Is This The End For Crapware? - Comments Page 1

This program seems to target everything not originally installed on my laptop. It listed my SysInternals download; numerous JPG and MP3 files. I will be uninstalling/deleting this pest of a program. I usually agree with your recommendations, but this one is far too broad.

EDITOR'S NOTE: It doesn't really "target" anything. It does LIST all installed software, and gives you an indication of whether or not you might want to remove each one.

Hope springs eternal. Yesterday I finally uninstalled Microsoft Office 2010 that came on my computer because I could not sit down for 20-30 minutes without some annoying dialogue box popping up asking me if I wanted to get the updats. I don't even use this program. I have a great free one, I don't think that it made Bob's list, but I have been using it for years without any problems.

I wonder how much the computer manufacturers make off the crapware. They sell a lot of computers and a few dollars per machine would add quite a bit to their bottom lines for no labor or parts expense. Too bad it's not a line number on their yearly reports.

I really liked the article as I have had to help many a user or friend clean up their new computer. Hopefully this will be the start of some changes.

I tried to download the ShouldIRemoveIt software and it was interesting that our firewall classified it as harmful. Oh well, guess I will go back to the manual method.

Oh Bob... great article as usual but please.... the use of "vow" and "pledge" has been way overdone recently in the media - especially as Lenovo did not use either term as far as I can see.
So.. if spelling, punctuation, grammar etc. are important so is the avoidance of tabloid words like "vow" and "pledge"!!!!!

I wonder how much the computer manufacturers make off the crapware. They sell a lot of computers and a few dollars per machine would add quite a bit to their bottom lines for no labor or parts expense. Too bad it's not a line number on their yearly reports.

The new Dell laptop I received as a gift a little over a year ago had very limited "crapware" installed unlike our old desktop, what a surprise. Think I only removed 2 or 3 items that were useless.

I found it hilarious several years ago when Sony was offering a crapware-free PC – for an extra $50!
Even if all the third-party software isn’t included with Levono’s PCs, that doesn’t mean they be clean. All PC makers include their own branded utilities and other "Value-added Software;" otherwise it’s very hard to distinguish one Windows PC from another. And horrors, they can’t have users buy generic PCs that do just as much as theirs for a lower price. Or worse, build their own!
There is a place to buy 'clean' PCs – Microsoft. The Microsoft "Signature Edition" PCs claim to have no extra junkware or trialware. But you’ll not find any inexpensive PCs in the store – the least expensive desktop is $800 and go way up from there.

hi bob...i was wondering if you ever looked at the hp all in one computer..is it a good idea or should i stay with a tower...wondering what your opinion is

No large company changes behavior like this until they get caught. Much like politicians...

ShouldIRemoveIt wants to install an unzipper program powered by ASK.COM. Anti crapware wants to install crapware? I don't think that's going to happen.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Didn't happen to me. Be careful not to click an ad on the download page. Here's the direct link: http://www.shouldiremoveit.com/download-thankyou.aspx?download=1

This customer abuse won't stop until we as consumers sue the manufacturers for damages done by this adware that leads to spyware. Computer Law anyone?
Peace, E

I have "should i remove it" and i am so glad. for each program there is graph showing how often people removed it and a good indication of whether it nets a positive or negative for your PC!
Thanks!

I could live with it if it was separate from the O.S. like a folder "Trial versions of other software you might like" on the desktop. A "readme" file could give further details, but the whole folder and contents could be deleted with no ill effects on the PC.

I suppose, at this point we can only hope that the
trend against crapware removal continues.To say the least, it's long overdue.

Not only is crapware installed but hidden partition(s) on the hard drive contain restore images so you can restore your computer back to the crapware state it was when you bought it.

If at all possible and you know someone computer savvy, I advise removing the recovery partitions and then doing a clean install from an original OS disk.

I use a local business, Soho Computers in Dillsburg, PA for all my computer purchases (note, not toner cartridges). Over the past 12 years I have gotten 2 laptops and 4 desktop computers from him and he builds the desktops in house. Laptops come from a local source without any software, he installs Windows and any other software I have already (such as a disc-based Office 2007, 2003 and now the online version). He also stands behind his computers and offers registry cleanups when the normal process won't get rid of the problem (such as conduit). My money stays in the community and I get no crapware.

I also don't have to buy a new monitor each time and presuming I already have the keyboards (in triplicate!!) and the thumbwheel mice he ordered for me a few years' back which I cannot find anywhere else, he charges just for what I need - - the appliance, utility software, and the service when needed. I don't have to buy an entire computer "package" (ie, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc) when all I need is a more powerful computer that will do what I need. I try to keep them going until the OS is obsolete/not updated by the publisher. And my cost is not any more than you'd pay buying a package from a big-box store such as BestBuy, Staples, even Amazon!

This is a WIN WIN WIN. Y'all should check your community and support your local computer store -- they're often more knowledgeable and care more about your issues than the GeekSquad or similar services from the big box stores.

Hopefully computer manufacturers/suppliers/builders/whatever will now realize that they, like Lenovo, are risking their reputations when they place crapware on machines they sell. They have no way to ensure such software is free of flaws, much less malicious features. A case might also be made that acceptance of money for crapware instalation could make those computer suppliers accessories to whatever results.

Once again timely and informative article. Always reading your articles I learn something.

Can anyone enlighten me about the country of origin of "Superfish"?

@Heather
I just can't let this pass.
Thank You.
Support your local shops.