Kyle Jernigan
Today, I sit down at my desk as always, log on to my computer as always, and see that I had 2 updates I needed to run – not an “as always” type of occurrence. One for Adobe Reader, the other for Java.
Adobe Reader: Double click the icon, I Agree, Next, (watch the green bar grow), Done, Close. Super simple, nothing invasive or deceptive about it, lets me go on my merry way.
Java: Not so fast my friend…
I double click the icon, tell Windows 7 “yes, this program can make updates – blah blah blah” – and then I get this message (note what the red arrow is pointing to in this screenshot):
The last thing I want is an unwanted toolbar on my browser (I un-checked the toolbar installation, duh). So many times I’ve been helping a salesperson with their computer, only to see 7 inches of their browser viewing space covered with 18 different toolbars that they inevitably don’t know how they got there, “man, yeah, my Internet explorer thing, it’s all screwed up, I can’t figure out how to make ‘em go away neither.“ (I’ve literally heard that) It somewhat reminds me of www.thewebsiteisdown.com.
Now, I’m not a IT Helpdesk guru, but removing toolbars is easy – View, Toolbars, un-select the ones you don’t want, done.
But this Oracle + Yahoo foolishness, that’s just down right shady, black hat development right there. Everyone needs Java to run cool applets, and keeping it updated only makes sense so that everyone has the maximum viewing experience and security, but dovetailing this stupid toolbar in with an update? To quote the folks at ESPN NFL Countdown, “COME ON MAN!!!”
Dear Oracle and Yahoo, break up, you’re not a good couple here. Thanks!
“7 inches of their browser viewing space covered with 18 different toolbars ”
… halarious!