Comments on: Think before you install

Software vendors want you to use their software, but you don't always have to install things that pop up on your screen if you don't want them.

[russkeller]

Great now Apple is acting like Microsoft

Well... So much for the competing with Microsoft now there are got two of them.

[hdjones]

Not really...

You can actually *uninstall* Safari.

[amigabill]

please respect the users

I heard about this from a friend at work earlier today. He says he keeps telling things NOT to auto-install or auto-update, but that this choice is reset every time iTunes updates. It's one thing to say "just don't install", it's quite another to keep resetting the choice someone has already made to something different than that. I haven't checked my own PC recently, and if iTunes wants to install Safari on my PC next time I do I will be pretty annoyed. I don't want it. I don't even use it on my Mac for crying out loud. I never installed Safari on my PC before, I should never have to actively say NO to it every time I use an unrelated music program. It should just never happen until I specifically make the effort to make it happen. That's why it's irritating, and just saying "don't install it then" is not an acceptable solution to people who find it irritating. I certainly do not find it acceptable. If the "customers" don't like it, don't tell us we're wrong to not like it.

[sting7k]

Same here

I tell the apple updater to always ask me for updates yet every time it updates itunes it resets the settings to automatic. I did know what safari was and had used it so I was able to stop it from downloading but its still annoying to have to change settings everytime itunes updates (which is practically weekly now).

[gsekse]

Itunes...

I tried, I hated, I left...

Apple is as much of a brat as MS when it comes to the additude of: "It's your hardware, but OUR software, WE RUN YOUR HARDWARE, tough luck!"

It's funny how everyone wants to pay for software so it will run as "they want", then in the end, they find that they STILL don't get freedom when they pay for stuff. After paying for Dos, win3.0, 31, 95, 98. I just gave up and bit the bullet and used Linux. I just couldn't justify paying money for people to screw with me and my system.

[smokified]

...

Don't use iTunes maybe? Is it so difficult to adapt?

[zaznet]

Exactly!

That's the valid point. The user who has Itunes and/or QuickTime and does not want Safari is being ignored by Apple right now. I hope that doesn't last, but we'll see if they change the update by the end of the week.

[kaamulan]

Its "Just Plain 'Ol Business" people!

Microsoft has been good at this... remember Netscape (R.I.P.)? It's Just Plain 'Ol Business people...Just Plain 'Ol Business!

[gsekse]

Plain old business?

Oh, I see, so the next time you put your car in for an oil change and they decide to paint your car with their logo for free. You should just say, ok, it's just business. Later you look on the authorization sheet and find in small print, at the bottom a spot to "opt out" of the paint job.

[nachurboy]

I hate forced installs

Tom, the problem isn't that there's a checkbox to not install Safari if you don't want it. The problem is the same problem as spam mailing lists. It SHOULD NOT be an opt-out option. It should be an opt-in option. By putting the check there to install it means they're going to assume you want it, rather than assume you don't want it, which is why it's invasive. Wouldn't you rather opt-in to mailing lists rather than making you opt-out? That option is there if you want to "take control" of your incoming information. The point is, if I didn't ask for it, don't assume I want it.

[gsekse]

Heh..

Another reason why I stick to Linux. It's not perfect, but nobody is trying to ram software into my system.

Course, the real problem is that your first reaction to "update" or "install" should be NO until you really want something from it. I have been saying NO to MS's software validator update since the first time it asked.

[nachurboy]

Huh?

This isn't a Linux or Windows or OSX thing. It's an application update. If Linux had any commercial consumer applications, you'd probably see the same "marketing" tactic used. By definition, an Update should only Update the product it was designed for. By Installing a new piece of software, it's not quite an update anymore, is it now?

[cohaver]

Install to PS Menu USB

Why install anything to a hard drive just use PS Menu USB install and path it to a USB plug in and plug out Task Manager don't care as long as it path and got a start menu Directory runs from s USB

[smokified]

wtf

*** does that have to do with this? Why not use SATA drives, they are faster than USB drives? Don't give dumb advice.

[webish--2008]

duhh!!

i agree!! when are users going to take responsibility for their own
actions? We are turning into babies, when it comes to the internet.

[johnqh]

Apple could have avoided all the complaints by have default to OFF

List it as "recommended software", and have the checkbox off so it is opt-in. They probably get as many downloads as the opt-out, without all the complaints.

[chamber25]

Agree

Yah, i think your idea about having the it on the default on off is good. It means people have to make a conscious to download the program.

I also like the thing you said about the Listing it as recommended software, to me if they can separate it a bit and differentiate it a bit form the updates then even better.

[Seaspray0]

agreed

nc

[technewsjunkie]

It's common practice, going on forever from all vendors

I'm shocked, SHOCKED!

You mean there is gambling going on in the Parlor!

Shocking!

[DADSGETNDOWN]

Kodak Easyshare 6.4

Kodak Easyshare 6.4 Installs Quicktime, with NO notice and no way to get to an advanced (choice menu) install.
Yes the Camera I installed it for ofcourse the movies use quicktime, but who's to say I need quick time ?
I use Quintessential with Quicktime Alternative.
and portable apps, VLC and such. And do great with out QUICKTIME.
AND MY GOD, before and after you install Easyshare
check you ADD/REMOVE LIST Kodak alone installs
like 15 to 20 things.

[johnqh]

QuickTime Alternative itself copy most of QT

And it includes a un-authorized copy of Cyberlink QuickTime DirectShow filter.

Did you know that?

[shoonya]

Apples self serving update channel !!!

Apple using the update mechanism to serves its own purpose. That's blatant wrong!!!

[mescovitz]

saferi

Why should this surprise anyone. Apple has been doing this for years. When you download Quicktime you automatically get itunes unless you uncheck the box. Personally I dislike itunes and ipods.I use a zen with which you can replace the battery yourself and use any audio player you like.

[WJeansonne]

I hate the Java-Google tie-in

Everytime I get a notice to update Java I have make certain to uncheck that annoying Google toolbar tie in. SUN, NOW HERE THIS! If you don't uncheck the box by default, I won't bother with your updates again and let users of the system tend with Java errors. Get it?

[Penguinisto]

ROTFL! Enjoy the unemployment line...

Go on - I dare you to not have Java installed when the users require it... it'll be drop-funny to see just how long your career would last.

/P

[t8]

OK OK

This is Sun here.

Sorry.

If it happens again, then sorry again.

[zenafu]

Greatest Injustice in the History of the World!

Not really. Install it or don't. Find something worthwhile to get
outraged about.

[The_Decider]

The problem is

That the MS shills who post here regularly(Vegehead, Suyts, Futureboy, Jean, etc) have little in the way of positive things to say about MS crap so they go out and attack others.

Otherwise they would all be back flipping burgers at McDonalds.

So cut them some slack so they can spend the last remaining years of MS's existence above the poverty line.

[ambigous]

I agree.

I agree. All anyone had to do was clear the check-box, hit "cancel" and viola! - no install, no Safari.

I chose to download it, and can't grasp what all the fuss is about. It's essentially a late release of Firefox running with a cleaner, smoother font set that's all framed within the pretty sills of the infamous Mac-style interface.

[speshul]

My 2 cents worth

First off. Itunes is a HORRIBLE memory hog and anyone who uses it must already understand this. Don't use Itunes! There are other alternatives that don't require major updates and you can transfer your files to your ipod in a faster and simpler manner

Such as Anapod
http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/

Love it when I actually had an ipod until I switched to a Zune

But that's besides the point of discussion. Just thought I would help those who didn't know so they wouldn't even have problems such as this

But here is what I have to say. Apple has been trying to "Dog On" Microsoft so bad lately with it's commercials, advertisements, and now this

In my opinion it's tacky. But that's just me I suppose. People call it business, but that's like someone from Subway going to another sub shop, buying a sub, then on the way out placing a big advertisement on the front door of Subway for all who enter to see.

I say food cause it's something everyone can relate to lol

Now that's I've said that. People need to start watching what the heck they download and agree to. It's 2008. Things are getting more tricky with computers! You must have common sense on the internet any more. No longer is there room for idiots on the net. It's a cruel and unforgiving place for your computer in the hands of morons.

Bottom line, yes it is tacky and annoying. But that's how it is. So before you go all click happy with your adware/spyware infected computer... take a second look at what you are clicking and you may just realize you don't want that on your computer! hahaha

[The_Decider]

Too bad Amarok doesn't run on Windows

I have been seriously considering looking into how viable a port project would be.

Grad school is taking too much time though.

[DrNicket]

Aye!

I agree. I'd rather not HAVE to scrutinize and see if something I don't want needs to be unchecked.

One thing I have done for years now is chose custom install with EVERYTHING and spend the time going through and seeing what is offered and what I want and don't want.

Especially when you're in a hurry to install something, tell yourself to slow down and take the time to do it right, that way you can't regret it later.

[gshamis]

apple forces Quicktime on us

I've been annoyed by Quicktime from the beginning. iTunes doesn't work w/o it. It installs automatically and runs on startup. It's a hassle to disable "on startup" running, and it reenables itself aft every update

I haven't seen Safari update yet, but I'll watch for it, I have no intent to use it

[Penguinisto]

If you have an iPod w/ video...

...you're going to need the codec (Quicktime) to view it with, and convert video to before syncing it with your iPod.

Besides, where are your complaints concerning Windows Media Formats, which are ALL installed by default, and judging by Vista's resource-sucking behavior...

/P

[Dr Bidoof]

Apple does not force quicktime

I wouldn't be suprised if iTunes worked much like Amarok. And that iTunes only browses files, and uses quicktime, and its engine to play your songs. So in that case, you'd need Quicktime. With WMP, you don't need it because the engine is built in, or embedded into Windows.

[johnqh]

QuickTime does not run on startup

It is a library to encode and decode videos. QuickTime Player is the application which uses the library to play video.

QT does not automatically start up. This is the same as Windows Media. It is just a codec library.

iTunes install a couple of items as service, which start up automatically. They are used to detect iPod connections.

[rccoffee]

SAFARI 3.1

I have a Win XP and a Mac running Leopard and until two days
ago, I had Safari 3.0 which worked perfectly with Google Mail
version 1 (Older). Then, Apple had an lot of updates last
Wednesday and yesterday and now I have Safari 3.1 which will
not work with Google Mail version 1 (Older) but does with
Google Mail version 2 (Newer) except that I have to now
manually key in the entire e-mail address for each e-mail that I
send and not make a mistake.

It looks as though Apple is getting more and more like MS. "Go
for the Gold."

[mrketchfish]

ITunes users have a tough choice to make

If you, (like me) already have a substantial investment in ITunes content, you can either deal with Apple's game, take it as a loss or burn it all to CD then rip it back onto your hard drive as mp3's so it's portable to other applications and get rid of ITunes/Quicktime altogether. I for one, only have ITunes on my computer for the convenience and this makes it decidedly inconvenient.

MS and Apple are both pushing people toward Linux and open-source software. What are they teaching in business schools nowadays? This is a classic case of making short-term profits at the expense of long-term survivability.

[sanenazok]

Hi I'm a Mac

and I don't come with annnnyyyy bloatware since Apple software is just so darn perfect. Also, people want Safari, they just don't know it yet. Next, in order to use iTunes you'll have to show yourself wearing a turtleneck.

[Penguinisto]

Point of Order

[i]"and I don't come with annnnyyyy bloatware"[/i]

Actually, it doesn't.

The only bit of something that one could possibly call crapware that I'd seen with mine was a login link to .Mac, which sits unobtrusive and inactive (still) in System Preferences.

Meanwhile, Dell, HP, Sony... you get to uninstall a shedload of crap that starts automatically and eats RAM - whether you like it or not.

My fave in this department is Linux, which does no such thing at all, because you get to pick (and can do so exactly) what goes on it during Install.

/P