Bloatware

[Boto]

I updated Avast this morning (free version). At the end it said that there were items of bloatware that were slowing down my computer. I had never heard of bloatware so I have googled it but does it really matter if I do have bloatware? My computer does not seem particularly slow. Is it just a way of getting people to buy Avast? Many thanks.

[treetops68]

If your happy with things as they are just ignore it. Bloatware are normally additional programs that were installed alongside the OS when the computer was set up which you may or may not use but are harmless from an operational point of view.

[1ozzy]

Never heard the term "bloatware" before but you got me thinking. Purchased a HP desktop last year and it was loaded with apps i'll never use. I have tinkered with it and stopped many from running in the background, deleted some and generally disabled others.
Has anyone had any experience with this product as I'm sure improvements can still be made.
http://www.decrap.org/
Cheers.

[AB Editor]

It's usually manufacturer stuff that you wouldn't use if given the choice.

[treetops68]

I've not had to use it, (my PC was custom built and came with just the OS installed) but I've seen it recomended in WebUser and Computer Active mags..

[AB Editor]

I would suggest uninstalling bloatware manually using the control panel, rather than an all in one tool - and be careful using the tool suggested by ozzy1:

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=282101

You could end up with bigger problems.

[1ozzy]

Thanks Treetops68. Might look into it a bit more.
Hate to think space and resources are wasted, just me being anal retentive probably :-)

[1ozzy]

Thanks Ab Editor...But I didn't suggest it...I questioned it.

[treetops68]

You're welcom 1ozzy, but as Ed. has pointed out you may need to be carefull with it, although generally speaking the mags. don't normally recomend programs that can't be safely used by the average PC owner.

[1ozzy]

I appreciate both yours and Eds input treetops68. I'll definitely research a bit more before risking my pc.
I used to work in IT (last century) but it was mainly mainframe stuff.
Ta
ps: I hope all this helps the OP.

[SlackAlice]

Basically 'bloatware' is anything additional installed on your computer other than Windows/Android that you have no use for and unlikely to need. Remove any via Control Panel/Programs and Features.

[Old_Geezer]

I thought bloatware was another name for new versions of MS Windows.

[treetops68]

That's the polite name for them, OG.

[Boto]

Than you all for your replies. For the moment I will leave well alone - I might uninstall the wrong programmes!