Microsoft Worried About Impact of Craplets on Windows Vista

Before a few day's ago, I'd never heard the term craplet. However, upon hearing it - I immediately knew what it referred to.

The "let" is short for applet and obviously refers to software. Crap is, well, crap is crap.

Sometimes it's demo software you didn't really want. Other times it's pre-installed ISP connectivity sofware. Although, sometimes that 90-day trial of a spam email stopper, anti-virus tool or spyware monitor may in reality prove useful.

You get tons of craplets with a new Dell. OEMs like Dell in fact get paid to distribute this software with their systems. That can't be a good sign. In fact, if you don't want all the freebies - it'll cost your $60 extra.

If I had a $1.95 for every time I got the "Welcome to The Quicken 90 Day Trial Special Edition" screen after booting up a new Dell, I wouldn't need any other source of income.

Craplets might have some elements in common with spyware, but usually they're not particularly malicious. They're often annoying, they may slow down your system, but typically stop short of full evilness.

Microsoft has expressed concern about craplets having a negative impact on users' impressions of Windows Vista. Microsoft has put a lot of work into Vista. I've played with Vista a fair bit - and I'll say it's not bad. If most users experience it the tons of crapware installed - they may think less of it.

My own solution to the problem is to not buy computers from companies like Dell or HP.

I now favor buying new computers from small, local vendors.

The local clone shop is usually too small an operation to benefit from back-stabbing its customers. Having been the "IT Guy" for various small companies, I've spent years pitching management on the virtues of standardized hardware bought from big companies. Now, I've reversed course in favor of not dealing with crap.

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