Crappy Programs & Applications

Last edited by A_Pickle on Thu May 25, 2006 9:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

Introduction:

Just about every computer-oriented forum has some sort of \"Freeware Programs & Applications\" thread equivalent, each one offering one or two new little applications that we haven't heard of. These threads have the profound effect of helping out random passerby, be they geek veterans or simpleton computer users (we know them as n00bz :D). However, having a \"Helpful Programs\" thread is only half of the work.

It's time to help these poor people, geek veterans and n00bz alike, to rid their computer of bad software. Below is a list of crappy software which I have begun, and others shall add to. It isn't a software bashery list -- the titles below are all part of the list because of factual evidence, i.e, \"I HAYT WINDOZE\" isn't a legitimate \"reason,\" (in fact, if you say that, you should be banned, but we'll leave that up to the mods).

I implore all of you who read this list to take this and spread it to every forum you know of. Try to get it stickied. Make people aware. The software industry has long since been wielding the reigns of total, unrestricted freedom -- and with it, many companies have made exemplary software. But along with the good, many companies have come out with software which can ruin hundreds, thousands, and even millions of people's computing experience. Save the PC platform -- stick it to companies that have knowingly marketed terrible software.

Ground Rules:

As was mentioned before, childish and juvenile comments about a particular piece of software will not be accepted as grounds to enter that program into the list. Submittals should endure the following questions:

Does it install only itself, or does it install more?
Does it make the user plainly aware of its actions?
Does it allow user intervention (i.e, change path, feature selaction, etc.) during installation?
How stable is it?
How efficient (system-resource conservative) is it?
How comfortable (annoying, offensive notifications, starts up with Windows, etc.) is it?
Why would the Average Joe not be benefited by this software?
Is it spyware?
Who makes it (stick it to the man)?

Most importantly, we need intelligent, coherent insight:

Why is this crapware?

This is an independent, third-party product scrutinizing the products of other groups (companies). This document is a fluid and open one, intended to withstand scrutiny by those who read it. Thusly, we must provide a link to the software titles listed below as \"crapware.\"

Software titles will be divvied up across two categories:

Unofficial Spyware - This software should be removed from any computer immediately. Software is unstable, inefficient, and annoying.
Fairly Bad - This software isn't over the red line yet, and may show signs of improving in future versions. Nonetheless, there may be superior alternatives to this software that should be used in place of this.

The List:

MusicMatch Jukebox 10:

Last edited by Josh on Sat May 13, 2006 10:56 am; edited 1 time in total

Pickle - It would be hard to put MM Jukebox in the orange category, let alone Red.
Most people know about this one, but for those who don't.

Bonzi Buddy

I remember when I downloaded that (way back in like 99). IT WAS SOOOOOO COOL!

Now I know better.