Dell lets users refuse pre-installed 'Bloatware'

In an effort to squeeze out some extra profits, PC manufacturers opt to bundle a bunch of applications on their new PCs, in turn they receive money from software companies hoping to gain new customers or persuade users to upgrade to a new version. However, after hundreds of users complained about pre-installed "bloatware" on new Dell machines over at the company’s IdeaStorm weblog, Dell Inc. is finally providing a way to decline the unwanted software applications at the time of purchase.

Buyers of Dimension desktops, Inspiron notebooks and XPS PCs can now select a "no software preinstalled" option that will block the installation of productivity software, ISP software, and photo and music software. In addition, an extra "un-install utility" will be included on Dimension and Inspiron models to aid new computer users to remove any remaining software they don't want.

Nonetheless, Dell did not go all the way meeting with customers’ pleas. Trial versions of antivirus software, Adobe Reader and Google Toolbar will still come packaged on new machines, according to Michelle Pearcy, Dell's worldwide client software manager. At least it will take savvy users less time to reclaim the wasted memory.