You pay them cash to stop them from doing something to you... Doesn’t this sound a bit like extortion... protection rackets? Where’s Rico when you need him...
Buy or build a clean system. Go Linux. Problem solved.
From Wired Magazine, that we cannot link to:
Responding to a tidal wave of outrage, Sony has reversed a plan to charge $50 to remove all the pre-installed applications — often derided as "bloatware" or "craplets" — from its high-end TZ-series notebooks.Earlier today, PC World reported that Sony would charge $50 for a configuration option called "Fresh Start," which would not include the bloatware. When contacted by Gadget Lab, a spokesperson for Sony said that the company will now remove that charge.
Cut and paste the following URL into the address bar of your browser so you can read the rest of the article without impermissably linking from FR... http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/03/sony-pay-an-ext.html
If you pay them $50, will Sony NOT install their usual rootkit on the machine?
They should include a card with instructions:
Run - Format C
Reinstall Windows.
Saved 50 bucks.
We just recently bought two new Dells (with XP) thru Dell Outlet ... a Desktop, and a business class laptop. I was pleasantly surprised to find that both machines had absolutely NO CRAPWARE on them. ZIP, ZERO, NADA.
This is the first time I have ever bought new machines that did not have crapware. Usually, I just reformat as soon as I get a new machine, but it was unnecessary this time.
Situations like this are why I just build my own boxes. I get the hardware I want, the OS that I want, and well, the overall computer that I want. I’ve also found that every time I build a machine myself I get a faster computer at a far lesser price, using all components of my choosing.
I can’t imagine why someone would go out and buy a “Sony” computer, or any other manufacturer. Just build your own.
System Owned Not Yours ping. :-)
Best, ShorelineMike.