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Microsoft Signature Software

Oct. 28, 2009 Paul Thurrott | Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows

I was reading another great Todd Bishop article about Microsoft's attempts to sell crapware-less Windows 7-based PCs and came across an interesting bit. Sure, selling crapware-less PCs is great. But Microsoft is formally defining what it calls Microsoft Signature software, preinstalled Microsoft software and technologies that turn a stock Windows 7 PC into a "Signature PC."

This is interesting to me because, in the writing of Windows 7 Secrets this year, I decided it was important to not just cover what comes in the (increasingly irrelevant) box, so to speak, but to also include chapters and information about the "sticky" Microsoft products and technologies that I think are as key to the Windows experience as some of the stuff that does come in Windows itself. So I'm fascinated to see that the list of Microsoft Signature software is very close to the additional software I cover in Windows 7 Secrets. This includes:

Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Silverlight
Bing 3D Maps
Zune 4.0
Windows Live Essentials - Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Photo Gallery and more
Some third party technologies like Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader

I would love to see Zune simply become part of Windows in the future and wouldn't be surprised to see that happen. But then, why not Security Essentials and Windows Live Essentials as well?

Discuss this Article 80

mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 28, 2009
panache Having "some expertise" does not make you "an expert". It means you are partly on the way to becoming an expert. Perhaps you are having trouble with basic anti-trust concepts because of a lack of English skills. If so, I apologize for making life difficult for you. If not, perhaps you owe an apology to me. Let me know when you read an actual book on antitrust law or actually study some cases rather than just making up what you wish were true to match some political theory. You'll find that you are flat out wrong. As for "encourage competition" that is ONLY a consideration in antitrust law in the case where competition is deemed to help the consumer. If there is NO consumer benefit then encouraging competition is not a factor. You're confusing a possible means of achieving the goal with the goal itself. Pehaps that's because you like that means but have a problem with consumer protection. The pre DOJ v Microsoft rule was that unless actual consumer harm can be shown there is no violation. Oh, and minimizing shareholders losses is NOT what is meant as consumer harm. Again, you might want to actually research the creating of anti-trust law by looking at Teddy Roosevelt or the court rulings on application of the various acts.
tayme
on Oct 28, 2009
Lame attempt at not going off-topic, but anti-trust was already discussed...so, speaking of anti-trust...doesn't the bill that is about to come out of the house promote monopolistic behavior? If the Government Option is allowed to provide policies across state lines, shouldn't companies like Blue Cross/Blue Shield and United Healthcare be allowed to as well? --tayme
tayme
on Oct 28, 2009
@mikegalos - You might want to contact some of your buddies at Microsoft and have them include your definitions in the online dictionary that they operate. --tayme
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 28, 2009
tayme It's, as always, more complicated when you realize that the various insurance companies are already "regulated monopolies" which are exempt from quite a few laws concerning collusion and price fixing.
tayme
on Oct 28, 2009
@mikegalos - So...what happens when the Government Option becomes a monopoly? After all, isn't the goal to provide healthcare insurance to as many legal Americans as possible? If they are able to do that, does it not become the monolopy? --tayme
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 28, 2009
tayme If, as the people opposing a public option (and note the word option there as in optional) are correct, the government will not be competitive because the private sector always does a better job and the government is incompetent. Of course they also say that if the government gets involved it would be unfair since the (semi-) private sector insurance companies can't compete in a market where they don't get their current exemptions to anticompetition law. So, feel free to pick: A) An optional public choice would eventually kill off the private insurance companies because the private sector can't compete against a government plan that would be better and cheaper for the consumers. B) The optional public choice would not provide as good service to the consumers as the insurance companies because the private sector is always better than government involvement and thus the public option would fail from have nobody using it. Picking both choices is, of course, idiotic as they contradict each other.
whiplash55
on Oct 28, 2009
The point of not bundling all these apps was to cut down on install size and allow people to select their own applications. If you're using Outlook or Thunderbird you don't need Live Mail. Same with Live Writer, as good am application as it is its no where near as powerful as using the publishing feature in Word 2007. Having these as a separate download is better, it allows you to get only what you really need, and its very refreshing wish their partners would get a clue.
robertsjoe
on Oct 28, 2009
By definition, getting a Windows 7 machine, you're getting a crap PC.
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 28, 2009
robertsjoe You're wrong. I didn't buy a MacBook to run Windows 7.
DRWAM
on Oct 28, 2009
You guys are starting to depress me. The US legal system is ruining the country and hurting the consumer, while lawyers get rich. Wae, you're posting too much today. As a penalty, send me your cat, unless you can tell me where I can buy a Bengal kitten and not spend $600 - 800 USD. The kids want it, but the wife says no. Bummer. Back on topic. I just delete the crapware. It's not hard to do, and saves us money. I feel wonderfully defiant when I do it too. It's like showing the crapware vendors my middle finger. "Thanks for helpinbg my buy my PC. Now ram your crapware back up your crapper!" [delete]
roteague
on Oct 28, 2009
"By definition, getting a Windows 7 machine, you're getting a crap PC." If I thought that, I would buy a Mac .... "I have tried Zune and it is no where near as good as WMP 12." The Zune software really comes into its own with the Zune subscription. I haven't use WMP in months.
tayme
on Oct 28, 2009
@DRWAM - I agree with the comment regarding the legal system and the lawyers! Doctors are good people...great people in many cases. I am not a Doctor, but I have raised a daughter who has had multiple, very serious health issues; so I have some expertise in that area. Of course, that is anecdotal and not from mikegalos, so it is meaningless. My opinion is that most humans want to help other humans,,,whether it be for spiritual or other reasons. A lot of Doctors donate a lot of time helping those that can'tr afford good insurance in this country, as well as others. I wish it was more here...but each person has the right to choose who they want to provide assistance to. I, myself, have spent weeks in various locations around the country helping people have a safe and dry roof over their heads and providing technology for schools in those areas. I have also given money towards providing medical needs. The thing is...I chose to do those things. But, for any government to TAKE my money to do those things is wrong in my opinion. Enough politics...Go enjoy W7 or OS X or Ubuntu or another OS of your choice. Have a great evening. --tayme
rr0de74@live.com
on Oct 28, 2009
Another blow to WinMo. http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/10/28/apple_retail_stores_upgrad...
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 28, 2009
rr0de Wow. That took a while. Apple announced a couple of years ago that they were switching the stores over to an Apple based system as soon as they shipped Leopard. Guess they take their time beta testing when it's their money on the line and not just yours. Or maybe that's why the "Snow Leopard" service pack took so long - all Apple's programmers were trying to get a workable Point of Sale system on a non-Windows platform so they could stop having to use Windows Mobile to sell iPods.
panache1023
on Oct 28, 2009
mikegalos, I have read numerous sites, including microsoft sites, that describe pretty clearly what a trust is and the reasons for them being illegal. Once again, nowhere does "consumer harm" get mentioned, but *repeatedly* mentioned is talk of ensuring competition, and also not abusing power to prevent competition. Maybe it is you that owes an apology to everyone here for continuing to spout your "knowledge" of anti-trust laws, and your unwillingness to admit when you are wrong, regardless of how many times it is pointed out to you. The best part is when you are shown you are wrong, you disagree with the definition, and claim it is due to my "not liking the politics" of it or some other nonsense. You also need to look up what Anti-Competitive means, since you repeatedly claim Apple is anti-competitive, but MS is not (or was not) Definition of expertise –noun 1. expert skill or knowledge; expertness; know-how: business expertise. 2. a written opinion by an expert, as concerning the authenticity or value of a work of art, manuscript, etc. Ok MikeGalos, put on the spin cap now, and let me have it good. SHOW ME where anti-trust depends on consumer harm since i keep finding that it depends on anti-competitive behavior and ensure fair market competition. Thanks
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 28, 2009
tayme, one more time. Anecdotes are fine as examples or stories. But they don't trump actual facts and I tend to call people out who claim their point is proven by things that start "well, a friend of mine had something like that..." Is that really that hard for you to understand? If not, I'm sure I can find someone to turn it into story form for you.
DRWAM
on Oct 28, 2009
tayme, providing care as you do is just as important as any doc providing medical care. I glad that I won't be alone in heaven, but I can wait a while before we meet. I'm going to sleep now. Second night of call and my back is sore from last night's emergency. Keep the faith and goodnight to all. Doc
mikegalos@msn.com
on Oct 28, 2009
Wow. All that because you think "I have some expertise" == "I am an Expert!" You really do think stubborn will win it for you when you're just being clueless? As for the rest. Looking up "trust" really won't get you very far since we haven't had real "trusts" since the days of Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft and anti-trust law evolved to things besides "trusts". Like, say, consumer protection. (Maybe if you look at something newer than 1890 you'd get more luck) Try, try again.
tayme
on Oct 28, 2009
@mikegalos - But, based on my example and your definition...and a true story at that...I have expertise in healthcare, and you have not provided a reason to believe that you have that same expertise. Of course, I believe that you are confusing the definition of the word "expertise" with that of "experience". Maybe some basic vocabulary lessons are in need on your part. --tayme
robertsjoe
on Oct 28, 2009
@mikegalos: Yeah, thanks Mike. We know you have no taste. No need to continue to make it known. Thanks.
robertsjoe
on Oct 28, 2009
Is it just me, or does reading @mikegalos' posts seem like we're listening to a drunk?
robertsjoe
on Oct 28, 2009
Windows Mobile is becoming quite a turkey. "there's now little reason for Apple to stick with its slow, problematic Windows CE devices, which retail employees reported little satisfaction in using." Little satisfaction and problematic. In a nutshell, that's Windows Mobile.
lketchum
on Oct 28, 2009
@jbrigance, I made an installer today with all the signature software installers for 32 adn 64 bit systems and added the titles others suggested. We plan to include it with all of our builds and a cut sheet describing what it is all about and how to use it. I can provide a copy that you guys could use if you like. I am also working with some of our customers and partners to help bring free broadband to rural areas. We've self-funded an initiative to haul back high speed lines to our center and onto the cloud and working with American IP and SUIDISH, we'll install a wi-max transceiver wherever SUIDISH installs sat TV service and American IP will proivde the xcvrs to hit an antenna we're placing on top of water towers in rural towns - they are about the highest point in most places. We're trying to get the wireless carriers to provide femtocells so we can extend 3G wireless to homes for mobile voice. This is something we've all been working on for years and without any govt support or money. Just our own resources with the idea that it would help rural communities grow. As one who grew up without electricity - not until 1954 did the rural electrification act touch our area, it has been a goal to reach out to all people and extend what so many take for granted.
whiplash55
on Oct 28, 2009
Iketchum great job, yes I'd be interested. Broadband in Rural areas is one of my pet peeves being as how I live about 15 miles from Apple's Corporate HQs but can only get satellite "broadband" and only because I can see the southern horizon. You wouldn't think of Rural as the parts of the Bay Area but do to the nature of the region a lot of people can't get high speed. Comcast sells us cable but won't upgrade to high def or the internet. DSL is about 7 miles away and not going to happen. Wide area wireless exists in the area but the guy won't return my emails for a site inspection so were hosed. Sure I could move but having broadband isn't as important as some things like having open space for miles around us the ability to walk out my backdoor and spend a week hiking without crossing any pavement. Still many of my neighbors can't get satellite or anything but 26.4 k dialup and the internet has become pretty much unusable at that speed. 3G is getting close I only have to drive a couple of miles east to get Verizon, At&T is a half hour drive to get a good signal if your headed toward the city.
panache1023
on Oct 29, 2009
MikeGalos, 1) You are confusing the meaning of "some experience", with the term you used "some expertise". Working for a company going through an anti-trust case does not give you any expertise whatsoever. 2) I didn't say I looked up "Trust", I said I looked up what the purpose of anti-trust laws are. In the articles, it describes what a trust is. You have zero reading comprehension whatsoever. 3) Read about the AT&T anti-trust case that led to the break up of AT&T. Here is an exerpt from http://law.jrank.org/pages/4364/Antitrust-Law-U-S-Supreme-Court-Evolving... "DOJ settled claims that AT&T had impeded competition in long-distance telephone service and TELECOMMUNICATIONS equipment" MikeGalos, look very closely at that statement. IMPEDED COMPETITION...not "HARMED CONSUMERS" You still have shown NOTHING to back up your claims that anti-trust laws are for consumer protection. I have REPEATEDLY shown that anti-trust laws are to ensure fair competition. Repeating yourself over and over again does not make what you are saying true. Try, try again.
Dipsh t Admin
on Oct 29, 2009
I've noticed a trend among the Apple lovers now that Windows 7 is out and is actually quite good. They have no choice but to set their sites on another Microsoft product, in this case, an easy target, Windows Mobile. Off-topic too.
panache1023
on Oct 29, 2009
DipshtAdmin, That's really not fair....those guys went off topic about ANYTHING that put MSFT in a bad light....nothing to do with Win 7. Give them some credit, will ya? :)
Dude1313
on Oct 29, 2009
mikegalos@msn.com said: rr0de Wow. That took a while. Apple announced a couple of years ago that they were switching the stores over to an Apple based system as soon as they shipped Leopard. Guess they take their time beta testing when it's their money on the line and not just yours. ***************************** Oh what's this Mike makes a mistake which I'm happy to point out. Apple has had its own POS software for years and uses in on all its iMac registers. Thanks for playing.
panache1023
on Oct 29, 2009
dude1313, Mike makes mistake very frequently. He just doesn't admit it, claims you said things you didn't, and changes the topic in numerous other ways.
Dude1313
on Oct 29, 2009
I agree and I'm fully expecting that. I will hardly be surprised either. And Dip, respectfully: There were lots of people claiming the same thing about Vista, but when the CEo comes out and admits it was not what the wanted... Win7 may do fine, my opinion is there is too much momentum for it not too. To all- Lastly I chuckle at Paul's suggestions that Snow Leopard is a "licking its wounds" somewhere. Really? The biggest issue is Guest accounts which so far anyone Ive asked that runs SL has been a non-issue. Only in Paul land does it mean that SL is a failure.

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