What is Bundled Software
Bundled software is a marketing strategy to include related or unrelated software into a package when a computer is purchased or as a part of an integrated software suite. Software distributors often use this method to test market new titles or to unload older product. Software bundling has become incorporated into major software suites and are preloaded into new computers.
Software bundles include games, reference materials, office related software, graphic design, video production, 3D modeling and animation. Bundled software is given free to the consumer and offers a variety of entertainment or tools that may be too expensive to purchase as single items. Most of software developers and computer manufacturers use software and product bundling as a marketing tool.
Many bundled programs are shareware or freeware. Shareware has a limited time use policy. Once the time has expired, the user must purchase a product key for a nominal fee. Freeware is developed by the hardware company, such as Apple or IBM and are pre-loaded either by the factory or by the distributor. Bundled software can be more valuable than the system it was installed in and has been used for years to attract consumers. Advantage of preloaded software is getting unusual, discontinued, expensive software free.
Disadvantages of preloaded software is the space taken on the hard drive and draining of memory and RAM needed for desired applications. When junk programs are uninstalled, they may share operational files with other desired programs. When operational files are deleted, it may affect functionality of other programs.
Program Suites are similar to bundled programs that are installed when one program is purchased. This is common with graphic design, office suites and 3-D modeling software. Suite program packages also come in a single box with the individual applications boxed separately. A good example of Suite bundled software is Microsoft Office. You receive multiple programs in one purchase.
Advantages are software integration along with the combined price of program suites are less expensive than individual program. The disadvantages often included is unneeded application or redundant software application.