I don't want to go on Safari!

[JSR]

Has anyone else with iTunes noticed that Apple have started pushing their Safari internet browser onto us whenever the Apple Software Update runs?

I expect Apple Software Update to update Apple Software, not to push more Apple Software that I don't want on me.

I've no doubt that Safari is a fine browser, but I do all my browsing/email and other routine stuff from a U3 (USB) key. Downloading new browsers on the computer is irrelevant, unnecessary, and intrusive.

I only use iTunes for my iPod nano so I only want Apple Software Update to keep Apple Software (iTunes) Updated so I don't end up running buggy software that has security flaws. I certainly don't want Apple to continue this practice of foisting an ever increasing list of their software on me disguised as an "Apple Software Update". Safari is not an update and if I ever decide I want it, I can pretty soon find the Apple website to get it!

Does anyone know how to stop Safari being foisted on me? I don't want the box to keep popping up telling me that Safari is a legitimate update, but I don't mind it popping up to tell me that iTunes has a legitimate update.

At this rate, I'm going to turn off the Apple Software Update entirely - but that'll risk me running out-dated, potentially buggy software that may have security risks because the update will no longer update it.

Caught between a rock and a hard place just because Apple want to force their ever increasing list of software on us.

Any ideas?

[Stephen]

Re: I don't want to go on Safari!

Apart from turning off the update I don't know the answer. However it seems to me that the majority of updates for iTunes recently have been to enhance the iTunes shop element of it so you can download films etc. Something that frankly I'm not interested in. It is possible as you know though to get the latest updates from the Apple site whenever they are available, and there you can simply update iTunes if thats what you want to do.

Running a Mac now I regularly get Apple system updates offered, though I can switch off any one if I so wish. I've not noticed btw that they have been pushing Safari, though as I have it as one of my browsers I would probably accept an update, as I would if Adobe offered one for Lightroom or CS3. They did for Lightroom recently actually, then discovered it has several bugs so promptly pulled it. I'm still using that update and have not noticed any problem with it, using it almost daily.

Microsoft of course are no different. I switch my laptop running XP on most days for a short time to use my accounts prog. The last couple of days I've been getting the usual windows updates offered. Frankly I don't want any of them, but there are two that I simply don't seem to get rid off. One for Word 2002 and one for Excel 2002. I cancel the update and check the box to not ask me again, then within minutes it pops up again. I wouldn't care so much but I don't have either programs and never have. So why does Microsoft keep forcing them on me?

[DTD]

Re: I don't want to go on Safari!

Check the option not to run software update automatically – just download updates as you want them from Apple's web site support pages.

Your iPod will tell you when there is new iTunes/iPod software available when you sync it.

[JSR]

Re: I don't want to go on Safari!

I've not noticed btw that they have been pushing Safari, though as I have it as one of my browsers I would probably accept an update, as I would if Adobe offered one for Lightroom or CS3. They did for Lightroom recently actually, then discovered it has several bugs so promptly pulled it. I'm still using that update and have not noticed any problem with it, using it almost daily.

If I had Safari, I wouldn't object to the update but as I don't have it, it's not an update, it's a new piece of software that Apple are trying to force on me.

I don't use Internet Explorer for the same reason I won't be using Safari - because I run my browser from my U3 key.

I get what you say about it being no different to Microsoft but, for a very long time, Apple were held up as the panacea of all that's good and Microsoft were put down as all that's bad. For Apple to start adopting Microsoft tactics for no other reason than "Microsoft does it", they put themselves firmly in the same class as Microsoft. If that's their aim, well at least their actions become understandable but still not forgiveable.

I seem to recall that with the Microsoft Updater, you can select "do not show this update in the future" or something like that? I have that set for things like NET2.0, a graphics card update, and all the language update files. I never get bugged for those updates since clicking the right boxes. Is that not still true?

Thanks for that, DTD. I thought iTunes would only update itself by means of the Apple Software Update running automatically. TBH, I only really run iTunes when I plug the iPod in to transfer files anyway. Time for me to start getting harsh with this software-downloader that's masquerading as an software-updater.

Might be time to dump Quicktime at the same time, that was a previous "update" that I inadvertently downloaded awhile back - just like they're trying to do with Safari. What next will they be adding to their "must foist on people" download list?