We are getting to that time of year again when people are thinking about buying a new PC for themselves or someone else. Have no fear; this column is not about "How to find the best $5,000 computer for $14.95." I stopped writing those articles several years ago since I stopped getting emails requesting them. I think everyone is fairly familiar with getting a new computer. But of course, if I get countless inquiries before Christmas I would be happy to write another one.
OK, onto today’s topic. So you get a new computer and guess what? Every single computer you purchase new from a computer company comes with bloatware, crapware, crudware or one of its many other names. If you have no idea what they are read on. Bloatware is basically all of the applications which come on your new computer and those installed over time that really do not do you much good.
For instance, if you are like me you have a favorite "free" antivirus program. When you get a new computer it will almost certainly come preinstalled with one of the big name apps. You go ahead and register for this program, since it is free. The problem is that it will not be free after the free "test" period is complete. Say in three to six months you have forgotten all about that application, but you get a warning telling you that it has expired and to be protected online you need to purchase it for the next year. I am not saying that it is a bad app but you may not need it and may also be uneasy about deleting the program.
There can be ten or even more of these types of applications installed on a new system. The computer manufacturers receive a fee for putting these on their new systems, so that is why they are there.
There are many ways to remove them. My favorite if you are techie enough is to wipe the computer clean (yes, format the drive) and reinstall a clean copy of the operating system. I DO NOT suggest that for everyone, just for geeks who already know this. Next, if you know which applications are unnecessary, in Windows 7 go to "Control Panel" and then "Programs & Features" and individually delete them. OK, for Windows XP, "Control Panel" then "Add or Remove Programs." Then in Windows 8, CP again and next "Uninstall or Change a Program." OK, there are just too many Windows OS and since "7" is the most popular I will stick with it from now on.
You may also get one of the many programs that will help you with this process. The one I like most is a free application called, "Should I Remove It?" (shouldiremoveit.com) This is a neat little utility you can easily install and use. Once you download the app it will install a shortcut on your desktop. Double click the shortcut and the program will start and run for a minute or so looking for applications.
It has a database built from user input like yours. Each program listed may or may not be crudware but you can scroll through the list and check. Click on the program’s name see the percentage of people who uninstall it, check into it or choose, "What is it?" or "Uninstall."
"Uninstall" is self-explanatory but the other button will open your browser with information they have gathered about the application and other users’ thoughts regarding the app. If after reviewing the information you decide you do not need it, click "Uninstall" and it will uninstall it using your windows uninstall program.
This is a very slick little application which actually uses user experiences to help you make a decision.
