Is Apple the New Microsoft?

Microsoft has always been known for using sneaky and bullying tactics to get its software into the hands of new users. In fact, Windows itself was pretty much a failure until Microsoft demanded it be installed on any new PC running MS-Dos -- which was at that time the standard. And building Internet Explorer into the operating system and getting it sent on every new computer helped them squash Netscape (though you have to wonder who is getting the last laugh with Firefox continually gaining market share).

But, now it seems that Apple is getting on the underhanded-tricks bandwagon. I booted up my computer the other day to see Apple requesting that I download their Safari browser. I can't recall if this was coming from Quicktime or iTunes -- or perhaps both -- but its not something that either of them require.

Hey, if you want to tell me that Safari is available for the PC, fine, go ahead. Just don't do it more than once or I will get annoyed. But trying to trick millions of people into downloading it? I thought Apple was making its comeback based on innovative and hip products. Guess innovation can only get you so far, huh?

I'm glad I'm not the only one that turned a blaring eye toward Apple for the intrusion. ReadWriteWeb isn't too pleased either.