Apple and the mysterious case of new software
If you’ve been paying attention over the last couple of months, you’ll most likely know of the uproar concerning Apple’s Software Update on Windows, and how it used to include new software (namely Safari) in the same section as software updates (namely for iTunes and QuickTime) as well as ticking the checkboxes by default.
As a result, many people who usually pay very little attention to update dialogs would have just clicked “Install”, thereby updating their software as well as installing Safari, complete with its Start Menu, Desktop and Quick Launch shortcuts.
This caused a big hoo-ha with many users, as well as Mozilla, makers of the competing Firefox browser, amongst others.
Apple have now decided that new software does not count as an update and has released a new version of the Software Update application now has separate sections for updates and new software. However, in their infinite wisdom, the checkboxes for new software are still ticked, presumably in the hope that users will still not realise and click the “Install” button without un-ticking them.
Isn’t it time for Apple to stop treating its users like children and allow them to make their own choices regarding new software? Updates are understandable. Installing new software by default isn’t. If I want to install Safari, I’ll tick the box myself thank you very much. I know better than you if I want the software or not. End of.