Apple Gripe

[The Guru (Al)]

Went to launch iTunes last night and was told there was a new version. Okay fine, I went ahead and upgrades. First Apple wanted me to install Safari (it also tried to install it after iTunes was upgrade) then iTunes of course is bundled with QuickTime.  Why does Apple insist on 'littering' my computer with Quick Time? Bad enough it creates a new program group each time, but then adds a desktop short-cut and in case that isn't enough it also adds itself to the Quick Launch bar. Oh and then it also places itself in the system tray as well. I don't even use Quick Time anymore, is there a way to get iTunes without Apple trashing my computer with QuckTime? 

There I got that out my system, feel much better now. 

[Pieter]

iTunes relies on QuickTime - not Windows Media Player like much programs do - to play audio and video. Sure, you could uninstall QuickTime from Control Panel > Software but that will most likely cripple iTunes. Besides, removing QuickTime would make it impossible for you to listen to DRMed songs you purchased from the iTunes Store.

[The Guru (Al)]

iTunes relies on QuickTime - not Windows Media Player like much programs do - to play audio and video. Sure, you could uninstall QuickTime from Control Panel > Software but that will most likely cripple iTunes. Besides, removing QuickTime would make it impossible for you to listen to DRMed songs you purchased from the iTunes Store.

Interesting, guess I haven't purchase any DRMed songs from the iTunes Store. All the music I've purchased from iTunes Store I am able to play in WinAmp with not problem. It is not that I don't like QuickTime, it just leaves a mess behind when it installs/updates itself.

[Pieter]

All the music I've purchased from iTunes Store I am able to play in WinAmp with not problem.

Are they iTunes Plus songs by any chance?

[The Guru (Al)]

Yes, I believe they are iTune Plus. The last one I bought the whole album.

[Pieter]

That explains why you can play them outside of Apple-powered software. iTunes Plus songs are DRM-free.

[Ashley Wagner]

I was pretty annoyed too when Apple wanted me to install Safari. If I want it, I'll go get it! Apparently this is their way of spreading the word to all of the PC users out there that Safari for Windows is available.

[Ryan Wagner]

I do believe that QuickTime is required for iTunes to function properly as well, but I've read that you can uninstall QuickTime and install the QuickTime Alternative if you'd like.

[Pieter]

Apparently this is their way of spreading the word to all of the PC users out there that Safari for Windows is available.

Here's the thing though: why would they want to push Safari for Windows? The only reason for them porting iTunes to Windows back in the day was to sell more iPods...

but I've read that you can uninstall QuickTime and install the QuickTime Alternative if you'd like.

Yup, but it can't play DRMed iTunes tracks.

[Ryan Wagner]

Apparently this is their way of spreading the word to all of the PC users out there that Safari for Windows is available.

Here's the thing though: why would they want to push Safari for Windows? The only reason for them porting iTunes to Windows back in the day was to sell more iPods...

The more applications they can get on Windows the easier it will be for people to switch to Mac OS X. Given what an essential app the browser has become I'm really not surprised that they are pushing Safari. It will also force sites to make sure their stuff is compatible with Safari.