[Tfug] No warranty for software

[sitkaa at email.arizona.edu]

Okay, so if a computer has a software glitch, the computer software is 
expected
to be fixed, hopefully ASAP or at least in the next update. Computer software
is already so complex, mistakes are bound to happen. Simplifying the software
to iron out the glitches is the whole point of OpenBSD.

However if a cell phone, IPOD, or other single use device, with simpler
software, and a not-so-readily updatable programatic interface has a glitch,
people are more likely to be upset with the device. It comes as a whole
package.

I don't like it when Microsoft melts down, but I can fix it, even if I have to
rebuild the system from scratch (as I am right now on my laptop). I don't have
that option with a cellphone or IPOD. Or is this changing?

Really I can't keep up with all the techie changes that are occurring all the
time, nor do I try to. I am just offering a potential justification for the
behavior of the mass zombie mind.

Hell, most people even think the WTC was destroyed by 19 terrorists with box
cutters. Explain that!








Quoting Bexley Hall <bexley401 at yahoo.com>:

> --- sitkaa at email.arizona.edu wrote:
>
>> Touche.
>>
>> Perhaps the acceptability of software glitches is
>> easier because they can be
>> easily fixed with an update. There are no physical
>> parts to replace, only code that needs to be
> updated.
>>
>> Earth sheeple are easy. Ce la vie.
>
> Perhaps the subtlety of my argument was missed :-(
>
> If the "hardware-included" product has NO hardware
> defects AND if largely a software product running
> *on* a piece of hardware (i.e. you are really
> buying a piece of SOFTWARE), it is expected to
> perform reliably.  Not so if that software is
> unbundled and resold as "pure software".
>
> E.g., your if your ipod has buggy software and
> that manifests itself as a buzz/whistle/pop/etc.
> in certain songs, you would complain and want it
> "fixed".  Yet, if the same MP3 decoder (software)
> runs on your desktop WITH THE SAME DEFECTS, people
> just grumble and live with it!
>
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