Google Earth forces me to install a task that runs in the background even when Earth is not running

[GoogleCodeExporter]

What steps will reproduce the problem?
1. Try to start Google Earth 5

What is the expected output? What do you see instead?

I'd expect that Earth starts, and perhaps asks me if I want it to check for 
updates on startup (like 
any Sparkle app).

Instead it informs me that I have to install a program that runs in the 
background all the time.

Original issue reported on code.google.com by nicotha...@gmail.com on 3 Feb 2009 at 11:43

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(I'm reporting that here because the "Technical details" link in the dialog 
links to here.)

Original comment by nicotha...@gmail.com on 3 Feb 2009 at 11:48

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I got to agree.. there's no need to have this running all the time. No other 
developer has such an intrusive 
updater. Run check for updates when your programs are launched... or just put a 
"check for updates" menu item. 
I create video and audio, and don't need your overhead 

Original comment by tr...@dlsi.biz on 17 Feb 2009 at 4:54

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Forcing Google update engine on end users in order to use Google Earth is an 
unfortunate and unwelcome decision.    Sparkle Update 
(see: http://sparkle.andymatuschak.org/) is much less intrusive way for 
application developers to ship updatable releases for OS X.

As a developer and user of RPM/YUM (Linux package management), I can appreciate 
the technical merits behind a system wide updater.  
However, having each vendor (Microsoft and Google now) force their own 
background updater on end users is not an acceptable solution 
to this missing feature from Apple's OS.

Google should instead focus on addressing this issue upstream with Apple, Inc. 
instead of forcing yet another software management tool 
down end users throats.  Until a system update manager accessible by third 
party software is shipped with OS X, third party applications 
from Google and other vendors should stick with less intrusive ways of 
providing updates (as previously mentioned).

This project I'm sure has good intentions, however, the approach taken to push 
adoption is unwelcome.  I unfortunately will not be 
using Google Earth 5 due to this issue.

Original comment by sc...@rossillo.net on 20 Feb 2009 at 10:06

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This is not an Update Engine issue.

Original comment by dev...@gmail.com on 23 Feb 2009 at 7:03

• Changed state: Invalid

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I see that this isn't necessarily the right place to discuss this, but is a 
legitimate issue. I just spent 10-15 
minutes trying to find an appropriate place, and couldn't find one.  

devjgm, can you point us to the right place?

The lack of any user controls of the software updater is inappropriate and  
intrusive. I handle a middle school 
laptop program, and I need to have more control over automatic software 
updates. I don't need a user at 
home downloading a new version of Google Earth on a 56k modem.

Thanks

Original comment by fdgglml%...@gtempaccount.com on 25 Feb 2009 at 7:02

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I am tired of this crap.  I won't be using Google Earth.  And, I will recommend 
that
others remove Google Earth.  Maybe there is an older version of Google Earth,
alternative software we can use instead.

Original comment by mmpho...@yahoo.com on 1 Mar 2009 at 5:39

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I just spent half an hour trying to figure out why GoogleSoftwareUpdateDaemon 
was
running on my computer.  This is not user friendly, please use Sparkle instead.

Original comment by henrik.a...@gmail.com on 19 Apr 2009 at 11:16

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[deleted comment]

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Just saw this message pop-up "telling" what I HAVE to do inorder to run Google 
software. I can do without Google's non web-based software. Saw the message, 
and immediately removed Google Earth from my computer. Google knows best 
everyone... apparently. Can we not use a more Mac-Friendly approach such as 
Sparkle, or fine Google, make your own update engine, but does it have to be a 
daemon that runs ALL the time? Bye bye Google Earth.

Original comment by dontlook...@gmail.com on 12 Mar 2011 at 12:23

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Disgusted with the background (software update) running! This is not about 
updating efficiently; it's about continually monitoring our "everything", where 
we are, what we do and look at, you name it. At some future point, if not 
already now, that leaves Google a nice tool in the hands of big power junkies 
who are into surveillance and control of the masses. 
To me this new requirement of Google Earth is saying: "sure you can peruse the 
planet, but the price for that is we can track everything about you 24/7!"

Original comment by diannetr...@gmail.com on 22 Jan 2013 at 12:51