Date First Published: 1st September 2023
Topic: Computer Systems
Subtopic: Computer Software
Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions
Difficulty: MediumDifficulty Level: 5/10
Learn about what bloatware is in this article.
Bloatware is a type of software that uses an excessive amount of disk space, memory, battery, and other system resources, reducing its usefulness and slowing the computer down. Bloatware can also be used to describe unwanted preinstalled software programs or bundled programs that have little to no use.
A well-developed program should not require more RAM or disk space than necessary. However, developers may sometimes prioritise new features over efficiency, resulting in bloated software that uses much more storage space and RAM than its previous version. When developers release updates for software programs to add new features, the system requirements may also go up and the software can become less efficient. Some developers drop old or unnecessary features when adding new ones to avoid this problem.
In most cases, bloatware is legitimate software that does not pose a security risk but just uses more system resources than necessary. Bloatware is sometimes created for the developers to make money through ads and donations. However, some types of bloatware can pose security risks in that they try to install malware onto computers.
For example, trialware software can be a type of bloatware in that the software stays installed on the device after the trial expires and becomes useless, clogging up space. When trialware expires, it may convince users to pay for unnecessary and possibly dangerous software. Sometimes, bloatware may be difficult to remove because it finds a way to get back into the device even after it has been deleted. To remove bloatware, look for instructions specific to the program or operating system you are using.
Some well-known examples of software that has been accused of being bloatware are Apple iTunes and Microsoft Windows. Apple's iTunes has been accused of being bloated to turn it from a simple media player to an ecommerce and advertising platform.
Microsoft Windows has been accused of being bloated due to Windows Vista and the Windows 7 core components that come preinstalled and use up excessive amounts of system resources. Microsoft engineer Eric Traut commented "This is the core of Windows 7. This is a collection of components that we've taken out. A lot of people think of Windows as this really large, bloated operating system, and that may be a fair characterization, I have to admit. It is large. It contains a lot of stuff in it. But at its core, the kernel and the components that make up the very core of the operating system actually are pretty streamlined."
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