Windows 8 crapware

Just in case you had any doubt, new PCs loaded with Windows 8 also come pre-bloated with crapware. For those unfamiliar with the term, crapware refers to the software pre-installed on OEM systems that typically adds nothing useful, but uses up system resources and causes slowness and instability.

OEM system builders like Dell, HP, Acer and so on install the software because they make money from it: third-party software companies pay the OEM builders to install trial versions of their software. Other types of crapware originate with the OEM builder: software that delivers advertising, offers to sell more products, reminds the customer to register their software, tracks usage, and a host of other shady purposes, often presented as helpful.

Some builders offer an option to buy systems without the crapware, but that will cost you extra. A better solution is to use the free software PCDecrapifier.

ITWorld has some details on new Windows 8 crapware they’ve encountered.

Interface expert declares Windows 8 UI “terrible” for PCs

Renowned interface expert Jakob Nielsen has taken a closer look at the new Windows 8 user interface, and his conclusions are not positive. While the new UI works reasonably well for tablets, it’s problematic for desktop PCs.

One of Nielsen’s most entertaining findings is that the new UI no longer supports multiple windows, leading him to suggest that the O/S be renamed “Microsoft Window”.

Computerworld has a useful summary of Nielsen’s findings.

Firefox 17 released

The latest version of Firefox includes some security improvements designed to help prevent malware infection via out of date versions of Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight. Specifically, when Firefox tries to display content using those older plugins, it will prompt the user for confirmation.

Version 17 also includes the usual assortment of security, performance and other bug fixes.

Rants and musings on topics of interest. Sometimes about Windows, Linux, security and cool software.