Windows Update setup (Apple Software Update versus Microsoft Update)

TalkBack 55 of 62:

Next »

« Previous

• Thread View
• Flat View

RE: Windows Update setup (Apple Software Update versus Microsoft Update)

Aside from all the (OSX, Vista, XP, Linux - Insert OS Name Here) zealotry, the overarching question is should a vendor (again, insert name here) 'force' updates and/or additional applications to a customer, or allow the customer to select 'at will' what they want to install?

In this particular case (Apple vs. Windows Update) the issue is Apple's update service by default allowing the download and installation of additional services. In my own opinion, this is something I abhor (regardless of who the vendor is). If they want to offer me additional software thats fine, but allow it as an option. Having the installation proceed as a default is just not acceptable and offering it in this manner is disingenuous.

There are other vendors that are just as bad or worse. Corel Draw does not allow me to launch the application(s) without cheching for updates first (and then providing no means to prevent this, nor deselecting updates I do not wish to have. How many time do I have to update Acrobat Reader, and then at the same time be offered Flash player or any other Adobe products?

Every application that I install seems to have Google Toolbar and Desktop as an install option. I don't need it or want it. But if I am not careful, I will end up installing it because most of the time installation is selected as the default (and at this point even if it was the best thing since sliced toast I would refuse to install it).

This 'trend' is happening in almost every service that a computer user runs across. Try using Bell South DSL without it installing a bunch of 'muck' on your system, or Comcast for that matter (the list goes on and on, all the way down to new peripherals that get installed).

Posted by: OutsideThe Box   Posted on: 03/26/08 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

Alert moderator to an offensive message

Subscribe to this discussion via Email or RSS

SponsoredWhite Papers, Webcasts, and Downloads

• The Impact of Virtualization Software on Operating Environments VMware Today's use of virtualization technology allows IT professionals to ... Download Now
• Three Steps You Need to Know to Stop Data Loss Varonis Sensitive data exposed to misuse or loss... it is the stuff of nightmares ... Download Now
• Virtualization: Architectural Considerations And Other Evaluation Criteria VMware Of the many approaches to x86 systems virtualization available in the ... Download Now