6 myths about pre-installed programs that are foolish to believe

Myth # 1: installed programs are useless

Strangers are often discriminated against. For example, even if a person has never launched a Russian text editor, he may knowingly believe that he will not like it and will not be useful.

But until you check it, you won't know. The law only makes Russian software more visible and helps it compete with widespread foreign software. You will not have to pay for such software and its updates, and the initially available basic functions will not go anywhere - this is spelled out in the decree of the government of the Russian Federation. So why not try something new - a text editor, browser, or antivirus?

Myth # 2: preinstalling software has increased the cost of devices

Indeed, since April 1, the technique has risen in pricebut not because of software preinstallation.

Due to the pandemic, people become to massively buy equipment for remote work. At the same time, manufacturers were forced to close factories and limit capacities due to quarantine restrictions. As a result, there was a shortage of components in the world. And where demand exceeds supply, prices always go up.

In addition, the cost of software licenses for equipment manufacturers is always significantly lower than for ordinary users. Software developers are interested in getting their products on devices. But since the company still wants to make money on users, it usually provides programs with limited functions, and offers additional opportunities for a fee.

In the case of the state preinstallation program, everything works differently: the devices receive popular full-fledged programs that are free for users. Moreover: the copyright holder of the software has no right charge the hardware manufacturer a pre-installation fee. Getting into the preset list is purely a matter of prestige and additional advertising.

Myth # 3: Applications will take up gigabytes of memory

If you install dozens of additional applications on your computer or smartphone, then there will not be much space for other programs, games and videos. But the law on the pre-installation of Russian software does not force all software to be flooded. It only obliges to make the installation of domestic programs simple and understandable for the user. Manufacturers have a choice: they can pre-install programs, or they can leave on devices only shortcuts with direct links to download applications from the government list. The latter method is just used in the case of devices with a small memory.

This approach is convenient for everyone. People who do not understand technology will be able to download the required software in one click. They don't have to search, select, and possibly click on unsafe links. And those who want to use other programs will not spend a lot of time cleaning up memory.

And even if the manufacturer decides to install software on the device, the installed software versions can be removed at any time.

Myth # 4: Software will spy on the user

Conspiracy theorists suggest that a gadget with software from a government-approved list will track the location and all actions of the user. And if important documents are stored in the memory, then it will merge them "where necessary".

But in fact, the preinstalled software does not collect personal information and does not send anywhere your geolocation data or documents. In theory, browsers, including those on the preset list, can accumulate data about what you are interested in on the web. This is necessary, first of all, to set up ads - so that you see exactly those ads that can potentially interest you. The software can collect impersonal statistics: what functions are used most often, what problems arose in the course of work. But this option can be disabled both at the first start of the application, and later.

Myth # 5: If you uninstall preinstalled apps, you won't be able to get your device repaired under warranty

You can download any software you like to your device. Programs are not tied hard to a computer or smartphone. You can always remove them - and regardless of who installed them, you or the manufacturer.

If you reset the gadget to factory settings, then you will again have access to a set of preinstalled programs. This possibility is provided by law.

Of course, after uninstalling the programs, the device will not look the same as immediately after purchase. But because of this, the employees of the service centers have no right to refuse warranty repairs. Hardware manufacturers do not give a guarantee for the software and do not indicate its preservation in the terms of the guarantee. It is legal to refuse warranty repair only because of the installation of a pirated OS or other software, which could theoretically lead to equipment breakdown.

Myth # 6: Free preinstalled software can suddenly become paid.

This is not true. Law prohibits degrade or limit the functionality of programs after installation. It clearly states that the basic functions of the preinstallation software should be free.

But some programs on the government-approved list have paid options, and this is not prohibited by law. If you need more features, you can buy them in addition to the basic functionality. But this is optional.