GoToAssist 8.0.0.514

[TheAtreidesHawk]

What the hell is this program? Is it bloatware? Can I uninstall it? I'm visiting my dad and just tuning up his computer and laptop. I noticed this is installed on both computers (he's got Dells here).

Dell Inspiron 1720 and a 530s.

[RedBeardedDevil]

Seems like some sort of tech support using remote assistance. http://www.gotoassist.com/tr/gg/NA/U...xbetaHylp.tmpl

EDIT: It comes with the Dells from the factory.

[TheAtreidesHawk]

Yes it was pre installed on both of them. They don't look necessary. But I wanted to make sure before I touched them....

[RedBeardedDevil]

Also called DellConnect according to Dell Support site.

[RedBeardedDevil]

If they don't plan on using them remove 'em. May cost money anyways to use them depending on how old the PCs are.

[TheAtreidesHawk]

There's also:

1) Microsoft Plus! Digital Media Edition Installer
2) Microsoft Plus! Photo Story 2 LE

Ever heard of those? Also bloatware I'm guessing...

God I hate Dell. Or wait let me say I hate Dell bloatware...

[RedBeardedDevil]

They are only bloatware if you don't need them. If they want to put together digital photo albums or something they work OK. Pretty easy to use for beginners. Comes with Microsoft Plus!.

[TheAtreidesHawk]

But shouldn't Windows or w/e have a program that just files all that stuff? I mean if I had pics on a digi cam and I wanted to upload them to the computer it wouldn't require those things right?

And it looks like my dad's Inspiron 1720 has a bunch of crap on it. I think I'm gonna make a list and just post it later on.

[RedBeardedDevil]

The manufacturers can't customize the software for each of us so they just put it all on(according to how much you paid and paid for) to let us separate the wheat from the chaff. It's up to the individual to decide whether she/he needs it or not. If they/ you don't use it, scrap it. You can always download it or find something better if you ever do need it. I always do a clean install of the OS when I get a system. I usually build them myself to make sure of that. I know what I like and keep it that way. You can upload pics w/o that software; your camera usually comes with better software anyways.

[TheAtreidesHawk]

Okay I'm gonna uninstall those 2 things. And if I ever find that he needs them I'll just look around and see what's out there.

Anyways here's a list of the suspect stuff I found on his laptop:

Banctec Service Agreement
Broadcom Management Programs
Digital Line Detect
Earthlink Setup Files
EDocs
Media Direct
Modem Diagnostic Tool
Music, Photos, and Videos Launcher
Netwaiting
NetZeroInstallers
Outlook AddinSetup
Product Document Launcher
Quickset
Yahoo Music Jukebox

Just ridiculous. Like some of that stuff looks and sounds completely unnecessary but I'm not sure if it's required in order for the wireless or the OS to work properly. Vista 32 bit is what's on my dad's laptop btw.