It describes software you probably didn't install on purpose, that you don't want, and that you'll likely find unusable. The programs don't call themselves that it's a term used by anti-malware companies such as MalwareBytes. 'Potentially Unwanted' Crapĭad's then-new Acer PC also came with actual malware, in the guise of "potentially unwanted programs," or PUPs. These utilities point out some bloatware but might not automate removal-in which case you still have to go through the normal uninstall process, which might be filled with tricks and traps to keep your new PC full of bloatware. It has since been discontinued, but current options include Bulk Crap Uninstaller and Should I Remove It? (The excellently named PC Decrapifier was another favorite, but has also been discontinued.) Tricks and traps abounded.īack then, I turned to Slim Computer from Slimware Utilities, which kept a database of bloatware and helped identify it on a new Windows PC. We had to look carefully for the fine print on the dialog boxes that read "Delete Only" or similar. If we just wildly clicked where the button was, the uninstall might work-but something else was installed in its place. With many of the uninstall routines, the dialog boxes had giant buttons that would say "Uninstall and Get PC XXXXXX" or something similar. We tried to uninstall the obvious things, but they persisted. Opening up the Uninstall a Program control panel revealed even more. The desktop was awash with at least 15 icons for needless, worthless crap. Using TeamViewer remote-control software, I could see that the system was a mess, though all my father had done was install the software for his beloved (but dying) Kodak printer. To sell this PC for $399, however, Acer sold out my parents and wasted hours of my family's lives. Hardware-wise, that Acer Aspire X (Model AXC-605G-UW20) he purchased at Walmart was sufficient. "Just go find an off-the-shelf PC for under $400 it'll be fine," I said. I couldn't really recommend spending a lot of money to get it fixed. For example, a few years ago, my 75-year-old technophobic father got a new PC to replace his dying Windows Vista system, which he mainly used to print pictures. But in retail, it's a whole other world of garbage. I've had few major problems with bloatware when buying PCs directly from a vendor.
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