"For years, computer makers have managed to wring a few extra bucks of profit out of each PC sale by bundling all sorts of third-party software."

"While adding software, setting default search engines and including toolbars can all put money in PC makers' pockets, the practice has also alienated some consumers who say all such "crapware" is clogging their hard drives and bogging down their systems."

The article discusses how the software can add revenue and offset the costs of selling computers at low prices.  Gateway and Dell are cited as examples and an analyst suggests that computer makers should offer buyers the option of paying a fee to avoid having the software installed on their systems.

The article then transitions to a discussion of Apple Macs.  A recent Mac versus PC ad was cited that demonstrated how PCs ship with a lot of trial software that slows them down.

It's a highly recommended read that can be found at Cnet.

Switch To A Mac Commentary
I know that when I used to buy computers from Dell, I would get annoyed with all the trial software and would immediately reinstall Windows to get rid of all the crap I didn't need.  Ever since I switched to a Mac, I don't have to worry about unnecessary software on my computer.  Most importantly however, I don't have to fear my new Macs having software on it that I have no clue what it does, how or what it's communicating with on the Internet, and slowing my system down.  Thanks Apple!