An Open Letter To PC Makers: Ditch Bloatware, Now! 609
MojoKid writes "This is the final straw, the last stand. This is the year that companies have to wise up and realize that they're destroying the experience of the very machines they are marketing so vigorously against their competitors. We're talking about bloatware, and it's an issue that we simply cannot remain silent on any longer. The term 'bloatware' generally refers to any additional software installed on a machine that is not a native part of the operating system. 'Bloatware' is usually provided by third-party software companies, and can range from security suites to unwanted Web browser toolbars. It's most problematic, as these programs generally attempt to boot up first thing, right as the OS is booting up, before the end-user ever has a chance to launch the program on their own accord. It's time for manufacturers to take note: consumers do not want bloatware. It's a royal pain from top to bottom, and moreover, it ruins your brand. When people think of HP and Dell, they immediately think of just how infuriating it is that their last 'new' PC took over one minute to boot up and become usable. To these companies: why are you saddling your machines with software that makes it less enjoyable to use? The solution seems pretty simple. If you still wish to include loads upon loads of third-party software, stick it all on a thumb drive and include it with every new machine. Problem solved."
Re:Easy to do... at a price. Won't happen. (Score:4, Interesting)
Some of the cheapest machines come without any OS at all. It's also pretty easy to beat name brand OEMs with quasi-DIY sellers on the web.
So the idea that all machines need to be subsidized through shovelware and bloatware is a little absurd.
The OS itself plays a large part in this.
Some stuff is just bloated by itself even if you install it off of OEM disks without adding any other nonsense.
Microsoft will do this for you (Score:4, Interesting)
Just shop at a Microsoft store (online or at retail). The PCs they sell are part of their "Signature" program whereby they remove all crap/bloatware and optimize the Windows install to run its best on that hardware.
Of course it's a bit more expensive, but it looks like it's worth it for the performance improvements and lack of hassle that you get.
No, i don't work for MS. I just think it's a good option.
http://signature.microsoft.com/ [microsoft.com]
Re:Money (Score:5, Interesting)
Yeah, he can just do what I've.. sorry, what we've all been doing since the 90s:
Do a fresh install.
Spend the $100 and get the Windows DVD if it bothers you that much and you have to have Windows, or install Ubuntu / Kubuntu. Your family is probably only using it for Facebook and email anyway, so you can add a dash of security by using an OS where you don't have to be admin all the time.
The licence key that came with your PC is still valid, so if you've got a friend with a Win7 DVD, copy it and use the key. Edit / remove ei.cfg to choose the correct version for your CD key and you're golden.
Shovelware (which is, I believe, the correct term for the bundled crapola; bloatware refers to programs that take up more room and memory as time goes by) will never go away because:
1. You paid HP $200 for the computer.
2. MacAfee paid HP $1.5 million* to install the 30-day trial.
Thus, fuck you.
*This number was totally pulled out of my ass but I would guess that it is n x $200 where n is any large number.
Also, I have to ask why you're buying a branded machine anyway when you can get more power and a longer lasting machine for less money. I guess you have to with a laptop form factor, but that's really the only reason to not just pick up the parts and put the damned thing together yourself. And I'm saying this as a Canadian where I can't use the super-cheap deals you can get in the States.
Re:One can only hope... (Score:5, Interesting)
The vendor, at least, gets paid, and all their competitors are doing the same thing; but Microsoft doesn't see the cash, and the bloatware makes them look pathetic next to OSX, even in areas where they don't deserve it.
Slave for months getting Windows N+1 to boot really fast? Hahah, suckers, HP just signed a deal with 3 AV companies at once... Kiss your positive consumer perception goodbye.
Re:Money (Score:2, Interesting)
>>>you shouldn't have to do that with an OS that you're paying for.
That's the thing - you're NOT paying for the Windows OS because the other bloatware from AOL, MSN, and so on is covering the cost. If you *were* paying for the OS, then instead of a $500 PC you'd be getting an $800 PC..... and at that point you might as well get a Mac. ;-)
Personally I like the bloatware since it does subsidize my PC (my last one cost only $200), and it's easy to uninstall using the add/remove programs icon. Not a big deal. The ~$300 or whatever that I saved equals ~30 hours of less time I need to spend at hell..... I mean, work.
Loading up Linux was the answer (Score:4, Interesting)
This in turn will make Windows server software seem less appealing to those same programmers and their supervisors and the investors in the company. That could mean one less hideously expensive sale for Microsoft.
Before I blew away the partitions on the drive, I made the install DVDs in the event that I would ever need them again for someone who really wants to use Windows if I ever give the machine away or sell it. But in my hands, this machine isn't going to run Windows. See? I believe in freedom of choice.
I'm being a bit idealist here, I know. But I can dream a little, can't I?