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Bundled Software: When Is It Not Adware?
If a user desires a piece of computer software, why can not he or she be allowed to set up it separately? If the bundled softwa...
Bundling software program applications together is a practice a lot abused by purveyors of adware. The prospective for sneaking undesirable software into a bundle of desirable computer software is apparent. The positive aspects of bundling software program aren't so clear. Isn't it time to contemplate dumping the practice of bundling software altogether?
Bundled Software program: When Is It Not Adware?
If a user wants a piece of software, why cannot he or she be allowed to set up it separately? If the bundled computer software had been crucial to the functioning of the original software (excluding generic functions such as set up, un-uninstall, and documentation), why wouldn't the developer create its functions straight into the original software program?
Positive, at times there is a computer software application that clearly complements yet another application. But for customers who do not want the complementary software, getting it just implies a bloated set up file and a needlessly lengthy installation method.
Does the possibility that customers will want the bundled computer software ever outweigh the danger of the bundled software getting installed without having the user noticing? In the case of adware, the engineering community is increasingly willing to put the burden of proof on the adware bundlers:
- Cnet's download.com internet site not too long ago removed any and all software program that comes bundled with an additional piece of computer software that shows marketing, regardless of how well informed the user is of the bundled computer software.
- Affiliate networks such as Commission Junction and Kolimbo have either cautioned advertisers against accepting adware distributors into their affiliate programs or kicked them out altogether.
- Many technologies law specialists are saying that the click-wrap license agreements that supposedly reputable adware are not proof of informed consent. Some professionals even say that such agreements amount to unconscionable contracts: the burden imposed by adware is so great and the benefit supplied so negligible.
Adware and Bundled Software: A Modest Proposal
If the spam arms race is any indication, we may soon face even far more aggressive attempts to get adware on our computer systems. There will be even far more tortured arguments that bundled adware is installed with users' informed consent. Why not head off any of those arguments right now? Let's push for an sector common that reliable developers do not bundle software program (with a couple of highly distinct exceptions such as documentation, installation, and error reporting).
In the end, by getting rid of bundled software program, what do we have to drop except adware? database development perth