10 application names that could use a re-think
Since I started writing here at Download Squad, I've come across tons of great new programs. I've also encountered some bad ones, and some that never got the chance to strut their stuff. Why not? In some cases, it had to do with how the developers chose as a name for their apps.
Now, I'm not questioning how these applications perform, their price tag, or anything of any real, practical concern. Some of these might be quality downloads. That said, let's have some fun. Here are 10 application names that warrant reconsideration.
Now, I'm not questioning how these applications perform, their price tag, or anything of any real, practical concern. Some of these might be quality downloads. That said, let's have some fun. Here are 10 application names that warrant reconsideration.
Registry Smoker - I don't know about you, but when I refer to a piece of hardware on my workbench as being smoked, I usually mean it's taken a dirt nap. I'm pretty sure I'd want to go with something a little less detrimental sounding, especially when naming a registry-tuning app.
(note: damage picture above was not actually caused by this app)
Yet Another Stupid Dumb Shutdown Utility - It's not a great name, but I have to give the developer points for honesty. Of course, with "Take a Hike Software" as his monniker and other apps like "How Long Has My Computer Been Running" and "Time Thingy," he's obviously opted for a no-nonsense naming scheme.
CrazyBackup- No, you can't judge a book by it's cover. Still, if I'm on the hunt for a reliable backup application, I'm probably not going to pick something with words like "crazy" in the name. Would you want "CrazyReceptionist" handling the filing at your office? Probably not.SpicyBot- Go ahead and guess what this app is for. If you said "malware defense," I'll assume you googled it first. Give me a program with a more ballsy name to do this task. BotAnnihilator. Malware Eviscerator. SpicyBot? That sounds more like an effeminite Futuruma character who's about to get his shiny metal ass kicked by Bender.
Scan Fast Slow Disk - Does this program scan slow disks quickly? Does it scan both fast and slow disks? Contradictions in your name are never a good idea. Unsafe Security 2009? It just doesn't work. The dev's German homepage is down, so I had to link you to Brothersoft on this one.
WipeItOff- As someone who's changed his fair share of diapers, this phrase makes me think more about backsides and less about my browser's history. Also, their site talks about leaving tracks everywhere. I apologize if you were eating just now.
Private Tracker Pro - Who wants to mess about with a free or amateur version of a program to track their privates? That's a chore that you really need the reassurance of a pro version to "tackle. "
So, just how good at time waster games are you? Think you've got the stuff? Well, The World's Hardest Game 2.0 doesn't think you do.
Yes, amazingly, it's possible to have a sequel to a game called "The World's Hardest Game". It doesn't seem logically possible, since if the first one was actually the world's hardest, how could another one come along and share the moniker? It made me doubt the name in the first place. That is, until I tried the game.
The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Richard said 10:31AM on 3-02-2009
I can't believe you forgot "GIMP". Even the fork were so embarrassed that they changed the name from "FilmGIMP" to "CinePaint".
Personally I prefer "Paint.NET", saner UI, fits better with my (limited) artwork needs and doesn't have a stupid name.
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Todd said 10:41AM on 3-02-2009
"...Some of these might be quality downloads. That said, let's have some fun. Here are 10 application names that warrant reconsideration."
#s 11 through 18:
Windows 7 Starter
Windows 7 Home Basic
Windows 7 Home Premium
Windows 7 Professional
Windows 7 Enterprise
Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows 7 Ultimate Limited Edition with Plus Pack
( All have different prices, yet packaging looks exactly the same for each! )
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Rocketboy said 11:19AM on 3-02-2009
Wow, that's funny because you said something bad about Microsoft.
master811 said 3:07PM on 3-02-2009
So apart from the fact there is no such thing as the last one, and that in reality, there are gonna be only 2 versions offered to consumers as options (most people won't even know the others exist), Home Premium and Professional, but of course if you knew that then you'd have nothing to troll about.
Ultimate/Enterprise are practically the same - one is for hard-core PC users, the other is for well ..enterprise.
Bufsabre said 3:38PM on 3-02-2009
/me thinks master811 either works for microsoft or is in terrible vendor lockin and cant move away from ms so they have to troll about it instead of laughing at an obvious joke.
master811 said 3:54PM on 3-02-2009
Nope I don't work for MS, and the only thing keeping me on windows is gaming, I'd be quite happy using OSX or Linux, but you can never tell when the MS bashing is joking or not :P
Tom said 11:42AM on 3-02-2009
Yeah, the Gimp is obviously #1 stupidest name for a program. OnSoftware remembered it ;-)
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Todd said 11:53AM on 3-02-2009
It's a logical acronym. Gimp = Gnu Image Manipulation Program
Tom said 12:10PM on 3-02-2009
Sure, it's just a bit rubbish!
tank said 12:52PM on 3-02-2009
@ Todd:
Ah... better rethink that as it also means:
1. "Some dude in a rubber suit ready to be whipped into submission" see: Sadomasochism
2."Insult to someone with a bummed leg or limp,used as an insult"see: Insults
Both of those are not something you should be saying offten-
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whiskey said 2:16PM on 3-02-2009
I don' kno' wha' ya heard about me,
But you can get a lotta done on your pics.
I'm not so tough as I might first seem,
Cuz' I'm the m****f***a G.I.M.P.
You know what? I'm not against the name for one simple reason... It's free! And for that price, they can name it as they want.
You are, of course, welcome to not use it (though now that you think about it, not using a great FREE app just because of its name... is kinda silly!).
master811 said 3:04PM on 3-02-2009
You may not be against the name, but anyone else who hears the name GIMP and doesn't know what it stands for doesn't give them a good impression.
I'm sure with a different name, it could gain a lot more popularity, but seeing as the developers refuse to change the name (geeks can code, but they clearly don't have a clue about marketing, leave that to the arts students :P) It's sad they don't see that.
blogward said 1:10PM on 3-02-2009
It's a pretty good rule that anything with 'Pro' in the name is going to be useless, or at least frustratingly limited.
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Geir said 3:06PM on 3-02-2009
How about Microsoft Word then, I mean why didn't they call it Words instead of Word --it does handle more than one word, doesn't it?
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Aalaap Ghag said 9:18PM on 3-02-2009
Hahahah.. priceless!!
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Ammon said 3:32AM on 3-03-2009
Microsoft Bob has to be amongst the all-time losers for having both a lame name and being a really craptacular piece of software.
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Kenneth Myren said 11:36AM on 3-03-2009
The elderly of us remember "The Last Program", yes - that was the name!
UK product.
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Trish said 8:54PM on 3-06-2009
Ha great post- thanks for putting this together! BananaShrink-- what were they thinking!
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damianharvey said 6:01AM on 3-16-2009
How about Apple's Mail App. Ever tried to Google that?
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Jeremy said 2:47PM on 5-18-2009
I second that GIMP should be on the list.
Think about this one: Photoshop vs. GIMP. "Photoshop" sounds professional. "GIMP" sounds, well, gimped...
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