Comprehensive Information on Bloatware

1. Comprehensive Information on Bloatware

2. Table of Contents • Bloatware • Website and Web Hosting • Categories of Bloatware • Finding Bloatware • Bloatware Manufacturers • Examples of Bloatware • Conclusion

3. Bloatware • It is a type of software that is also referred to as Junkware, Shovel ware, Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP) and Crapware. It is an unwanted, hidden program that is preinstalled on computers and devices such as tablets and smartphones and tends to slow down the device on which it is installed. It is of no value to the device user. Its primary purpose is to generate revenue for the manufacturers, carriers and distributors. • Bloatware is either preinstalled on new devices or comes bundled with other downloads or is introduced into the system through malicious websites. It consumes space, impacts performance adversely and even truncates battery life. It is usually not at all useful rather exasperating and often harmful.

4. Website and Web Hosting • With regard to such devices that are interconnected with the Internet (computers, mobile phones etc.), it is essential to mention websites and web hosting services before proceeding ahead. That is because the Internet is primarily used to browse a diverse range of websites. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, often the bloatware makes its way into a system through malicious websites. • A website is a collection of related web pages and content (data) that is available for online browsing. Any website will be located under a single domain and will be identifiable by a common domain name. • Every website is made accessible for online viewing by a certain web hosting service provider. Such a service provider is also referred to as a web host. Server space is leased by this web host to store as well as make available the files that form a website. These web hosts also provide the necessary services and the technologies that deliver these files to make the website accessible for online viewing. • Terms such as the “Top Cloud Hosting Company” or the “Best Windows Hosting Company” as well as the “Best Web Hosting Company” are used to refer to those web hosting companies that provide excellent service in this field through various types of web hosting packages that suit the requirements of different websites.

5. Categories of Bloatware The four categories of Bloatware are mentioned below, in no particular order-Making it possible to visit websites • Toolbars- Preinstalled toolbars can rarely function as well as the customized ones. These toolbars are often cluttered with random sites and in the worst-case scenario can hijack a user’s browser. • Utility Applications- These are another type of preinstalled bloatware. These are meant to either solve some problem or fulfil a particular purpose. These are also referred to as Junkware and often serve the purpose of trying to make the user use a particular version of a product. • Adware- An adware is a pop-up advertisement which can impact the device’s performance adversely and make it vulnerable to security risks. It inundates the user with spam messages while he browses the Internet. An adware gets installed in the operating system. Hence, these advertisements cannot be evaded even when the cookies are cleared. • Trialware- It is a software that is preinstalled on a device and is valid for a limited time. It is initially free for a certain period. After the expiry of the trial period, it remains on the device and continues to consume space as well as exposes the device to security risks.

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7. Finding Bloatware Despite their functions being the same, there are different web browsers which are mentioned below, chronologically- • The simplest way to find bloatware on a device is by using a bloatware cleanup tool. This automates the process which can consume a lot of time without the aid of such a tool. A tool designed specifically for this purpose can differentiate between bloatware and those programs that are not bloatware and this is essential. This helps to ensure that the user doesn’t uninstall accidentally any program that is useful. • Some other useful ways to identify Bloatware are, such an application will not be easy to uninstall and will aggressively market offers that are aimed at making the user purchase additional features. If the user hasn’t installed a particular software on his device, then it could be a bloatware. Additionally, the browser of the user starts to display pop-ups that are downrightly annoying. The worst part is, these might direct the user to harmful websites, change his homepage and manipulate his browser’s settings which can be detrimental to the user. • To digress, any website, including harmful websites, are hosted on web servers of hosting companies which are often referred to as the “Top Cloud Hosting Company” or the “Best Windows Hosting Company” as well as the “Best Web Hosting Company” based on their exceptional quality of hosting service.

8. Bloatware Manufacturers Supplying devices with preinstalled software is a common supply chain practice. The following entities generate revenue by this practice- • Manufacturers of devices- Many device manufacturers sell their devices after preinstalling their own software on such devices. By doing so they aim that the users use the software (trialware or other) created by them. • Carriers and vendors- They install applications on a user’s device that is supposedly meant to help the user manage his account. But these are often meant to fulfil the goal of upselling the user. • Creators of Software- They pay to preinstall their software, as it serves the purpose of acquiring new customers and eventually generating more revenue by acquiring customers and increasing their customer base. It serves as a marketing channel for software creators.

9. Examples of Bloatware The most commonly found Bloatware on devices are- • Health/Fitness Applications • System Update Applications • Personal Productivity Assistance Applications • Weather Applications • Financial Applications • Sports Applications • Navigation/Map Applications • Messaging Applications • Music Players, Music and Video Applications • Toolbars and Junk-browser Extensions

10. Conclusion A Bloatware is an unnecessary and unwanted software that comes preinstalled on most devices. It consumes storage space, valuable resources, slows the device and drains its battery. Additionally, adware and malware that are introduced through it can be a security threat. A bloatware is poorly designed and doesn’t offer anything useful or of value. Rather it has a lot of disadvantages and create security risks. Hence, getting rid of Bloateware, once it is identified, is the best option to enhance one’s device’s performance.

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