Dell bloatware now optional

Posted on Saturday, June 23 2007 @ 5:00 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Dell announced bloatware is now optional on its systems:
Thanks to the folks in the IdeaStorm community who have weighed in over the last few weeks and months on the issue of pre-installed software – since we launched IdeaStorm, there has never been a shortage of conversation about "bloatware" here! Well we've recently taken action on your feedback on this topic, and we’re working toward giving customers more choice in the amount and type of software that is preinstalled on their systems at the time of purchase. Here’s a brief overview of what we’ve done so far. You should read today’s Direct2Dell blog post for all the details, including more info about why we have pre-installed software in the first place, why we treat anti-virus applications a little differently, and what customers can do to have more choice and control.

We've expanded our pre-installed software opt-out offering on XPS products and our Dimension desktops and Inspiron notebooks. This means you have the option of choosing "no software pre-installed" for things like productivity software, ISP software and photo and music software. In fact, on most XPS systems, the no software options are the default choice.

We’ve launched a software uninstall utility on Dimension and Inspiron systems in the U.S, so customers can have more control of the software on their system. Watch the vlog on Direct2Dell to learn how the software uninstall utility works.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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Re: Dell bloatware now optional
by Anonymous on Sunday, June 24 2007 @ 15:29 CEST
I just de-crapified a brand new Dell notebook yesterday, an AMD model with 15.4" screen, and was fully prepared to have to spend a couple of hours cleaning it up, as usual.
I had advised the customer to order it without trialware, but he said the Dell rep had no way to offer that 'feature', and he 'got what he got'.

However, when I received it for cleaning, about the only thing I found was the standard Norton 90 day junkware, and it only took about an hour to fully prepare the machine for the real world.

Maybe Dell got the 'hint', maybe not, but this one wasn't so bad.

I'll know more this afternoon when I receive another new Dell system to cleanup.