Like all good conversations, this was brought up in IRC.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/11/microsoft_slips_firtefox_add_on_into_software_update/
Microsoft decided it would be a good idea to install a hidden addon to firefox installs for those who have some services installed. The major point being it is a hidden unknown addon that you can not remove yourself. How friendly is that?
Google’s Chrome does the same thing. After first running it, I discovered that it installed a hidden service to my user’s Application Support (Mac OS X) folder. I ran a few commands as root to remove the file and chmoded it to “0000”. I also removed Chrome as well and checked all files it modified.
Other than being totally shocked that Chrome is installing a service without my permission, I am questioning continuing to use any of google applications now. This would of all been ok, if Google Chrome had asked for permission to install a service that supposedly “checks for updates”. Of course I wouldn’t of allowed it anyways, I have enough services running on my poor laptop and I don’t need to add a useless one.
Hopefully both Microsoft and Google get it straight. Although I can’t say much about Apple who forces you to install QuickTime and Apple Update on windows. So maybe all three need to get a clue. I want to know what you are doing to my system. Keeping this up will only make me move to full time linux usage more and more.
As a quick end note. Procrastination paid off, as I haven’t run windows updates in about 2 weeks. Just goes to show that sometimes procrastinating can be a good thing.