Having setup a new computer and installed Java on it recently, I found the inclusion of this bloatware very tacky. It's also frustrating because in the past, I have told family members to "just answer yes" to Java update prompts. I'll probably just remove it from their computers now, if given the chance.
My preferred method of setting up many apps on a new PC is using ninite.com's installer, which includes Java as an option. Does anyone know if this path to installing Java bypasses the cruft the article speaks of?
But why did you install Java on a home desktop computer for non-technical users?
Devlopers would have their own machines or VMs plus install and control the update cycle, often manually, by downloading the JDKs directly (which have no bloatware).
Applets and other front-facing Java services are also almost never used on the web due to the dominance of Flash, Javascript and other technologies.
In short, there are no common non-development desktop applications or task profiles that require Java.
