Crapware

Crapware is software pre-installed with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) computers or smartphones with little or no value because it's a trial version or expires after a few days. Computer manufacturers often include this software in exchange for special deals with the publishers, helping reduce the overall cost of the computer for the consumer.

Why is bloatware bad?

Any software installed on your computer, including bloatware, takes up additional space, preventing you from having available space for programs you want installed. In addition, if that bloatware loads each time you boot the computer, even when unnecessary, it takes up system resources. Finally, bloatware can cause problems with other programs and hardware, making your computer less reliable and potentially adding frustration while working on the computer.

If bloatware is so bad, why is it installed?

By automatically installing bloatware, a company can promote its products and services to all its customers. In addition, other companies give your computer manufacturer subsidies for each computer installed with their software. Companies can reduce the overall price of a computer because they're subsidizing their costs by installing bloatware.

Is all bloatware bad?

No. Many users, especially new users, may not consider bloatware bad because they find it useful. However, not giving the user the option of what to install and run automatically is why these programs are considered bloatware. For users with no intention of using the software, it is left up to them to disable or uninstall the program. Also, for users who experience problems because of the bloatware, it can be difficult to locate the cause of the problem.

What is an example of bloatware?

Examples of bloatware include the following examples.

• Ask Toolbar - A toolbar for the Ask.com search service that installs itself in your browser when installing another program.
• Internet software - An ISP (Internet service provider) software (e.g., AOL (America Online), Earthlink, MSN (Microsoft Network), etc.) installed to promote an Internet service.
• McAfee or Symantec antivirus software - Antivirus software installed for a trial period with the hopes that the user continues using it for a yearly fee.

How to remove bloatware?

Most bloatware can be removed by uninstalling the software. Software not listed as an option to be uninstalled must be disabled or manually uninstalled.

Sometimes, like on certain Android smartphone models, bloatware cannot be uninstalled. If your service provider (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc.) provides apps like voicemail and other related services, you may not be allowed to uninstall them.

How to get a computer or smartphone without bloatware

Below are examples of devices designed to eliminate bloatware.

• Apple computer - Apple computers like the iMac and MacBook laptops all lack bloatware from other companies.
• Google Pixel - Google has made the Android operating system available for all smartphone manufacturers. Unfortunately, many of them include custom software and other bloatware, which is why Google has released a smartphone called the Pixel, which contains a stock version of Android.
• Custom-built PC - Building a PC can eliminate any bloatware because it's you deciding what software to install on the computer. If you have another person or company build the computer for you, realize that they may install extra software that could be considered bloatware.
• Microsoft Surface - Those tired of Microsoft Windows computers with bloatware can purchase the Microsoft Surface, a laptop introduced by Microsoft to demonstrate the new genre called the Signature Edition PC (mentioned below).
• Signature Edition PC - With the popularity of the Microsoft Surface, Microsoft introduced a new classification of computers called the Microsoft Signature Edition PC, which is any PC that doesn't include bloatware.

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