I can see why people might choose to pick this option when ordering a computer for a less computer savvy friend or relative. Finding and downloading Firefox safely is not trivial if you aren't very tech literate. I just did a search for "firefox" on Google a few moments ago and these are the top 'results': <a href="http://i.imgur.com/FZDn4rB.png" rel="nofollow">http://i.imgur.com/FZDn4rB.png</a> Obviously most HN users will notice that those ads don't point to the official Mozilla site, but to dodgy third party sites where the software is bundled with spyware and toolbars.<p>It's all well and good for Mozilla to be questioning Dell over charging for this, but perhaps they should also spend some time trying to make it so that users can find Firefox safely from the biggest search engine in the world. Mozilla have plenty of experience at public relations. When they want to they can get their press releases and stories in just about every tech news sites in the world (this story being an apparent example of that, this is the second submission to HN because it is being so widely reported). If Google are refusing to sort out the problem[1] then Mozilla need to put up some fight and get the public on their side. Put together stories with screenshots and explain the security and privacy risks of the spyware and rogue browser extensions that those sites bundle.<p>[1] which seems to be the situation; I've been noticing these malware ads for the last year or so (and they've probably been around a lot longer) and apparently repeated complains have been raised
What is the problem? Someone has to be paid for the time they spend on the installation. Bearing in mind it takes a minute or so max. for this job, hourly rates (or profits) at Dell must be mouth-watering.
A couple of thoughts:<p>1 - Windows comes with a 'Browser Choice' icon on the desktop out of the box, it can't be that difficult to install Firefox, even if you're a novice user.<p>2 - I doubt that they have a single person going through and running the Firefox installer each time somebody checks that box. It's more likely that they use a different image for the computer, one with Firefox preinstalled.<p>3 - I'd be dubious to accept a preinstalled version of a browser. Let alone from Dell. The first thing I'd do with a new computer from an OEM is remove all of the preinstalled crap. Who is this geared towards?<p>4 - I feel like I'm missing a trick here. £16.25 for one version of Firefox!? I should get on to Apple and see about bundling my "Install all Firefoxes" shell script, and charge per version installed from there... £455 for every new Mac would be nice! <a href="https://github.com/omgmog/install-all-firefox" rel="nofollow">https://github.com/omgmog/install-all-firefox</a>
I don't see the point, they are charging to install software, is that upsetting? Is it the fact that it is free software they are charging for that is upsetting?<p>I can't see the standpoint of mozilla either, surely you can't be required to have permission to use a "brand name" just because you mention that you can install some software for a fee? EDIT: I <i>did</i> read mozillas terms, but still think it makes no sense.<p>If I set up a store selling computers, surely I can, without permission of software manufacturers, allow customers a choice of software and offer to purchase a license & preinstall the software for the customer?
I don't see anything wrong with this. If the option is selected, probably someone at the shipping out location (or retail location) manually will install firefox, or windows image with firefox on it. It is perfectly fine. Even if automated, automation is not free. Are they overcharging? Probably.<p>I disagree that it does not follow mozilla's terms, they are selling the service, as stated, not the browser.