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Bloatware – Replace Slow Software with Faster Alternatives

Posted on October 16, 2007 by Mark Sanborn

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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8 Responses to Bloatware – Replace Slow Software with Faster Alternatives

Jade Robbins says:

October 16, 2007 at 8:43 am

GAIM is now Pidgin
Jade Robbins says:

October 16, 2007 at 8:45 am

Also, i’m going to try infrarecorder, sounds good.

I’m not sure if Winamp is NOT considered bloatware anymore. Even the older version is starting to get pretty fat and nasty (although who doesn’t
Mark Sanborn says:

October 16, 2007 at 9:04 am

I will change the gaim to pidgin… I noticed that the other day but wasn’t sure if that was the new gaim.

I specified winamp 2.91 from oldversion.com because anything after that is bloated and or owned by AOL. Not the original design by Nullsoft.

Thanks for the comments.
Jade Robbins says:

October 17, 2007 at 9:57 am

Ahhhhhh i didn’t see you linked to the original hardcore version of winamp, truly a classic.

Winamp 3 or 5 never really caught on with me either.

Also, i would swear when i submitted that comment it had the rest of the content there but something must have gone awry I also mention foobar as an extremely lightweight music player.

Thanks for the blogging
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