Gateway is basically including the same types of software with Windows Vista as it did for XP. Current models, including the FX530 PC (shown here), include full versions of Systems Acrobat Reader and Flash Player, Sun Microsystems Java and search, along with trial versions of Office, McAfee Security, games from WildTangent and Napster's service. Unlike some competitors, though, Gateway said it offers only one software trial in each category.

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Acer's PCs, like this Aspire 9300, come with relatively little software preinstalled. In addition to the company's own collection of games and utilities, the company includes disc-burning software from NTI and CyberLink as well as a trial version of Norton AntiVirus.

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On Dell's Inspiron 1505, customers have the option of configuring their system with or without software trials. If they opt for software bundles, they have a lot of choices including three security suites and several entertainment programs. Dell also preinstalls ties to Google's Internet services as well as trials for various Internet service providers.

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On its consumer systems, like the a6000 series desktop, Hewlett-Packard includes trial offers for Norton Internet Security and HP games. The systems include five other full applications that can be upgraded to a premium version for a fee, as well as a preinstalled Internet toolbar and Adobe's Flash and Acrobat Reader.

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In a new ad, “PC” John Hodgman complains that he is being slowed down by all the software preinstalled on his hard drive. Macs do come with trial versions of and Microsoft Office, but the rest of the bundled software are full software products, including Apple programs like iPhoto and iMovie as well as third-party titles like Comic Life.

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