Using Even New PCs Is Ruined by a Tangle of Trial Programs, Ads

[aryayush]

Using Even New PCs Is Ruined by a Tangle of Trial Programs, Ads

April 5, 2007
by Walter S. Mossberg

When you buy a gleaming, new personal computer, the first thing you want to do is to try out its cool new features and make it your own. You want to savor how quickly it starts up and runs, and arrange the desktop icons to suit your tastes and habits.

But as I rediscovered recently, often what you’re forced to do instead is to spend hours as a digital maintenance man wading through annoying and confusing chores.

I have set up many computers over the years, so I wasn’t shocked that the out-of-box experience was less than ideal. Still, I was struck by just how irritating it was to get going with the new Sony Vaio SZ laptop I bought about 10 days ago. It was the first new Windows machine I’d bought in a few years, because I had been waiting for Microsoft’s new Windows Vista operating system. I was amazed that the initial experience is still a big hassle.

I’m not even referring to the most time-consuming setup processes — transferring all your files and settings, reinstalling your favorite programs and learning the new features. Vista has actually made moving files and settings easier, and it isn’t different enough from Windows XP to make for a steep learning curve.

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[adithyagenius]

yeah. My dad asked to me remove the annoying Norton Internet Security from his new HP laptop. Its comes preloaded with the Restore DVDs too. Everytime I install fresh vista , I get vista crapped by all these trialwares. Best is to buy the laptop without the OS and buy an OEM OS from the company which is actually the original vista discs with the company logo sticker on the cover which will cost around rs6500.

[Zeeshan Quireshi]

Originally Posted by adithyagenius

yeah. My dad asked to me remove the annoying Norton Internet Security from his new HP laptop. Its comes preloaded with the Restore DVDs too. Everytime I install fresh vista , I get vista crapped by all these trialwares. Best is to buy the laptop without the OS and buy an OEM OS from the company which is actually the original vista discs with the company logo sticker on the cover which will cost around rs6500.

Mate you cannot buy OEM OS Discs , they come preloaded with ur hardware . You can only buy Retail Copies of Vista or for that matter any Microsoft product .

[gxsaurav]

With Windows Vista, you can use the normal Windows Vista DVD according to your CPU & use your OEM CD Key to activate. Simple.

The DVD is available via google easily. The only thing which matters is the key which u have the original one. There is just one Vista DVD.

One thing that people do not realize that due to these so called craplets, the cost of Conputers comes down. It isn't that hard to uninstall or remove anything u want in windows, but if u can get a laptop for 5k less with these craplets installed, I won't say it is a bad deal.

Just get the laptop, note down the Vista Key, then format & install Vista your way & use the key to activate, simple.

[aryayush]

WOW! Mind bending logic at it's unrivaled best.

[gxsaurav]

Originally Posted by aryayush

WOW! Mind bending logic at it's unrivaled best.

Just the facts for those who are not ignorent.

[adithyagenius]

Originally Posted by Zeeshan Quireshi

Mate you cannot buy OEM OS Discs , they come preloaded with ur hardware . You can only buy Retail Copies of Vista or for that matter any Microsoft product .

No you can buy an OEM OS from a computer manufacturer if you have a branded PC from that manufacturer. Its cheaper than normal retail ones but once its activated on the branded PC it cant be transfered to any other PC. Also the support will be provided by the PC manufacturer and not microsoft.
It has hologram on it which reads "For distribution with a new PC only. For product support, contact manufacturer of your PC." I have one! You can't tell me it doesnt exist!

Originally Posted by gx_saurav

One thing that people do not realize that due to these so called craplets, the cost of Conputers comes down. It isn't that hard to uninstall or remove anything u want in windows, but if u can get a laptop for 5k less with these craplets installed, I won't say it is a bad deal.

Do you know how to undo the damage done symantec internet security? I am talking about no trace of it ever existing. Completely clean like a REAL fresh install of the OS.

Also some of the bundled software are good like Roxio Creator Basic. Very good interface and non-geek friendly. But I hate all those bloatware video players included.

[Zeeshan Quireshi]

Originally Posted by adithyagenius

No you can buy an OEM OS from a computer manufacturer if you have a branded PC from that manufacturer. Its cheaper than normal retail ones but once its activated on the branded PC it cant be transfered to any other PC. Also the support will be provided by the PC manufacturer and not microsoft.
It has hologram on it which reads "For distribution with a new PC only. For product support, contact manufacturer of your PC." I have one! You can't tell me it doesnt exist!

mate , the OEM copy is supposed to be Bundled along with the hardware you bought from the manufacturer , you cannot buy the hardware separatel n then the OEM OS from the manufacturer , it comes Preinstalled .

[adithyagenius]

Originally Posted by Zeeshan Quireshi

mate , the OEM copy is supposed to be Bundled along with the hardware you bought from the manufacturer , you cannot buy the hardware separatel n then the OEM OS from the manufacturer , it comes Preinstalled .

No it need not be. My branded PC comes with FREE DOS download URL. I had a choice to buy OEM XP CDs. I could choose from XP pro , XP home, ?XP Media centre, XP 64bit. I chose XP pro.

[gxsaurav]

Originally Posted by adithyagenius

Do you know how to undo the damage done symantec internet security? I am talking about no trace of it ever existing. Completely clean like a REAL fresh install of the OS.

Norton Removal Tool

Also some of the bundled software are good like Roxio Creator Basic. Very good interface and non-geek friendly. But I hate all those bloatware video players included.

Those subsidize the cost of that OEM computer, you get the computer for cheap.

No it need not be. My branded PC comes with FREE DOS download URL. I had a choice to buy OEM XP CDs. I could choose from XP pro , XP home, ?XP Media centre, XP 64bit. I chose XP pro.

An OEM CD doesn't comes bundled, you have to ask for it. The CD you get is actually recovery CD