Annoying software: a rogues' gallery

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spot on Anonymous -- 21/05/08

Do they realize it.
Do they realize that I no longer EVER use Outlook, Real Player, Reader, Itunes, Quicktime (not that it ever works properly anyhow), that I've "tamed the web" so that I can unclick Yahoo Toolbar install with my eyes shut, that no Symantec or Norton software ever gets near my machine, that most software updates are set to manual and the firewall stops any of the big ones "phoning home" without telling me.
Or that I've realised that my free browser, email, virus checker, firewall, image program, media player etc etc actually WORK BETTER than the paid for stuff.
Mabe they don't care, coz most computer users are idiots - well they like me will end up learning soon enough.

Good article, well put!

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C'mon! Nathan -- 21/05/08

You know you want to include Vistas' UAC!

"You are writing a comment to ZDnet...cancel or allow?"

Fastest operating system rollback ever completed.

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My software installer... Anonymous -- 21/05/08

...is known as Synaptic (or apt-get, depending on how I am feeling). I have never looked back from ditching Windows and stupid third-party software.

(PS: for those who may not know, Synaptic is a Linux software installer. I use Ubuntu)

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Agreed Nathan -- 22/05/08 (in reply to #320102252)

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Outlook 2007 Is Fantastic Anonymous -- 22/05/08

Outlook 2007 beats any web mail hands down, and its search is brilliant. The new Outlook Web Access (Exchange 2007) has the best web mail interface and functionality going around.

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Outlook 2007 Grover Jones -- 22/07/08 (in reply to #320102274)

I absolutely agree. I LOVE Outlook 2007.
I've even converted from using Google mail for everything to using O2007 at home, as well as in the office.
It's quick, stylish, easy to use, and just plain works.
Before you jump on me, I'm a Unix team leader, who's previously been an open source developer and a former MS hater.

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Typical contempt for users xBeanie -- 24/05/08

Good to see I am not the only one who hates these pushy applications.

Apple's hypocrisy has to take the crown though - jump up and down about Microsoft bundling Media Player with Windows and then try to regularly trick people into installing iTunes when it was never asked for, just because they were forced to install Quicktime to run a game that they paid for (and I dont remember reading on the box that it would bug you to upgrade to Quicktime Pro for evermore!).

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You are so right about Norton Anonymous -- 30/05/08

My husband does home and small business computer support and a huge proportion of his customers' problems are caused by this insidious software. It's a bugger to get rid of as well.

I would like to add that web-based contacts database Plaxo to this list of criminal software.

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lol, oh so true Sheldon White -- 31/05/08

I have to echo some of the comments above. I now actively choose to reject software that behaves as these do. I run cheaper, less obtrusive options now. Flash websites, i just navigate away from.

I'm particularly hacked off by having to remove pre-bundled software from systems. HP goes to all the trouble of providing Media Ring Talk and ensure that it comes without an unistall routine. sigh!

Never again :)

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This is the first time.... Anonymous -- 06/06/08

This is the first time i have felt so in agreement with an article I have read on the web that i just had to respond.
I spend hours each week helping clients operate, or install their CAD software.... I am so tired of having to get them to uninstall Nortons, avoid Vista (after being forced to buy it with their PC) and install a decent small footprint PDF writer just to get them started.
I also don't like the fact that users tend to blame application software for not being compatible with these products that are so often pre-installed.

Well done on the article. I have been affected by every one of the programs you spoke of and i felt exactly the same way as you described.

I'll be directing clients to your article too.

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Rupert you are the MAN Anonymous -- 08/07/08

Every one of these is spot on.

I hate Flash to the core of my being. I do not install RealPlayer anymore.

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no flash with firefox david -- 16/07/08

I use script killer and flashblock best software ever.

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Good article Numble McHumble -- 24/07/08

I hate Apple. iTunes runs like a 1-legged dog. Quicktime is anything but quick and it wastes my time. Safari would be bad if I willingly downloaded it, but seeing as it installs without asking and opens up numerous security flaws, I'm happy to call it a virus.
Also, Norton, I have been recommending people at both companies that I work not use your software.
Adobe... God I hate you. How can an application that does so little waste so much? If I were religious, I would pray to my deity for your slow and painful demise.
Real Player... Sweet Jiminy Cricket. I am actually convinced that you are the devil, so I guess in a way, I hate you so much that I HAVE turned to religion, if only to explain how so much evil could be concentrated in to such a small thing as a piece of software.
And the rest... Die. And I'm not speaking German.

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