Get rid of that extra software that ships with a PC

New PCs from the large OEMs often are shipped with trial versions of applications not needed or desired by the purchaser.  PCDecrapifier is a tool to allow users of new machines to easily remove the unnecessary (and potentially harmful) software, with the ability to choose to retain some, if desired.  As it runs one time, it takes less effort than removal of individual applications with control panel.

One commenter on a Slashdot article bemoaned the disclosure of the tool, writing “…things like trial antivirus software, that numerous computer purchasers let the trial expire and no longer receive definition updates, putting them at risk of malware infections. I’ve had a lot of customers come in with infected machines and tell me “but I had CrappyTrial 2011 installed” – at which point I find that the trialware subscription service expired 3 months ago. As sad as it is, I know it helps our business gain tech work. And I am sure it helps the big box places as well.”

The utility does not work as well on older machines, as it is designed to remove software from new PCs.  It runs from an executable (does not need to be installed) and will run from a command line to take input from a list of software to be removed, so you could “decrapify” a large number of PCs with little effort.

The program is free for personal use, and the commercial license is only $20.00 per technician (not per PC) a year.