Another Day With My PC

Talk about one-upping malware authors.

Microsoft recently blew two bombs on its face that were originally intended for its enemies. The patches that it recently released to bolster the security of its latest Web browser turned out to be the more dangerous threat to its customers’ systems. The first killer pill that it released was supposed to be its answer to threats from Web pages that have infected COM objects. Users who log on or browse through these infected sites could inadvertently allow other people to take control of their PC. The second one deals with Internet Explorer 7’s property method.

Freeze!

There were no figures given as to how many users were affected by the poisoned patches. Vista users who have downloaded and installed it might experience a system freeze or crash. The problem is caused by IE 7’s inability to utilize or recognize the changes in the location of Window’s Temporary Internet Files folder.

Vista users are not the only ones affected by the problem. Reports say that Windows XP SP2, 2000 SP4, and Server 2003 users might not be able to access Windows or Microsoft Update after they’ve installed the defective patches.

Earnest Effort

We all know that Microsoft is always frantically plugging holes in its products, especially in its operating systems. Sometimes the Redmond company finishes first. Of course, that isn’t usually the case. Many of the tears in its applications are usually discovered after they’ve been exploited. Hence, they usually release patches or updates with a red face.

I pity the programmers at Microsoft for always being blamed for everything that goes wrong with XP and Vista. Sure, they’re the ones who have created it. However, bugs and glitches are already indelible facts of computing life. People shouldn’t be too harsh in condemning software authors for their PC mishaps.

I’m not saying that programmers should be exonerated for all the imperfections of their creations, though. As every product has a warranty that it’s free from defects, or at least that a solution would be provided for by the manufacturer should an inherent defect be found, it’s only right that software makers should continuously see to it that their products would be able to function despite the threats around it. Updates or patches are great ways by which application authors warrant the viability of their goods.

Goodwill

The task or responsibility of a manufacturer towards its product doesn’t end upon the ringing of the cash register. It’s not enough that it should see to it that its creation meets the expectations of the consumer. Many companies are investing on ways by which they would be able to make their old customers feel that they’ve made the right choice when they bought the product. Releasing patches or updates is one of the ways by which businesses, especially software companies, could assure their customers that the product that they’ve bought will be able to sail through any contingency that might not have been possible or perceived during the time the program was originally released.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 25th, 2007 at 8:29 pm and is filed under General . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.