You may be surprised to learn that I think computers are sneaky. Well, their programming is. Sneaky is a word that is normally ascribed to thinking individuals who are capable of underhanded action. So, labeling an artificial intelligence source as having human characteristics may be surprising to many people. But it shouldn't be. We have been anthropomorphizing animals for years, why not computers?
Today, I turned on my laptop and was given the option of updating Java. Automatic updating is wonderful for people like me who tend to forget that changes to programming become available on a fairly regular basis. So, when the option came up, I was all for updating.
But then, a new message came up. It was quite simple... another installation message. But, tucked into it was the option to install the Yahoo toolbar. In fact, conveniently, the option to do so was already checked so that should I simply click "next" I would be on my way to installing both of them.
I have made this mistake before. And, as I am not particularly interested in having my screen cluttered up with toolbars and other add ons, had to spend time sorting through the list of installed programs so I could yank it out like the weed that it is. Strong words, perhaps but it is really how I feel.
I hate the fact that when I want to update my Quicktime I need to worry about making sure I DON'T install iTunes. Don't have an iPod, don't want iTunes. I would think that there are enough people out there who DO (and likely this number will grow with the introduction of the iPad). But since I am not one of them, I have to spend MY time (time that could be spent doing more productive things) making sure that nothing is sneaking onto my computer.
I understand the concept behind viruses, bots and spyware. They are, at least for the most part, blatantly criminal. They don't hide behind the trappings of legitimate programs. It's instances when programs like toolbars piggyback with legitimate programs that you actually need to install that make me mad. It's just... downright.... sneaky.
Today, I turned on my laptop and was given the option of updating Java. Automatic updating is wonderful for people like me who tend to forget that changes to programming become available on a fairly regular basis. So, when the option came up, I was all for updating.
But then, a new message came up. It was quite simple... another installation message. But, tucked into it was the option to install the Yahoo toolbar. In fact, conveniently, the option to do so was already checked so that should I simply click "next" I would be on my way to installing both of them.
I have made this mistake before. And, as I am not particularly interested in having my screen cluttered up with toolbars and other add ons, had to spend time sorting through the list of installed programs so I could yank it out like the weed that it is. Strong words, perhaps but it is really how I feel.
I hate the fact that when I want to update my Quicktime I need to worry about making sure I DON'T install iTunes. Don't have an iPod, don't want iTunes. I would think that there are enough people out there who DO (and likely this number will grow with the introduction of the iPad). But since I am not one of them, I have to spend MY time (time that could be spent doing more productive things) making sure that nothing is sneaking onto my computer.
I understand the concept behind viruses, bots and spyware. They are, at least for the most part, blatantly criminal. They don't hide behind the trappings of legitimate programs. It's instances when programs like toolbars piggyback with legitimate programs that you actually need to install that make me mad. It's just... downright.... sneaky.
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