Apple Changes Windows Software Update

[.: Mac :.]

Apple got under fire for Automatically installing Safari by default on Windows systems that had iTunes or QuickTIme installed. after that uproar they have now changed the way the Software update Tool on Windows Behaves see this Macworld Article

http://www.macworld.com/article/133070/2008/04/softwareupdate21.html

Thats how they should have done it from the beginning to avoid all the bad press they got

[bob3160]

As pointed out in that article,
They (Apple) still has new downloads checked off by default.
It's up to the consumer to catch this little fact if they only want to
update the programs they already have.

I guess half right is better than being totally wrong. 

[lee16]

Although the only apple product i use is itunes (i download it from the website so i can install it without quicktime), i must admit i see no problem with the way the apple update works at the moment as its not installed by default, only checked under new software.
All that has to be done to avoid "accidental" install is to read, i mean common i have heard of not reading the fine print, but some people don't even read the big print.....

--lee

[bob3160]

Lee,
If these boxes where left unchecked by default, then the decision to install
potentially unwanted software would be left up to the consumer.

This may not be the preferred option for Apple but it would be the prudent
option for the average consumer.

[lee16]

Bob,

I agree ofc, what you say is correct.
However like with most unwanted programs/malware (although I'm not calling apple software any of these), it could be avoided by reading it what your downloading.
I wasn't saying it was "right" of apple to check it by default, its just i disagree with the "i not know much about IT" excuse that alot of people use when they mess things up on their computer.

--lee

[DavidR]

Anything additional IMHO should be opt-in and not opt-out the new programs shouldn't have been checked for download in the first place.

[bob3160]

Anything additional IMHO should be opt-in and not opt-out the new programs shouldn't have been checked for download in the first place.

It isn't good when Microsoft does it.  It isn't any better if it's done by any one else. 

[DavidR]

Anything additional IMHO should be opt-in and not opt-out the new programs shouldn't have been checked for download in the first place.

It isn't good when Microsoft does it.  It isn't any better if it's done by any one else. 

Worse when they try to sneak them in the back door as a security update, which is why I now do manual updates now.

I get Shavlik Technologies email security update notification and or Secunia Software Inspector to notify me of which updates are required and download to save and update off-line.