1/3/2007 1:23:17 PM

Is anyone else annoyed by the WinDVD version8 installation? It looked like it installed way to much stuff for me.

It wanted to install Google Toolbar and Google Desktop, neither of which I want installed on my projection computer. Fortunatly it asked first.

It installed QuickTime V7. Fortunately it didn't install iTunes at the same time. I wonder why it needs QuickTime?

And it installed some sort of Direct X components, which, I think, created the need for updated video drivers for my ATI Radeon card.

Say, if it installed Quicktime, does that mean WinDVD can now play MOV files? And if WinDVD can play MOV files, does that mean that SSP can finally play MOV files?

Now that would be super.

1/4/2007 10:25:55 AM

I was also annoyed at the amount of "stuff" that was included with the install.

The problem here, as is with many other software apps (unfortunately), can be summed up in one word - Marketing.

The Marketing beast has infiltrated may aspects of installs with other "stuff" that is not required but someone got a nickel for including it....

In this case the Quicktime install is not required and is not used in/by WinDVD itself. The second screen of the QT install does let you cancel it even though it does not ask before beginning the install.

1/4/2007 11:05:13 AM

Oh yeah. I know why it's there. I imagine some money passed between Intervideo and Apple and Google to have this happen.

It's bad enough for freeware to do this. But I understand it.

But it really torques me off to pay for a commercial product and have it loaded up. I may have to see if Intervideo has a customer feedback forum and express my opinion over there.

Computer hardware manufacturers are worse. Fortunately, we now have the PC-DeCrapifier to help with that.

1/5/2007 12:55:20 AM

Hey Osborn4

Great link
That will make my friend happy who just brought a Dell and is a bit upset about all the other "utilities"

Thanks Again

1/6/2007 4:41:42 PM

Great link to PC-Decrapper

For OEM PCs, I prefer the "wipe/reload". It is time consuming, but it only loads the OS; unless of course the OEM only provides a reimage partition. At least Dell gives you the option to purchase an OS CD with the system. HP, ComCrap, $ony, etc. only have a utility partition to re-install. A lot of good that does if your HDD dies. Acer used to provide a set of CDs (probably a DVD now) with a Ghost image on it, so you still got all the junk. Yet another reason to be glad for GoFishMedia, New Egg, and Tiger Direct.