 Number 309 - February 2009 |
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| Yes, Yes, Yes, I Accept | |
| by Gregory Anderson - Smart Computing | |
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Do you rush headlong into
commitment, caught up in the thrill of new potential, heedless of
long-term consequences and "minor" details? Forget about whirlwind
romances and impulsive pet store purchases. I'm worried about
commitments we make far more often than those big decisions. I'm talking
about installing software. Too many of us blindly stroll along the
garden path of accepting every proposal, every suggestion, and every
(legally binding) agreement that comes our way. I've learned that
there's a lot to gain by taking your time, paying attention to details,
and knowing what you're getting into. If you're similarly cautious,
you'll save yourself lots of reconfiguration, troubleshooting, and
support headaches in the long run.
My first advice is the most obvious. It's also the guidance we're most likely to ignore. Pay attention to details. Read the fine print. How are you going to know whether you're agreeing to let the company selling (or giving away) that cool new utility sell your email address unless you read their licensing agreement? How can you tell exactly how long your trial software will last and what happens to the files created during that time unless you read the demo agreement? I understand that reading every dry word of every excruciating EULA (End-User License Agreement) is beyond the endurance of mere mortals. But at least try to skim through, looking for anything unusual or suspicious. And there's no good reason not to pay close attention to the small amounts of text on the other screens. Every once in a while, I find myself reflexively clicking OK without even looking at what's on-screen. At times like these, I invariably notice that, three clicks ago, I agreed to add yet another useful Internet Explorer toolbar or signed away my firstborn in exchange for "promotional considerations." Don't get caught napping (and childless). Slow down and pay attention to what you're putting on that expensive machine. While you're reading each of those options, think about what a few of them mean. The choice between Standard and Custom (or Advanced) installation is one of the most important. Sure, you might save 30 seconds and three clicks by setting up that application exactly the way its manufacturer's marketing department recommends, without even looking. I think you're better off taking the time to keep an eye on what they're up to. I always, without fail, take the custom |
installation path--despite any scary
warnings about them being for "advanced" or "experienced" users. You'll
be amazed at what you find. Even if you don't change a single default,
you'll learn something about where the software resides and how it
integrates with other parts of the system. You might even discover
useful options or configuration choices that you didn't know you had.
While reviewing the choices provided by a custom installation, watch out for a few traps. I always--always--refuse to add new things to my Desktop. We've all seen those Desktops cluttered with files, folders, and icons. How anyone ever finds anything in those messes is beyond me. You already know where and how to get at your programsit's called the Programs menu. Avoid extra toolbars like the plague, as well. I've never found an add-on toolbar I prefer to just customizing IE, but if you find a browser toolbar you like, then stick with it. Letting programs add extra toolbars only slows things down and makes things harder to find. Finally, don't be afraid to walk away. When you discover required add-on "components" that look suspiciously like spyware--and you will--cancel the installation. When you notice that there's no way to complete the setup without providing your email address and signing up for spam, decline the agreement and find another application. Don't get roped into a situation that's bad for your computer just because you're afraid there are no other options. No useful software is ever without some kind of competition. Or, as my dad used to tell me, there are always more fish in the sea. Gregory Anderson is a regular contributor to Smart Computing and several other technology publications. He keeps a sharp eye (with the help of thick glasses) on computing trends and enjoys working with geeks of all stripe--most of the time. Share chronicles of careful commitment at gregory-anderson@smartcomputing.com Reprinted with permission from Smart Computing. Visit |
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Number 309 - February 2009
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