Daily Cup of Tech

I went to install the new version of Java today and when I ran the installer, it wanted to install the Yahoo toolbar!  That is not the kind of behavior that I would expect out of someone like Sun.

But, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since we have seen that type of behavior from companies like Dell, HP, IBM, etc. when they install all of their crapware on the computers that they OEM to you.

Are there any companies out there who we can still trust?  Or should I just get over it and expect that there is an agenda behind every company, regardless of how altruistic they may seem?

Similar Posts:

• 20 Ways To Mark Safer Internet Day 2007
• Linux Preinstalled on Dell Systems
• Give Service, Keep Customers
• HowTo Give Computer Techs a Bad Name
• DIY Installer

If you found this post useful, why don't you buy me a cup of coffee to show your gratitude?

Trackback link - http://www.dailycupoftech.com/2009/03/18/to-sun-microsystems-quit-acting-scummy-sincerely-tim/trackback/

 

5 Responses to “To: Sun Microsystems. Quit Acting Scummy. Sincerely, Tim”

1. Mike Says:
   March 18th, 2009 at 12:09 pm

   It’s actually done that for me for about a year or more now I believe. It’s why I ALWAYS do a custom install on programs.

2. Jared Says:
   March 18th, 2009 at 12:12 pm

   That’s been happening with Java for quite a while now. The last update (6.12) has always prompted for MSN toolbar by default. Before it was Google toolbar. Then they defaulted with an OpenOffice installer.

   It’s not good practice to shovel other software into people’s computers. Yes you can uncheck not to, but too many people have been trained to ‘just click next.’ It’s deceptive because users just want to install one piece of software or will think they’re doing good by updating when the reality is something else is coming along with it.

3. Kevin Winters Says:
   March 18th, 2009 at 12:14 pm

   AMEN !

4. Johnny Says:
   March 18th, 2009 at 1:33 pm

   Penny one:
   Java installers have been trying to install extra “stuff” for a while now. In just the past few months: OpenOffice Installer, MSN toolbar, Yahoo toolbar.

   Penny two:
   Of course, my general opinion of Java (and Solaris, etc) is pretty low to begin with so maybe I’m cynical, but Sun has never been anything but scummy.

   -Johnny

5. Tim B Says:
   March 18th, 2009 at 3:19 pm

   Biggest PITA for me was installing shockwave and getting popups for Norton crap.
   Would be nice to have an option of getting a real OS disk when ordering a new PC not just a backup loaded up with crapware from the OEM.

Leave a Reply