Dell lets users avoid 'bloatware'

seaeagle

Dell lets users avoid 'bloatware' | InfoWorld

Quote:

Dell is allowing its customers to decline the unwanted software applications loaded on new PCs, after hundreds of users complained about such "bloatware" on a company blog.

Many software companies pay PC vendors to install their applications on new computers, hoping to gain new customers or persuade users to upgrade to a new version. But customers say it can take a savvy user hours to remove unwanted programs, and those who are less sophisticated may never be able to reclaim the wasted memory.

On Monday, Dell agreed to give buyers of certain models the option to avoid what the company calls "preinstalled software." Buyers of Dimension desktops, Inspiron notebooks, and XPS PCs can now click a field in Dell's online order form that will block the installation of software for productivity, ISPs, and photo and music.

"Since we launched IdeaStorm, there has never been a shortage of conversation about 'bloatware' here! Well we've recently taken action on your feedback on this topic, and we're working toward giving customers more choice in the amount and type of software that is preinstalled on their systems at the time of purchase," Dell said on the blog.

The company has also loaded an extra "uninstall utility" program on Dimension and Inspiron computers sold in the United States, making it easier for new computer users to remove software they don't want. (continues)

This might put a lot of techies out of work. After all, removing bloatware from Dell PCs is one of their major income sources.

User: inactive Posts:

Well, for the tech that charges by the hour, bloatware is a huge source of income.

But I charge by the job, not by the hour, so I take a bath on every Dell I have to set up. Not much better for the other brands.

I spent three hours setting up a new Gateway just last week. Most of the time was spent uninstalling all the Wild-Tangent (spyware) software, games, etc.

I have a few tweaks to make Vista more user friendly and run better, but so far not as many as with XP.

Getting a new system WITHOUT bloatware sure would be a blessing.

El Sombra Cool

BudDurland · Joined: Dec 05, 2002 Posts: 426

The last fre HPs we bought at work came with a recovery CD. Boot it and it gives the option to re-install "bare" windows & drivers, no additional applications.

User: inactive Posts:

That would be a real blessing!

Cool

clhenry

User: inactive Posts:

For those of us 'Stuck' trying to set up the new PC's loaded with Crapola, there is a help.....it's called the "Decrapifier". Google for its download site.

It takes out most of the preloaded programs that we constantly have to get rid of.,,, like Norton and MS Office trial.

However it does not take out WildTangent and all the games that come with it.

There are several Anti-Spyware program that WILL remove the registry entries, once you get rid of the programs themselves.

The battle rages!

Shadow Cool

silmaril8n · Joined: Jan 29, 2004 Posts: 1743 Location: Phoenix, AZ

I never would have believed it until I saw it for myself: http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/

Are you sure you aren't the developer for this Shadow?

User: inactive Posts:

I wish!!!!!

I do use many batch files to assist me in cleaning up and setting up a new PC.
And now, I also use the Decrapifier.

All my registry tweaks are in one Setup.reg file and I have other .reg files and VBscripts to aid me in the setup.

The Decrapifier really works though.....it gives you a list of what it's found and you can select what you want it to DE-Install for you. It doesn't just rip things out without your permission.

I really need to write them and see if they will add "Wild Tangent Games" to their list of Crapola.

Right now, I'm setting up about one new PC per week. The time I save by using batch files and scripts and of course the Decrapifier, gives me more time to enjoy a cold one at my favorite watering hole. Wink

Y'all have a great day now, Y'hear?

Shadow Cool