Bundling software applications together is a
practice much abused by purveyors of adware. The potential for sneaking
unwanted software into a bundle of desirable software is obvious. The
benefits of bundling software aren't so obvious. Isn't it time to
consider dumping the practice of bundling software altogether?
Bundled Software: When Is It Not Adware?
If a user wants a piece of software, why can't he or she be allowed
to install it separately? If the bundled software were essential to the
functioning of the original software (excluding generic functions such
as install, un-uninstall, and documentation), why wouldn't the developer
build its functions directly into the original software?
Sure, sometimes there's a software application that clearly
complements another application. But for users who do not want the
complementary software, having it just means a bloated install file and a
needlessly long installation process.
Does the chance that users will want the bundled software ever
outweigh the risk of the bundled software being installed without the
user noticing? In the case of adware, the technology community is
increasingly willing to put the burden of proof on the adware bundlers:
* Cnet's download.com website recently removed any and all software
that comes bundled with another piece of software that shows
advertising, regardless of how well informed the user is of the bundled
software.
* Affiliate networks such as Commission Junction and Kolimbo have
either cautioned advertisers against accepting adware distributors into
their affiliate programs or kicked them out altogether.
* Many technology law experts are saying that the click-wrap license
agreements that supposedly legitimate adware are not proof of informed
consent. Some experts even say that such agreements amount to
unconscionable contracts: the burden imposed by adware is so great and
the benefit offered so negligible.
Adware and Bundled Software: A Modest Proposal
If the spam arms race is any indication, we may soon face even more
aggressive attempts to get adware on our computers. There will be even
more tortured arguments that bundled adware is installed with users'
informed consent. Why not head off any of those arguments right now?
Let's push for an industry standard that reputable developers do not
bundle software (with a few highly specific exceptions such as
documentation, installation, and error reporting).
In the end, by getting rid of bundled software, what do we have to lose except adware?
About the author:
Read more of Joel Walsh's articles on spyware and adware: http://www.spyware-refuge.com
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