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> The main reason you don't see that behavior on Linux, > yet, is that it's not worth the time for these businesses I think it's rather that almost all Linux s

by sixbrx 14y ago

> The main reason you don't see that behavior on Linux, > yet, is that it's not worth the time for these businesses I think it's rather that almost all Linux software is either open source or installed through a package manager (usually both). Open source developers would fork and remove any such behavior if the program is at all worth dealing with. While package managers would not be likely to include such annoying software to begin with.

TeMPOraL 14y ago
If ever Linux gets a similar userbase as Windows, I guarantee you there will be tons of crapware for it as well. Open source developers can do exactly nothing if users will want to download something from the Web and crapware makers make it extra easy and convenient to them. And if you say that this won't happen, because software will still be installed through a package manager than well... maybe that's (one of the reasons) why Linux doesn't have a similar non-tech-savvy userbase as Windows.
- TazeTSchnitzel 14y ago
  Yep, and already we have Steam, for example. While an excellent gaming platform, is also Adware by default, and displays popups with special offers and new games on sale.
  - csense 14y ago
    As much as I hate Steam, Steam coming to Linux is actually a Good Thing. One of the main reasons it took me many years to switch to Linux was the lack of games. Many others felt the same way. If I was Steam, I'd use the sales to customers whose primary platform is Linux to fund the porting of additional games, either through grants/incentives to developers, patching of Wine, or both. The more acceptable Linux becomes as a viable alternative for gamers, the stronger the uptake of desktop Linux will be.
talmand 14y ago
Well, Windows has open source software as well so those positives apply for it as well. As for package managers, money talks. I would have said the same thing about someone sliding in crapware with a Java update some years ago.

by sixbrx 14y ago

TeMPOraL 14y ago

If ever Linux gets a similar userbase as Windows, I guarantee you there will be tons of crapware for it as well. Open source developers can do exactly nothing if users will want to download something from the Web and crapware makers make it extra easy and convenient to them. And if you say that this won't happen, because software will still be installed through a package manager than well... maybe that's (one of the reasons) why Linux doesn't have a similar non-tech-savvy userbase as Windows.

TazeTSchnitzel 14y ago
Yep, and already we have Steam, for example. While an excellent gaming platform, is also Adware by default, and displays popups with special offers and new games on sale.
- csense 14y ago
  As much as I hate Steam, Steam coming to Linux is actually a Good Thing. One of the main reasons it took me many years to switch to Linux was the lack of games. Many others felt the same way. If I was Steam, I'd use the sales to customers whose primary platform is Linux to fund the porting of additional games, either through grants/incentives to developers, patching of Wine, or both. The more acceptable Linux becomes as a viable alternative for gamers, the stronger the uptake of desktop Linux will be.

talmand 14y ago

Well, Windows has open source software as well so those positives apply for it as well. As for package managers, money talks. I would have said the same thing about someone sliding in crapware with a Java update some years ago.