Onerous Software Subscriptions In Our Futures?

[Huntn]

This is observed on both Mac And Windows Applications, they want you on their teat. Software subscriptions seem to be getting more onerous as a business model mindset these days as more and more companies think they can hook you with never ending subscriptions. Yes, at times I have subscribed to a MMO, but I resist other non-game applications if there is a viable stand alone purchase option. I just hope enough customers say F**k You to subs.

Recently I had to deal with 1Password (restriction for stand alone purchase in number of linked devices), just discovered that Good Sync (Mac) had gone to subscription if I want to upgrade, and already bailed on Tuneup Utlilites (Windows) a couple of years ago who went to subscription. I am still buying time for System Mechanic (Windows), but it is lower, more reasonably priced product. But make no mistake, I’d bail on any subscription that I can.

Does anyone know of a good Windows System Cleanup Utility for stand alone purchase?
Thanks!

 

[sracer]

This is observed on both Mac And Windows Applications, they want you on their teat. Software subscriptions seem to be getting more onerous as a business model mindset these days as more and more companies think they can hook you with never ending subscriptions. Yes, at times I have subscribed to a MMO, but I resist other non-game applications if there is a viable stand alone purchase option. I just hope enough customers say F**k You to subs.

Recently I had to deal with 1Password (restriction for stand alone purchase in number of linked devices), just discovered that Good Sync (Mac) had gone to subscription if I want to upgrade, and already bailed on Tuneup Utlilites (Windows) a couple of years ago who went to subscription. I am still buying time for System Mechanic (Windows), but it is lower, more reasonably priced product. But make no mistake, I’d bail on any subscription that I can.

Does anyone know of a good Windows System Cleanup Utility for stand alone purchase?
Thanks!

The mainstream is marching ahead with subscription plans for software. It will get worse before it gets better (if it ever does). As a society, we're being moved to renters rather than owners... whether it is Spotify and Apple Music for renting music, Netflix, Hulu, etc. for renting movies, or even Tesla cars where the concept of ownership is changing drastically.

Once you start making exceptions to the "no subscriptions" rule, then it no longer becomes a rule. It's a slave to what is convenient. I flat-out refuse to pay for subscriptions for any software.

Now on to your question ...

What specifically are you looking for in a Windows System cleanup utility? I have a handful of tasks that I perform once a month... sometimes once a quarter and haven't found a need to pay or subscribe to a software to do that.

 

[Partron22]

Cloud subscription is on its way to becoming mandatory too.

 

[maflynn]

software subscriptions has always been part of the computing industry, back in the day, prior to PCs, that was the only way to license software for the mainframe. Microsoft had long lusted after that business model, and now that world is upon us. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I'm not a fan, don't get me wrong, I posted this in another thread: My various subscriptions (not including cable).

I was rather shocked at how much I pa.

 

[Huntn]

The mainstream is marching ahead with subscription plans for software. It will get worse before it gets better (if it ever does). As a society, we're being moved to renters rather than owners... whether it is Spotify and Apple Music for renting music, Netflix, Hulu, etc. for renting movies, or even Tesla cars where the concept of ownership is changing drastically.

Once you start making exceptions to the "no subscriptions" rule, then it no longer becomes a rule. It's a slave to what is convenient. I flat-out refuse to pay for subscriptions for any software.

Now on to your question ...

What specifically are you looking for in a Windows System cleanup utility? I have a handful of tasks that I perform once a month... sometimes once a quarter and haven't found a need to pay or subscribe to a software to do that.

A general system utility. I loved Tuneup Utilities until they were bought by AVG. It did all sorts of things, like clean out junk, had a turbo mode (for Windows), cleaned and optimized the registry, here is a link for the current program. System Mechanic is similiar in abilities, but not turbo mode.

After decades of using Windows and the MacOS, I still recognize the MacOS as being superior. Windows 10 works decently but at times it seems to get pretty damn wonky.

 

[sgtaylor5]

@maflynn How did you get Apple Music for $1.25/month?

 

[maflynn]

@maflynn How did you get Apple Music for $1.25/month?

That might be a typo, on my part. I think I'm paying 15 a month, so the annual cost will be higher.

 

[sgtaylor5]

I thought that's what it was, but you never know what kinds of deals are (were) out there. Thanks.

 

[sracer]

software subscriptions has always been part of the computing industry, back in the day, prior to PCs, that was the only way to license software for the mainframe. Microsoft had long lusted after that business model, and now that world is upon us. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Sorry, that's a bit of a stretch. Most of MacRumor users weren't even alive when software subscription for mainframes were the only thing. Or if they were, weren't exposed to it. Bringing that up in this context implies that this is how it has always been. That is not true.

 

[kazmac]

Yikes!

I hate subscriptions, avoid them as much as possible. I’d love to tell Amazon to stick it. I’d also love to tell our cable co to stick it, but not my call.

I just ditched Disney, wasn’t using it on Verizon, and did not want keep it while I wait on two-three series to manifest.

Turned off iCloud again and avoid any Apple services (except iTunes/App Store purchases). The more local I am, the more control I have over my content.

Sadly, not staying logged into my MS account means no access to Word on my personal machine(s), I’ll live though. I deleted office (though not everything), and am still getting obnoxious upgrade reminders from MS.

Finally starting to dabble with Affinity Designer on the iPad to keep away from Adobe.

I know my habits are old school, but I like it that way.

 

[AZhappyjack]

Sorry, that's a bit of a stretch. Most of MacRumor users weren't even alive when software subscription for mainframes were the only thing. Or if they were, weren't exposed to it. Bringing that up in this context implies that this is how it has always been. That is not true.

Mainframe pricing was $xxx for the product then $yyy/year for a "maintenance agreement". Then there were the "non-OS" products that followed that pricing scheme. Yeah, it's always been that way ... at least since the mid-1960s with IBM and their mainframes.

And I am fighting every step of the way to avoid the subscription model for Mac software... one needn't search too hard to find documentation of my distain for the model. It's the tech version of the homeless bum on the street corner.

 

[PhoenixDown]

For large enterprises, a subscription model makes sense.

• It's easier to scale up/down as the business changes (i.e seasonal or project specific)
• The Per User costs generally includes the various licenses, and some of the hardware to run it.
• Recurring costs are treated differently than CAPEX. I'm not an accountant but that seems to be a big deal.

That said, I have mixed feelings about it for PERSONAL or Small Business use. Some services like Microsoft 365 I get a lot of value out of and feel its worth it. Something like Adobe I would rather buy outright since I don't use it in any semi-sorta profesisonal way.

One theme I have seen over the past few years is companies selling you hardware with a free online component and later taking that away and forcing you to a subscription plan. Canary did it. Wink is doing it. I am sure there are others. It's a major pet peeve of mine and why I refuse to use their services and am wary of others like them.

 

[maflynn]

Most of MacRumor users weren't even alive when software subscription for mainframes were the only thing.

So, that doesn't change anything. the fact remains is that subscriptions were part of computing from day one just about and and companies like MS wanted to embrace that model. Why would someone's age have any impact on that fact?

 

[acader]

This is like everybody being forced to lease a car. There is no "buy" option. The moment you stop the payment, you loose the privileges. A small business for e.g., could end up spending a couple of $100s per user / month to use the required software. (Office, Security, Accounting, Storage, Back-up etc.).

 

[icanhazmac]

One place I will never go sub is MSOffice and other software packages of this type. I last bought Office 2007 and it does everything I need it to, there is not one single "feature" in their releases since then that I need other than security patches which I admit is now a gamble. Honestly I could probably install my old 2003 version and it would do everything I need as well. (on my PC)

I only ever "need" MSOffice for work/professional compatibility, therefore my company pays for office on my mbp while my PC runs the old 2007 version. Outside of that I would bail on it in a heartbeat, any other office product can export pdf for ease of viewing and I cannot remember the last time I shared a spreadsheet outside a professional setting.

The only appropriate places for subs IMHO are continued cost services like iCloud storage, Nord VPN or security products that require constant updates. The only time I broke this rule is for 1Password which admittedly is a gray area for me, I should have looked harder for the standalone version which I now understand was available.

 

[S.B.G]

This is observed on both Mac And Windows Applications, they want you on their teat. Software subscriptions seem to be getting more onerous as a business model mindset these days as more and more companies think they can hook you with never ending subscriptions. Yes, at times I have subscribed to a MMO, but I resist other non-game applications if there is a viable stand alone purchase option. I just hope enough customers say F**k You to subs.

Recently I had to deal with 1Password (restriction for stand alone purchase in number of linked devices), just discovered that Good Sync (Mac) had gone to subscription if I want to upgrade, and already bailed on Tuneup Utlilites (Windows) a couple of years ago who went to subscription. I am still buying time for System Mechanic (Windows), but it is lower, more reasonably priced product. But make no mistake, I’d bail on any subscription that I can.

Does anyone know of a good Windows System Cleanup Utility for stand alone purchase?
Thanks!

Yeah, not a fan of software subscriptions here either.

Since my switch to Linux full time last year I've cleaned all of that up quite well now. The FOSS community is amazing in a lot of areas.

The only thing I pay for now on a recurring basis is ProtonMail for my email, more of a service than software, really.

Just as I learned the Mac way of doing things after switching to it from Windows, so too have I learned the Linux way of doing things after switching to it from Mac.

For music, I quit all streaming services and now buy CD's (new or second-hand) or buy digital albums and then own them myself. I rip them into FLAC and spread them among my various devices for playback.

I don't really watch much TV anymore, but pay for a Netflix account shared with my family. Otherwise, it's stuff I already bought on iTunes, or stuff on DVD or BD.

For software, I use Linux which doesn't cost me anything. For an office Suite I have LibreOffice which is fantastic. Plus I am teaching myself Vim and LaTeX right now. I have a strong fascination and desire to use a terminal emulator for as much as I can.

My needs are rather basic compared to some, but whatever it is I need or want, I've been able to find a FOSS solution for it and just as importantly, I'm enjoying the journey too. I love learning new programs and new ways of doing things.

Best of all, I'm saving a lot of money in the process.

 

[spooklog]

Basically, I detest the subscription model because it relies on my financial situation being secure and consistent. If I don't have money in the bank for a given month, essential software/services won't be renewed. That is an awful situation for those of us who can't depend on having enough money from month to month. When I buy software that relies on a subscription, that is always in my mind. It makes me feel uncertain; it makes me feel less like I've purchased something and more like I've taken on a new worry.

 

[TiggrToo]

Sorry, that's a bit of a stretch. Most of MacRumor users weren't even alive when software subscription for mainframes were the only thing. Or if they were, weren't exposed to it. Bringing that up in this context implies that this is how it has always been. That is not true.

No one here was alive when Queen Victoria was on the throne of England. Does that mean she was never queen?

Someone not being alive when an event happened doesn't somehow magically make the event vanish. It just means they personally didn't experience it.

 

[nick9191]

It depends on the product, the cost and the contract. No way would I loop myself in to a 12 or 18 month contract as it depends on my financial situation being great a year from now, who knows if this will be the case, even in simpler times. I even buy my iPhones outright and use PayG sims.

I’m happy to pay for Netflix as it’s a good service, it’s cheap, it can be easily cancelled and it gets a lot of use. I’ve never had a satellite or cable TV contract and never will because they offer the exact opposite.

From Apple, I pay my 79p every month for my extra iCloud storage, a minor annoyance but oh well, it is used to some extent. I also use Apple Music which again has the right model for me like Netflix. I also have music I’ve purchased previously from Apple, which are the songs I like the most. I like the option to have both, I own my favourite music and can discover new music easily and cheaply. I have Apple TV+ for free for a few more months, I can’t imagine I would renew.

I’m not a fan of subscription models for software. I use iWork or FOSS office applications. I can’t imagine I’ll ever need to graduate to Photoshop from GIMP. Although it’s a shame there isn’t a good FOSS or cheap single payment alternative to Dreamweaver. Im not a Dreamweaver fan by and large but it’s great for selecting something in the design view and it highlighting the exact code block in the code view. This is unbelievably handy as I work in email marketing, so tables like its 1999.

If they start pushing subscription models on computers as a whole, ie. free or cheap laptop + x a month, I’ll probably go back to building my own computers and running Linux on them, which is a shame because although I like Linux, I do love my Macs. I’m happy to pay for content services that add new value but not for day to day operational stuff.

 

[Huntn]

It depends on the product, the cost and the contract. No way would I loop myself in to a 12 or 18 month contract as it depends on my financial situation being great a year from now, who knows if this will be the case, even in simpler times. I even buy my iPhones outright and use PayG sims.

I’m happy to pay for Netflix as it’s a good service, it’s cheap, it can be easily cancelled and it gets a lot of use. I’ve never had a satellite or cable TV contract and never will because they offer the exact opposite.

From Apple, I pay my 79p every month for my extra iCloud storage, a minor annoyance but oh well, it is used to some extent. I also use Apple Music which again has the right model for me like Netflix. I also have music I’ve purchased previously from Apple, which are the songs I like the most. I like the option to have both, I own my favourite music and can discover new music easily and cheaply. I have Apple TV+ for free for a few more months, I can’t imagine I would renew.

I’m not a fan of subscription models for software. I use iWork or FOSS office applications. I can’t imagine I’ll ever need to graduate to Photoshop from GIMP. Although it’s a shame there isn’t a good FOSS or cheap single payment alternative to Dreamweaver. Im not a Dreamweaver fan by and large but it’s great for selecting something in the design view and it highlighting the exact code block in the code view. This is unbelievably handy as I work in email marketing, so tables like its 1999.

If they start pushing subscription models on computers as a whole, ie. free or cheap laptop + x a month, I’ll probably go back to building my own computers and running Linux on them, which is a shame because although I like Linux, I do love my Macs. I’m happy to pay for content services that add new value but not for day to day operational stuff.

That (computer rent only business model ) would cause a surge of third party computer assemblers and I don’t think Apple could afford the defections. I think mostly the issue will be with software.

I’ve built, then rebuilt my PC twice. It’s not that hard, the only shortcoming is if it does not work after assembly, but you can check mobo functionality before hooking everything else up.

 

[AZhappyjack]

Just saw this today... JuneCloud - the Deliveries guys are going subscription... another freaking money grab. And they even framed it as if they were doing US a favor. No thanks... another app bites the dust in my universe.

Deliveries 9 is Preparing to Ship
Posted August 31, 2020 by Mike Piontek in Mac, iPhone and iPad.
We’ve been hard at work on a big update to Deliveries, and we’re excited to announce that it’s almost ready. Because there are a lot of big changes, we wanted to give everyone a look at what’s on the way.

Flexible pricing with subscriptions
We have so many wonderful customers, but most people have never tried Deliveries. We know a big part of that has always been the upfront cost: the current price of $4.99 for the iOS app and $4.99 for the Mac app is a lot to ask before you’ve even had a chance to figure out if it does what you want it to do. Subscriptions will make it possible to download the app on all your devices and try it for a month, or even a full year, for less than it would have cost to buy both versions. If you cancel your subscription, you’ll still be able to finish tracking any packages you previously added, and look up your past shipments if you need to.

If you previously purchased Deliveries, you can continue using most features without a subscription. You’ll be able to add new Deliveries and sync with iCloud. You will need a subscription to sync with Junecloud, and we may add other features in the future that require a subscription. However, you’ll also receive a complimentary subscription based on your purchase date—so you’ll have anywhere from 3 months to 18 months to enjoy all the features of the app before you need to even consider paying for a subscription.

See our subscriptions page for more details. Pricing will be announced at a future time.