egafd.com

Why have computer software packages suddenly become so large?

Adobe Reader 9.1 is over 40MB, a few versions ago it was under 10MB.
I have just downloaded Foxit Reader instead at well under 4MB and opens far quicker inside Firefox.

Another example of a program that has grown dramatically is AVG anti-virus.

I even still have a version of Microsoft Office from maybe 15 years ago that was on about 25 floppy discs so about 40MB.

Because software is often incrementally updated, the complete package size becomes larger, and larger and larger.

Take the Nvidia Forceware Drivers - back in 2002 they were around 8-10mb now they are pushing 40-60mb.

Larger filesizes invariably mean new or updated features, If you compared to Office 97 vs Office 2007 sizes, the results would be incomparable because of the differences in programs.

Also remember, distribution used to be a major issue - filesize generally isn't an issue now with nearly everyone having broadband.

It drives me mad too. I think this is why you often find people un-installing some newer software in favour of their older version which might run much quicker and wont try and take over your machine.

I remember Netscape was a great browser until it was turned into a monster that gave everyone the shits and went broke.

I agree that AVG is a pile of pooh - Avast! antivirus is so much better (and free to boot).