Have you unboxed a brand new Windows computer and plugged it in, only to find a desktop full of “trial-ware” installed? Perhaps the browser’s home page has been hijacked redirected to the computer vendor’s website?

The situation is getting better. In early 2008, Sony began offering a “Fresh Start” option when you are purchasing a computer from their site, which lets you opt out of trial-ware. Initially they charged $50, but after a public backlash made this a free option.

Dell also lets you opt out of trialware (such as anti-virus, “productivity” software, etc). If you have an Inspiron or Dimension PC, check out the 3rd-party software-removal tool (Start > All Programs > Dell > Dell Software & Utilities > Product Documentation).

If your new computer does have these software applications preloaded, take a look at the free utility, PC Decrapifier. Originally written by computer technician Jason York to clean up his own Dell computers, he has recently revamped this utility, now at version 2.0.0.

According to the site, “The PC Decrapifier is a program designed to remove or uninstall a specific list unwanted software in an unattended fashion. It can be used to clean off most of the annoying software that is typically shipped with newer PCs.”

The software is simple to use. After clicking past the Welcome screen, you’ll be prompted to create a restore point, then on the next screen you’ll select the applications you’d like uninstalled. After confirming your choices, the utility will attempt to silently uninstall all of your choices.

(Photo: Daniel Slaughter)