Existing users, 
From the new Google EULA: "To continue using Google Earth, you must accept the new Google privacy policies and allow Google Software Update to run in the background on your computer."
This is wholly unacceptable. I can't have all software developers -- whether Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, Google, etc., taking it upon themselves to essentially hijack my computer with unauthorized processes running 24/7 simply because I have the gall to want to use one of their applications.
No mention is made of how one might go about reversing this or un-installing it. No mention is made of how one might terminate the process or prevent it from auto-running later. No "Read Me" file is included -- at least none that is made available PRIOR to committing to this preposterous license.
Google is not "mother." It is for me to determine whether I would wish to have Google perform auto-updates or whether instead I would want to run this manually if at all.
Computers belong to their OWNERS -- not to developers.
Google Earth
View satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, geographical content.
Version: 5.1.3533.1731
Google Running Amok
Feedback Type: Commentary
Contributed by: Jeff Mincey Monday, February 02 2009 @ 05:53 PM PST
Product Platform: MacOSX
Used Product For: Have Not Tried
Recommend Product: NO
Comments
Google Running Amok - imobile
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Google Help › Google Earth Help › Fix a Problem › Installing and Uninstalling › Uninstalling › Uninstalling on the Mac
Uninstalling: Uninstalling on the Mac
To uninstall Google Earth, simply drag the Google Earth icon from your desktop to the Trash. There's no need to run any sort of uninstaller.
Additionally, if you want to remove all of the Google Earth components, follow these steps:
Go to Finder.
Open the Home Directory icon labeled with your user ID.
Delete the files at Library > Caches > Google Earth.
Also, please delete the files at Library > Application Support > Google Earth.
Tuesday, April 28 2009 @ 08:14 PM PDT
Google Running Amok - rowanwood
I heartily agree. Updates should always be optional, NEVER Mandatory. This is why there is some "Big Name" software that I refuse to use, because of this same destructive and arrogant attitude.Tuesday, February 03 2009 @ 02:10 AM PST
Google Running Amok - jm10r
I, too, agree. This is not what software should be doing. And a word of warning; if you downloaded the software, even if you didn't agree with their demands, it still installed the software update agent on your hard drive. Look for it.Tuesday, February 03 2009 @ 06:26 AM PST
Google is being dumb - Cowicide
dammut, I really wanted to try to oceans thing, but screw this new intrusive policy. sorry, google, I have work to do on my computer and I won't be updating to 5 until you rip this spyware crap out of 5.Wednesday, February 11 2009 @ 12:00 AM PST
Google Running Amok - Jeff Mincey
I wish to amend my previous remarks by correcting myself to some degree. Google does provide additional information here:http://code.google.com/p/update-engine/
However, it does not alter the basic concept which is that the computer is for the use of its owner and it's fine for developers to recommend certain approaches and also to provide auto-update functions as OPTIONS. But it's unacceptable and in fact outrageous for developers to DEMAND this.
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Monday, February 02 2009 @ 05:56 PM PST