techweb.com — "Dell computers ship with the software tools, which are activated by service reps with the permission of customers. By commandeering the computers, technicians can often find and correct problems faster than trying to talk the customer through the fix."
Jun 4, 2006 View in Crawl 4
agretJun 4, 2006
Don't forget to use magic jellybean's keyfinder so you can backup your windows cd key :D
phekylmadderJun 4, 2006
i like it when m$ tells me to to install outlook junk mail filters (a "critical" update) when i don't have outlook or outlook express installed.
Closed AccountJun 4, 2006
"But I do agree 'shockkeyboarder' that it is shocking how alot of computer users out there today don't know how to perform the simplest of tasks on their machines."How many people know how to butcher their own food, or fix their own car? Sure some people do, but it's more of a hobby, like computers.Specialization is good, it gets things done more efficiently, keeps us IT guys in business.
britoverseasJun 4, 2006
First, Dell subsidises the cost of these computers with all of this crap that they install, much the same way as a Cellular Carrier subsidises the cost of your phone when you buy it (it's called subsidy lock people), this makes sure that you spend a certain amount of money with them to pay back the cost of the phone, Dell (and others) does the same thing with their "advertising" software so the computers are cheaper.I agree, the FORMAT command is very useful here, then reload Windows with all the new drivers and I NEVER have any problems with their systems. Anybody that deos not stump up the extra $10 for the CD when they buy their machne is just plain dumb.And by the way, I think this is a great idea from Dell. I do exactly the same thing with LogMeIn, for my 5 PC's/Laptops and the one at my Dad's in the U.K and my Sisters in the U.K, saves a hell of a long frustrating time on the phone when they "Can't find their Internet"
eamonnmurphyJun 4, 2006
The remote support is a great idea, but the other junk is not.. like other people have already said if you don't want it, its easy to wipe and install a fresh copy of Windows.. Its no big deal.
localhJun 4, 2006
HP does this, or at least they did a few years ago when I bought my laptop. One OS cd and one HP cd. The OS CD is a clean install disc, as well - there was no problem slipstreaming SP2 into a copy of mine.
burnt1ce85Jun 4, 2006
It's not a bad idea. I have had parents/family calling me at residence(dorm) how to play a video on a particular website. I always have wished i had remote desktop capabilities to visually show them how to use the darn computer.As long as the software is easy to uninstall and reasonably secure, i say Dell should go for it. It's not like they're trying to keep this remote access capabilities a secret.
terrya64Jun 4, 2006
The first thing I did with my new Dell, Format and reinstall Windows.
merizosAug 20, 2006
is this the end of people like the geek sqaud and other in home techs?