New Web Updater, and system tray...

I don't understand why each and every software and hardware vendors need to run their update programs in the system tray. The only program that I run in the system tray is the Anti-Virus or spyware programs. I disable everything else by running msconfig (WinXP) and disable others.
The same thing is true for Internet Explorer add-ons.
I've seen other people's pc with system tray programs occupying half their screen and they have no idea why the computer is running so slow.

This does suck. I use Chrome.

I use Firefox. I also use MSCOFIG on XP and Vista systems to stop programs from loading in the system tray. By the way TomTom Home loads in the tray and you have to delete it with MSCONFIG.

I guarantee, Garmin won't be running web updater in my system tray unless I want it to be!

What are they possibly thinking, they can't get their firmware right time after time in the GPSr's they release, now they want to start with my computer, Not going to happen! that is a process that will be stopped before it gets a chance to start.

I do not connect GPSr to my PC to hook up internet unless I need to maintain POI files.

My GPSr use satellite to connect.

What version did this start at or has it already been implemented.

I'm running a Mac.

Anyone know how to stop this if it is running or block it if it's coming?

This is a great concern for all of us!

Thanks!

Same here - what a crock!

I've been disabling unwanted system tray apps from running for years now, either via MSConfig or by disabling it manually in the registry. I guess Garmin feels the need to jump on this silly "run it in the system tray" bandwangon too. Their WebUpdater won't be running constantly in my system tray unless I want it to be.

Same for me. I want control over just what loads at startup and what runs in my system tray. If they have an "Option" switch where it can be run constantly or not, then running it there would be an option the user can control. Too bad most every software vendor thinks their software is so important to the end user that they shove this crap down our throats. I for one will not have the Garmin Webupdater running in my tray.

I do not see a need to have such a process running in system tray all the time for this purpose.
Just read it from Garmin site and my understanding is, once you hook up your GPSr and start the webupdater application, it will begin any updates (webupdater or GPSr unit software). I think that should suffice.

It doesn't make much sense to have something else in your sysTray to hog resources. Unfortunately too many software vendors leave their process running after their program is closed.

I think the majority of members on this forum have the knowledge to use MSCONFIG to stop it from starting in the Startup menu and then be able to double check the Processes running in TaskMgr to be sure it has been terminated.

You can be sure I'll be double checking any time I run the WebUpdater.

THANK YOU for the heads up on this HauteDawg.

Tim

If you do not want it to run, then disable the application in startup. I do not understand why so many vendors want their applications constantly running in the background, especially if you do not frequently use them. As mentioned above MSCONFIG is a good way to disable running applications at startup. If you are comfortable editing the registry, then this is another solution, but be extremely careful because you could end up with computer issues if you did not do a proper edit. ALWAYS backup your registry before editing it. Another good solution is to use a free software called Ccleaner. It shows the applications that are enabled at startup and provides you with the option to delete them at startup. Here is the link for Ccleaner:

http://www.ccleaner.com

I love that program, been using it for years. Deletes unneeded temp files, allows you to save specific website cookies to save login information, has a registry cleaner and as mentioned allows you to control startup programs. Great product!

I've used Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel for years. It creates a new entry in the Windows Contol Panel for managing startups. Slick and easy to use. It's donationware. Screenshots and download at http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml.

If/when Garmin's Web Updater winds up in my system tray, I'll be opening up my control panel and going to Startups to get it out of there.

Firmware updates to the receiver are not like virus definitions. They don't need to be updated daily.

Also given the issues with updates in the past, I definitely don't want it autoupdating as soon as I connect...

Simon

I would be very careful on upgrading firmware, which I believe is not reversible easily if not impossible.

The ONLY reason I can think of Garmin needing to have it always running is if they will be starting a "update on demand" service that automatically installs the small map updates to your GPS unit when it is connected... or only available for newer units without giving us with older units the choice to "always run".

As a long time computer tech, I always see all sorts of computers come in from customers complaining about how slow it runs... most of the time I can uninstall old programs, delete temporary files (using CCleaner) and use the msconfig to stop programs from running at startup. Those 3 things can take a 5 year old XP machine and basically get it running almost as fast as it was when new (provided a virus or something else isn't causing the slow down).
I counted on one machine over 50 entries starting up, everything from java to flash to all kinds of junk.

Is the description of the new Webupdater posted on Garmin's site or in some other location? Could someone post a link to it?

Thanks.

I'll run updater when I need to, not automatically.

I hope Garmin does not go down this road. Creating a "service" that autostarts is not welcome. They should stay off our computers as much as possible. It is not enough to say we should disable the service; they should not create another task for us.

Mac users:
Go to System prefs
Open accounts
Click on Startup items
Find the Garmin app
Throw the damn thing away

Really, Garmin is going to spy on us?????

Where is this written down? What Garmin document did you read? Can you post a PDF of it please?

I love these "Urban Myths".

By the way, this is definitely NOT a Flame.

You know, I would't mind a little program that would check with Garmin on a daily basis to see if there were any updates for my 660. It would save wear and tear on the USB connector on my Garmin, because the only sure way to check on updates now is to plug in the Garmin and then run the Webupdater only to find no updates.

If Garmin is really going to do this, they would be smart to make the user have some choices.

User should be able to select Automatic or Manual execution.

If automatic then Systray.
If manual then desktop icon.

Also, Garmin would have to guarantee that no data is sent back to Garmin. Microsoft has been doing automatic updates for years and guaranteeing that no data is being sent back. If MS was sending info back to a server, don't you think that someone would have "blown the whistle" on them by now.

Besides, what will "Force" you to get the new updater? I guess they could install some code on their server to only work with the new software that scans your computer, but can you imagine the public relations hit they will take if they go that route? Sales would drop dramatically overnight.

A rumor is just a rumor and until Garmin officially makes an announcement, I will take those rumors with a grain of salt!

It's not about spying. I hate to see a ton of software kicking in simultaneously during boot up and continue to run in the background, consuming resources.

I like to keep my OS as lean as possible. Besides, there is really no need to check for updates every single day.

Very true, but it would be nice to check for updates without hooking up the GPS.

I'd certainly be interested in seeing a link to your source for this.

If you look at hautedawg's profile, you will see where he gets his info. Just click on their name to see it.

just saw that... not impressed.
don't know his/her motivation.

Garmin admin staff sounding us out.

I did a bit research, and feel sorry for hautedawg's loss.

There's no point to this. The updater could be set to run when the GPSr is connected, show what updates are available and then terminated when the GPSr is disconnected.

I would simply delete it from msconfig. Looks like every single program we install nowadays - wants to constantly run... And I want to organize my system tray myself!!!

I apologize if this has already been dealt with on the forum. I will remove this if this is the case.
While reading the End-User License Agreement for Garmin Communicator Plug--n 2.7.3 (of June 15, 2009), I saw this paragraph 12 which states among other things:

12. COLLECTION, USE AND SHARING OF YOUR INFORMATION: When you download and install the Product and the Software, if applicable to your Garmin device you will upload to Garmin from your device certain historical information that is stored on your device, including track logs (a track log consists of a list of spatial points and the times your device was at given spatial points), and information related to advertisements included with certain applications on your device, such as which advertisements were viewed on your device, how often they were clicked and how often certain actions such as saving a coupon or calling or routing to a location corresponding to an advertisement were performed....

While I understand their concern with their adverts in their receivers (is it theirs really since I purchased it, or do they consider it a lease like software companies do?) I am not quite sure why they would want to upload my track log. Is it out of love or concern for my well-being and safety, trying to make sure I do not go to the wrong places? They might just be able to warn me off certain places that are unsafe. Or is it just the plain old thing (spying, some people would call it)?
I would benefit from some education on this.