Recovery CDs, the “easy” way to reinstall your computer if it encounters a fault, but really how easy is it? These disks come with your brand new computer, and you only realise what they are for when you need them. But do they actually help your computer? Lets follow two users, who have problems with their computers and use two different methods of reinstalling their computer back to its default state. From that, we can see if its actually better to use these disks, or use the standard operating system install disks.

User A owns exactly the same computer as User B, and they both bought theirs from the same company. User A has a major problem, and needs to reinstall their computer, so they find the recovery disks, and place them in their CD drive. A few hours later, and after a simple process, the recovery restarts their computer, and they are back running in their operating system. However, they notice that its a bit sluggish already, and has lots of icons on their desktop about the company. They also find out that the basic programs have already been installed.

User B has the same problem, and needs to reinstall. However, they were given a install CD of the operating system they have. So they run that, it asks a few questions which seem a bit confusing, but are able to work them out with common sense, and a few hours later, they are booting into their freshly installed system. They look on their desktop, and only the basic icons are there.  They then have to spend another few hours installing the programs they need onto the computer.

Now we fast forward a few months, both users use their computers for the same reasons, and install the same software. However, User A’s computer is running slower than User B’s. So here is the question? Is saving a few hours of installing software, really worth all of the rubbish that OEM’s install on the computers, regardless of if the user wants them or not. I believe not. Feel free to comment with your views on this matter.