Dell Charges $49 to Remove Their Own Spyware
Dell, Software, Desktops and Laptops submitted by thebittersea
05/07/07
I recently purchased a new Dell computer. Previously I made a promise with myself to never purchase a Windows based computer again, but due to work-related complications I had no choice. The Dell arrived three days after I ordered it, which was great considering the shipping was free.
Fearing that my computer would become infected with a virus within 12 minutes, my first line of order was to purchase and install anti-virus software. Once that was finished, my next task was to delete the unnecessary programs that come pre-installed on the machine. Having purchased a Dell before, I was well aware that Dell computers ship full of bloat. I anticipated to find garbage such as AOL coach, Dell Picture Studio and Internet Explorer. What I was shocked to find, however, was My Way Search Assistant.
For those of you recently in a coma (or those of you that use a Mac or Linux), My Way is a spyware program that claims to block pop-ups and provide other nice features for users on the web. In reality, My Way spies on your browsing habits and reports this information to a central server so that customized ads can be delivered to your machine.
I’ve been a fan of Michael Dell for about ten years since I read an article about him in Reader’s Digest. Not wanting to believe that my friend Michael would allow this garbage to be installed on computers that bare his name, I assumed that somehow a virus had snuck its way onto my machine in the ten minute window where my computer was without anti-virus software. Sadly, Google search after Google search revealed that in fact Dell is being paid to pre-install this filth on their machines.
I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. Michael Dell, how could you allow this to happen? It really hurts to see a former hero *sarcasm* falter like this. Now I know how fans of Tom Cruise must be feeling. :-) Michael, I thought I knew thee so well!
After spending an hour in shock and mourning, I gathered myself off the floor to remove the program from my machine. I opened the control panel and selected “Add or Remove Programs.” After removing My Way, I was told that I would have to reboot my computer. A quick reboot later and I was back in the control panel. At this point I was ready to forget the entire ordeal and move on with my life.
Looking back on it, I should have known there would be more problems. If only I had paid more attention to the screeching violins that could be heard in the background. That’s right, My Way still appeared in the “Add or Remove Programs” window. However, this time around there was no uninstall button. My Way appeared to be permanently on my machine.
Having read that Adaware can remove My Way, I downloaded, installed and ran Adaware from Lavasoft. Perhaps because My Way had already partially removed itself, Adaware was unable to detect My Way on the machine. It was time to call Dell support.
After a 30 minute wait on hold, a man with an Indian accent who asked to be called Stewart answered the phone. Our (abbreviated) conversation went something like this:
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Stewart: What seems to be the problem?
Me: I’d like to remove My Way Search Assistant from my computer. I tried to remove it through the Control Panel, but it still appears in “Add or Remove Programs.”
Stewart: What do you know about this program?
Me: I know that this is Spyware and I know that I want it off my machine.
Stewart: How did My Way get onto your computer in the first place?
Me: What do you mean? It came pre-installed when I bought my computer from Dell.
Stewart: I have trouble believing that this was on your computer when you purchased it.
Me: So do I Stewart, so do I.
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Obviously Stewart is not very up to date with the sotware Dell pre-installs on their computers. If anybody doubts that Dell has a relationships with My Way, one only need visit http://www.dell4me.com/myway< then explained that he would no longer be able to assist me with my problem. He indicated that I would need to contact software support services for help removing the spyware that Dell installed on my machine. Oh yeah, and he indicated that they would charge my credit card for the call. $49, specifically.
What Dell is doing should be illegal. They are being paid to install spyware on new computers. They are making it difficult for customers to remove the spyware on their own. Then, they charge $49 to teach you how to remove it. This would be like a doctor being paid to infect you with a disease and then charging you for the antidote.
Dell claims that people like me are overreacting, but a lot of people seem to disagree.
If you feel comfortable messing with the Windows registry, here are some instructions on how to remove My Way. More information can also be found on the Dell forums.
I’m responsible for the purchase of eight Dell computers for myself, friends and family in the past few years. After this ordeal, I will never again purchase a Dell. I will never again recommend that anybody else purchase a Dell. In fact, from this point forward I will go out of my way to recommend that people looking to purchase a computer avoid Dell altogether. I doubt that I’m alone. With practices like these, Dell shouldn’t be surprised to hear its customers say, “Dude, you’re getting a boycott.”
880
Cable Management - end the 'Cable Tangle"!
Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Servers and Storage submitted by phubert
05/09/07
So far, I think we've found that the cable management hardware available with rack-mount systems can be more of a hindrance than a help.
Getting a server OUT to access it from the top usually takes TWO people.
The articulating device obscures connections in the rear when the system is IN the rack.
I'd vote, instead, for SHORT cables (2 feet?) to save almost unmanageable clutter in the rear of racks with KVM and 1000-Base-T Cat 5E cables competing with the dual power cables/server.
Rack design? Any comments, thoughts, ideas?
220
Tux Inside logo...
Linux, Servers and Storage submitted by phubert
05/09/07
We've had something along the line of 'Ubuntu certified' ... why not a nice, generic "Tux Inside" logo... or would Intel SUE???
O.K. True, a somewhat frivolous suggestion... but cute brings smiles... and smiles create a POSITIVE IMAGE of (in this case) Dell...
No??
550
Beware of Microsoft activity on IdeaStorm itself.
IdeaStorm submitted by plzanon
05/09/07
Microsoft employees are among of the more active users on IdeaStorm.
Microsoft been caught multiple times hiring people to create fake grass roots like activity.
Microsoft was caught impersonating dead people in fake grass roots letter writing campaigns to lobby governments.
Microsoft was also embarrassed trying to pay bloggers to edit Wikipedia on its behalf.
The history with Microsoft fake grass roots campaigns raises suspicion that it could happen here too.
IdeaStorm lets users embed images in comments. Embedded images let the servers hosting an image see where the user is from. Log files on those servers suggest that some of the more active users on IdeaStorm come from Microsoft IP addresses like 131.107.0.72(tide502.microsoft.com) 213.199.128.147(tide71.microsoft.com), etc.
Ideastorm: should label accounts that had used Microsoft IP addresses as being from Micrsoft and not necessarily representing Dell's interests or Dell's customers intersests. Similar for any PR firms and lobbying firms that Microsoft hires, because in their previous campaigns they used third parties to hide their tracks.
Dell: should be aware that pro-Vista and pro-Novell comments may be paid-for comments by Microsoft and not representing the actual opinions of their posters (or anyone outside of Microsoft PR). If those comments are removed you can guess how many pro-Vista and pro-Novell comments may be left.
Microsoft users: should add a disclaimer that they're from Microsoft, and likewise PR and Lobbying firms for Microsoft should include such a disclaimer.
590
Actually promote Desktop Linux
Advertising and Marketing, Desktops, Linux submitted by mrvertigo
05/10/07
Dell offered desktop Linux once but seemingly did not market it as much as it could have, the company did not make money on a Linux desktop and decided to stop offering it, this is one reason that dell needs to effectively market its newest offertings
as a desktop alternative!!!
Without a REAL attempt to market this it will die like attempts by so many others, Dell has the resources to market this!
Lets get desktop lnux out there guys!
2680
Edubuntu (Linux)
Education, Linux, Operating Systems submitted by shadow_mil
02/25/07
Edubuntu is a side version of ubuntu. But the software on it is geared towards educationally purposes... and go from small children to collage level. Comes with a full suite of open-office software, typing games, and other educationally software.
340
Pre-Installed Linux | Ubuntu | Fedora | OpenSUSE | Multi-Boot
Linux, Operating Systems - Multiboot, Sales Strategies, Desktops and Laptops submitted by dhart
02/16/07 **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**
Offer the 3 top free Linux versions for free pre-installation on all Dell PCs.
Quality free and open source software drastically lowers the cost of new PCs, and helps prevent software piracy. For example OpenOffice.org, the Microsoft Office alternative, can shave hundreds of dollars off the price of a new PC. Cast your vote for OpenOffice and other free software.
Offer easy multi-boot options with Windows Vista, Windows XP, or NO Windows (yes, Linux can entirely replace Windows!)
Offer trade-ins and Linux CDs for older model Dell PCs. Cast your vote for the mini Linux Dell PC and the Universal Education Dell PC, both utilizing free software.
Would you try Linux if it were this easy?
CHOICE is what consumers want on their new PCs, not annoying surprise circus-ware (the typical smattering of confusing 3rd party popup-infested software found on most new Dell PCs). Quality free and open source software is well behaved, and may be legally pre-installed on PCs, and legally shared with friends and family, sharing is encouraged! Cast your vote for consumer CHOICE and public transparency at Dell.
Please take a look at www.dell.com/open for linux options on the Inspiron.
152500
 track my votes
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