Dell surrenders on bloatware stance

Dell has relented on the issue of "bloatware" - the often unwanted programs that come pre-installed on a new computer.

Ever since the computer manufacturer set up the IdeaStorm forum for customers to raise issues they wanted addressed, one of the most popular topics on the site has been that of bloatware. Dell is known for selling its PCs and notebooks with a varied assortment of programs pre-installed, ranging from security software to ISP and entertainment applications.

Now the company has announced that most of the pre-installed software on its computers will become optional at the point of configuration.

Michelle Pearcy, Dell's worldwide client software manager, wrote in a blog: "When you configure a system on Dell.com, you have the option of choosing "No software pre-installed" for things like productivity software, ISP software and photo and music software."

Pearcy added that "no software" would become the default option on most XPS systems, and an option on Dimension desktops and Inspiron notebooks.

However, three types of software will remain mandatory. These include trial versions of antivirus packages, "because many of our customers simply expect their PCs to be protected at first boot and beyond", according to Pearcy.

Other mandatory software will include Acrobat Reader so users can view essential system documentation, and Google tools.

David Meyer writes for ZDNet UK