Bloatware - Replace Slow Software with Faster Alternatives

Last updated: Oct 16, 2007

What is Bloatware?

Bloatware is any program that uses significantly more system resources than needed to get the job done that the program was originally intended for. Bloatware can also mean a program that comes bundled with other unnecessary programs or unused features and modules.

Why do they do it?

Bloatware has become common today due to various reasons. The first one is due to the massive improvements in computer processing speed. Many programmers simply disregard older machines and argue that the computer is so fast that even if we program the software poorly it will be unnoticeable to a fast computer. Programs today are often developed rapidly in order to compete with the next new program, technology or feature so programmers often do not have the time it takes to properly design and implement quality software. Since there are many programs that get the same job done it is common that software companies will release a new version of the same program with just one added (often useless) feature that adds to the size of the program and/or makes the program run less than optimal.

Examples of Bloatware

Here are some examples of software I believe have unnecessary modules, unused features, or simply run inefficient:

Adobe Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Quicktime Realtime Itunes WinDVD (pretty much any DVD software) Windows Live Messenger Nero

Alternatives to Bloatware

Foxit reader Media Player Classic Quicktime Alternative Realtime Alternative Winamp 2.91 (Not the current version) Foobar2000 Pidgin Infrarecorder

You may also want to check out my recommended software.

Please leave any other slow bloated software you can think of in the comments below and I will add them to my list.

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