Critical Windows fix on the way

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I know I probably shouldn't, but here goes

I have tested patches for Microsoft in the past and submitted bug reports back to them. Often, the fix is worse than the disease, sometimes rendering your machine unbootable. But "Shouldn't they test this out before release?" you ask? Yes, that is why it takes so long for a reliable patch to come out that only breaks a "few" systems. The myriad millions of combinations of installed software and hardware that Microsoft Windows runs on makes it very hard to issue a patch that does not break third party applications, drivers, AV, etc. It is no walk in the part for a company like Microsoft with their installed base to just simply issue a patch that will have no adverse effect on any one else's software or hardware installation. It is a very painful process and can take quite some time to track down and debug where the error is happening.

Do I wish that they would issue patches faster? Absolutely - no one likes knowing they are exposed for the weeks/months it takes for the patch to be issued. Do I begrudge them the time it takes to develop and test the patches? I used to, and then I became part of the process - one time. That was enough to convince me. And, I run a pretty generic box. Windows, Office, Acrobat (full), Paint Shop Pro, Illustrator, PhotoShop, Quicken, Pinnacle Studios, etc. Nothing wildly esoteric, but it broke my machine nonetheless (turned out it was Pinnacle it was having a conflict with.)

So, I prefer my patches right. Right now would be better, but given the choice, I opt for right.

Posted by: Confused by religion   Posted on: 01/07/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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