PCs Get Unwanted “AppleWare”

The game between Microsoft and Apple continues to play via “updating software” on peoples’ PCs all across the globe. This time, Apple is in question, on their latest software update that all users are being asked to install onto their PCs.

According to reports, Apple’s latest update looks something similar to this:

According to arstechnica.com, “Apple is once again using its updating program that comes with iTunes and QuickTime on Windows to push unwanted software. This time around, the software in question is an iPhone enterprise tool that is more than useless for most consumers.” Apple’s response to PC users that “iPhone Configuration Utility lets you easily create, maintain, encrypt, and install configuration profiles, track and install provisioning profiles and authorized applications, and capture device information including console logs.”

Configuration profiles are XML files that contain device security policies, VPN configuration information, Wi-Fi settings, APN settings, Exchange account settings, mail settings, and certificates that permit iPhone and iPod touch to work with your enterprise systems. For instructions on how to use iPhone Configuration Utility, see the iPhone and iPod touch Enterprise Deployment Guide, available for downloading…” The main issue, to most PC bloggers and reporters, is this isn’t something anyone needs even if you use iTunes (and more than likely even if you have an iPhone).

This is not the first time Apple and Microsoft have sparred over unwanted “software updates” on either sides, but for your sake, if you see an update, you should also try to install it with care (use “advanced settings” or check ways to see what all is being installed before simply checking “yes”).