> ..an automatic removal tool is available on Lenovo.com. No ThinkPads, desktops, tablets, smartphones nor any enterprise server or storage product was impacted.<p>All I can think is the Simpsons episode where a single bear comes down from the mountains which inevitably causes a panic and 'bear patrol':<p><pre><code> Homer: Not a bear in sight. The Bear Patrol must be working like a charm.
Lisa: That’s specious reasoning, Dad.
Homer: Thank you, dear.
Lisa: By your logic I could claim that this rock keeps tigers away.
Homer: Oh, how does it work?
Lisa: It doesn’t work.
Homer: Uh-huh.
Lisa: It’s just a stupid rock.
Homer: Uh-huh.
Lisa: But I don’t see any tigers around, do you?
[Homer thinks of this, then pulls out some money]
Homer: Lisa, I want to buy your rock.
[Lisa refuses at first, then takes the exchange]
</code></pre>
Granted that the removal tool <i>does</i> work and <i>is</i> necessary, unlike the 'bear patrol'. However, Lenovo proclaiming that the release of the removal tool + 'no bloatware' in future computers will make them a leader in "providing cleaner, safer PCs" feels a lot like lisa's rock.
If they follow through, we will finally have a mass market PC maker recognize the importance of a clean install. If they follow through completely enough to get Microsoft's "Signature" branding, then I just might have to start recommending them again.<p>All because they screwed up so colossally that they had to turn it around or see themselves decimated.<p>Interesting times.