has gone down the STUPID WAY with that toolbar. They got a good thing going for themselves with their search engine and mapping programs. Adware and spyware people do the tool bar thing. DON'T JOIN THEM

[t8]

I disagree

Google software is very useful and it's free.
Their toolbar is downloaded by millions for a reason.

I agree that crapware is crap, but Google is not crap.

Also, it is one thing to say I want this and don't want that, but you are speaking for yourself.

In the real world PC vendors need to sell desktop real estate in order to be competitive. There isn't much margin of profit for hardware companies and it's extememly competitive.

The long shot is that if they do not come up with other ways to make cash, then the price of the PC goes up.

That is how it is. Like it or lump it.

[Mallardd]

RE: Wake up Dell

Perhaps you should reinstall your spellchecker?

[PAJohnson]

Hear! Hear!

Vendors should consider the cost to remediate problems caused by "trial software." Keep it simple.

[walterwood]

Agree

A year ago I helped my son purchase a new computer for his home business. I normally build my own computers but my son lives 7 hours away and needed a warranty and support. This was a new high-end machine from BestBuy. It came with AOL and a bunch of other crap installed. After checking the system using PCPitstop.com I found that AOL was bogging the system down. I uninstalled it and the speed increased by 20%.

Unfortunately the uninstall broke Norton Antivirus that was also preinstalled. It took multiple call to Tech NoSupport to figure out how to get NAV working again. (For the most part they were idiots!)

I don't know what they made off of AOL but it cost them in $upport time and convinced me not to do business with them again.

[PAJohnson]

Hear! Hear!

Vendors should consider the cost to remediate problems caused by "trial software." Keep it simple.

[walterwood]

Agree

A year ago I helped my son purchase a new computer for his home business. I normally build my own computers but my son lives 7 hours away and needed a warranty and support. This was a new high-end machine from BestBuy. It came with AOL and a bunch of other crap installed. After checking the system using PCPitstop.com I found that AOL was bogging the system down. I uninstalled it and the speed increased by 20%.

Unfortunately the uninstall broke Norton Antivirus that was also preinstalled. It took multiple call to Tech NoSupport to figure out how to get NAV working again. (For the most part they were idiots!)

I don't know what they made off of AOL but it cost them in $upport time and convinced me not to do business with them again.

[jwarren.carroll]

Fresh Install?

No biggie guys just do what I do when I have bought a new PC in the past.

C:\Format C:
.
.
.
[Insert OS CD]
D:\Install.exe

It isn't exactly rocket science to do this, and while it may be an inconvenience, I really don't mind the computer manufacturers selling out. Why? How else are we going to continue to get top of the line PC's for $800-$1000. So I get an hour worth of pressing the [OK] button, and the advertisers get nada. Besides when I think about all the money I saved I can't help but smile thinking how I outwitted those knuckleheads.

[baswwe]

not these days - read the story

you dont get the windows cd anymore

you can't just format c:\ and be over it
if you use the recovery disk you make it reinstalls all the crap

you are hosed

[Fictia]

You echo my sentiments.

The more junk they put, the better. And who cares about licensing... MS has this thing called VLKs (volume license keys) hint hint. I don't feel like there's anything wrong with using it if I DID pay probably $50 to MS through my hardware vendor...

In the near future, with Vista and beyond, installing an OS will be so much easier with the new XImage format. Vista itself will come on DVD in that lovely format which will kill Ghost and the like. Find out more about it and see why the future is all peach keen.

[jwarren.carroll]

Fresh Install?

No biggie guys just do what I do when I have bought a new PC in the past.

C:\Format C:
.
.
.
[Insert OS CD]
D:\Install.exe

It isn't exactly rocket science to do this, and while it may be an inconvenience, I really don't mind the computer manufacturers selling out. Why? How else are we going to continue to get top of the line PC's for $800-$1000. So I get an hour worth of pressing the [OK] button, and the advertisers get nada. Besides when I think about all the money I saved I can't help but smile thinking how I outwitted those knuckleheads.

[baswwe]

not these days - read the story

you dont get the windows cd anymore

you can't just format c:\ and be over it
if you use the recovery disk you make it reinstalls all the crap

you are hosed

[Fictia]

You echo my sentiments.

The more junk they put, the better. And who cares about licensing... MS has this thing called VLKs (volume license keys) hint hint. I don't feel like there's anything wrong with using it if I DID pay probably $50 to MS through my hardware vendor...

In the near future, with Vista and beyond, installing an OS will be so much easier with the new XImage format. Vista itself will come on DVD in that lovely format which will kill Ghost and the like. Find out more about it and see why the future is all peach keen.

[eBob1]

It's horrible

After building my last few systems from scratch, I finally decided that I needed a notebook computer for when I am out and about. None of the DIY options for notebooks were appealing, so I wound up buying an HP notebook. Windows was loaded down with so much crap that it takes several minutes to boot (with T2300 Core Duo processor). Even after uninstalling all the crap, it takes just as long to load. The restore DVDs that I created after booting up the first time simply put back all the crap that I neither need nor want. I re-partitioned the hard drive and installed Ubuntu and that is mostly what it runs now. The only problem now is that the QuickPlay Direct feature does not work (I get the famous blue screen when I start Windows XP Embedded from grub).

It does seem that we are coming full-circle. Originally, computers did not come with any software -- including the OS. Now, vendors are including so much crap that people are going out and buying the software separately. Just sell the computer with the OS already installed with the drivers for the included hardware. If you want to offer a value-add, include install media for the extra stuff (media players, trailware, etc.). If your consumers really see the value, they will install the software themselves. That's how I have handled things with the systems I have built for others.

[eBob1]

It's horrible

After building my last few systems from scratch, I finally decided that I needed a notebook computer for when I am out and about. None of the DIY options for notebooks were appealing, so I wound up buying an HP notebook. Windows was loaded down with so much crap that it takes several minutes to boot (with T2300 Core Duo processor). Even after uninstalling all the crap, it takes just as long to load. The restore DVDs that I created after booting up the first time simply put back all the crap that I neither need nor want. I re-partitioned the hard drive and installed Ubuntu and that is mostly what it runs now. The only problem now is that the QuickPlay Direct feature does not work (I get the famous blue screen when I start Windows XP Embedded from grub).

It does seem that we are coming full-circle. Originally, computers did not come with any software -- including the OS. Now, vendors are including so much crap that people are going out and buying the software separately. Just sell the computer with the OS already installed with the drivers for the included hardware. If you want to offer a value-add, include install media for the extra stuff (media players, trailware, etc.). If your consumers really see the value, they will install the software themselves. That's how I have handled things with the systems I have built for others.

[Filetiger]

It's not just PCs.

Startupware is being overloaded on commercial hardware, too. A certain large printer manufacturer installs 4 startup processes during the install of driver software for their photo printers. One of them is apparently a 'share your photo album to the web' driver. No permission, no notice. And yet, if you rip out all 4 of the start entries from the system, the printer still prints.

And commercial software isn't better. I'm seeing phone home programs for (purportedly) update checks on nearly every large application, and a lot of little ones. Users need to manage these things, or get used to doorstops.

And yes, I'll agree that brand-name PCs are the worst. Having to remove 20+ startups is unreasonable on an allegedly fast new PC.

Jerry Stern (webmaster, startupware.com)

[Filetiger]

It's not just PCs.

Startupware is being overloaded on commercial hardware, too. A certain large printer manufacturer installs 4 startup processes during the install of driver software for their photo printers. One of them is apparently a 'share your photo album to the web' driver. No permission, no notice. And yet, if you rip out all 4 of the start entries from the system, the printer still prints.

And commercial software isn't better. I'm seeing phone home programs for (purportedly) update checks on nearly every large application, and a lot of little ones. Users need to manage these things, or get used to doorstops.

And yes, I'll agree that brand-name PCs are the worst. Having to remove 20+ startups is unreasonable on an allegedly fast new PC.

Jerry Stern (webmaster, startupware.com)

[KsprayDad]

Support Crapware...

As a home user that has 2 computers that get updated maybe once every 3 years (like a normal person? not an IT geek) I appreciate that all this crapware must be lowering the cost of the computer (I'm talking Dell here) to me. If Dell makes its margins on crapware and sells the hardware close to cost (they do) I get a cheap computer that can be free of crapware in less than an hour and save money.

[o2mcgovem-20822100750713932708]

Well Said.

My thoughts exactly. I know how to use the add/remove programs thing, I can just take them all off and get a laptop for cheap.

[KsprayDad]

Support Crapware...

As a home user that has 2 computers that get updated maybe once every 3 years (like a normal person? not an IT geek) I appreciate that all this crapware must be lowering the cost of the computer (I'm talking Dell here) to me. If Dell makes its margins on crapware and sells the hardware close to cost (they do) I get a cheap computer that can be free of crapware in less than an hour and save money.

[o2mcgovem-20822100750713932708]

Well Said.

My thoughts exactly. I know how to use the add/remove programs thing, I can just take them all off and get a laptop for cheap.

[wbenton]

Bottom Line:

C2 Security states that you should uninstall and or stop all unnecessary services, programs and applications.

That IW the bottom line.

Often times it's easier to wipe out the entire pre-installed OS (crapware inclusive) and re-install just a plain vanilla Microsoft without the bells and whistles.

[wbenton]

Bottom Line:

C2 Security states that you should uninstall and or stop all unnecessary services, programs and applications.

That IW the bottom line.

Often times it's easier to wipe out the entire pre-installed OS (crapware inclusive) and re-install just a plain vanilla Microsoft without the bells and whistles.

[David Lazarus]

Or get a Mac

Yes, I know you all expected a smug comment from a mac user,
but indeed that is one of the differences between the systems - the
OS comes cleanly installed, no noticable load of unwanted extras,
and you get a fully functional clean restore DVD for the OS and
system apps. All included in the price. The more I read about what
doesn't come on a cheap PC the more I realise why there is a price
difference for macs.

[technewsjunkie]

Right on, Bro:-)

I don;t mind rubbing it in.
Macs users don't have this crapware installed and they don't have that archaic thing called the registry!

LOL

[herkamur]

Not entirely true

Well, I have two Macs and this isn't entirely true. Both my iMac G5 and my Intel Mini came pre-installed with MS Office demo, Quicken, and the Mini came with iWork demo. I didn't want any of these so out the door they went.

The difference with the Mac is that at least they're far easier to be rid of. My point, however, is that even the Mac is not completely devoid of this (and I personally consider MS Office "crapware").

[hhs2112]

just the facts...

No, there's no crapware pre-installed on a mac; none at all...

<cut & paste from apple's website>

? Safari 2
? Mail 2
? Address Book 4
? iChat AV 3
? iCal 2
? Font Book 2
? DVD Player 4.5
? Preview 3
? Xcode 2

More software
In addition, the Power Mac G5 comes with an incredible bundle of software:
? iLife ?06
? QuickBooks New User Edition
? Art Directors Toolkit
? FileMaker Pro Trial
? GraphicConverter
? OmniGraffle and OmniOutliner
? Microsoft Office 2004 Test Drive
? Zinio Reader
? Apple Hardware Test

<end cut & paste>

This PC vs. MAC thing is a lame as it is old - especially when the arguments are devoid of facts.

[mycomputerman]

Mac=No Spyware

PC users don't realize that there is no Spyware that targets the Mac OS. No pop-ups demanding attention. The closest thing is QuickTime, which asks you to upgrade to Quicktime Pro, but lets you dismiss that when you start it.

[lephtee]

Macs have crapware, too

Did you forget about that trial version of Microsoft Office?

[David Lazarus]

Or get a Mac

Yes, I know you all expected a smug comment from a mac user,
but indeed that is one of the differences between the systems - the
OS comes cleanly installed, no noticable load of unwanted extras,
and you get a fully functional clean restore DVD for the OS and
system apps. All included in the price. The more I read about what
doesn't come on a cheap PC the more I realise why there is a price
difference for macs.

[technewsjunkie]

Right on, Bro:-)

I don;t mind rubbing it in.
Macs users don't have this crapware installed and they don't have that archaic thing called the registry!

LOL

[herkamur]

Not entirely true

Well, I have two Macs and this isn't entirely true. Both my iMac G5 and my Intel Mini came pre-installed with MS Office demo, Quicken, and the Mini came with iWork demo. I didn't want any of these so out the door they went.

The difference with the Mac is that at least they're far easier to be rid of. My point, however, is that even the Mac is not completely devoid of this (and I personally consider MS Office "crapware").

[hhs2112]

just the facts...

No, there's no crapware pre-installed on a mac; none at all...

<cut & paste from apple's website>

? Safari 2
? Mail 2
? Address Book 4
? iChat AV 3
? iCal 2
? Font Book 2
? DVD Player 4.5
? Preview 3
? Xcode 2

More software
In addition, the Power Mac G5 comes with an incredible bundle of software:
? iLife ?06
? QuickBooks New User Edition
? Art Directors Toolkit
? FileMaker Pro Trial
? GraphicConverter
? OmniGraffle and OmniOutliner
? Microsoft Office 2004 Test Drive
? Zinio Reader
? Apple Hardware Test

<end cut & paste>

This PC vs. MAC thing is a lame as it is old - especially when the arguments are devoid of facts.

[mycomputerman]

Mac=No Spyware

PC users don't realize that there is no Spyware that targets the Mac OS. No pop-ups demanding attention. The closest thing is QuickTime, which asks you to upgrade to Quicktime Pro, but lets you dismiss that when you start it.

[lephtee]

Macs have crapware, too

Did you forget about that trial version of Microsoft Office?