Adware And The Case Against Bundled Software

By: Joel Walsh

Bundling software applications together is a practice much
abused by purveyors of adware. The potential for sneaking
unwanted software into a bundle of desirable software is
obvious. The benefits of bundling software aren't so obvious.
Isn't it time to consider dumping the practice of bundling
software altogether?

Bundled Software: When Is It Not Adware?

If a user wants a piece of software, why can't he or she be
allowed to install it separately? If the bundled software were
essential to the functioning of the original software (excluding
generic functions such as install, un-uninstall, and
documentation), why wouldn't the developer build its functions
directly into the original software?

Sure, sometimes there's a software application that clearly
complements another application. But for users who do not want
the complementary software, having it just means a bloated
install file and a needlessly long installation process.

Does the chance that users will want the bundled software ever
outweigh the risk of the bundled software being installed
without the user noticing? In the case of adware, the technology
community is increasingly willing to put the burden of proof on
the adware bundlers:

* Cnet's download.com website recently removed any and all
software that comes bundled with another piece of software that
shows advertising, regardless of how well informed the user is
of the bundled software.

* Affiliate networks such as Commission Junction and Kolimbo
have either cautioned advertisers against accepting adware
distributors into their affiliate programs or kicked them out
altogether.

* Many technology law experts are saying that the click-wrap
license agreements that supposedly legitimate adware are not
proof of informed consent. Some experts even say that such
agreements amount to unconscionable contracts: the burden
imposed by adware is so great and the benefit offered so
negligible.

Adware and Bundled Software: A Modest Proposal

If the spam arms race is any indication, we may soon face even
more aggressive attempts to get adware on our computers. There
will be even more tortured arguments that bundled adware is
installed with users' informed consent. Why not head off any of
those arguments right now? Let's push for an industry standard
that reputable developers do not bundle software (with a few
highly specific exceptions such as documentation, installation,
and error reporting).

In the end, by getting rid of bundled software, what do we have
to lose except adware?

About the author:
Read more of Joel Walsh's articles on spyware and adware:
http://www.spyware-refuge.com