Junkware — the miscellaneous programs, add-ons, and trial software that come pre-installed on new computers — actually keeps down the prices of those same computers. If you’ve ever wondered why the desktop of a brand new PC is usually cluttered with icons, look no further than the money trail. These junkware icons lead to various software packages that are installed at the factory. The companies behind these software packages pay fees to the PC manufacturers, in hopes that you’ll spot their icon on your desktop, use their software, and become a customer of theirs.
So just how much money does junkware save you? Dwight Silverman has the story in “How much does junkware shave off a PC’s price?“:
“Junkware — trial versions and marketing come-ons that can glut hard drives and bog down performance — are there because software makers pay for their placement. That allows PC makers to shave some costs off a computer’s price tag.”
Silverman points out that some PC manufacturers are starting to offer junkware-free machines at a slightly higher price. Would you pay more for a PC that isn’t littered with pre-installed software? Personally, the first thing I do with a new PC is format the hard drive and re-install Windows.
