Automatic updates are such a crock! In today’s podcast, Michael and Katherine discuss how computer and phone updates bedevil on a near-biblical basis.
Computer & Phone Updates
Automatic Windows Updates are SUCH A CROCK
Michael shares the story of his “$1,500 paperweight” … aka Alienware PC.
An automatic Windows update knocked out his computer. That was bad enough. But then the good people at Microsoft sent him a link to fix it. Things got even worse from there. Turns out, Microsoft Help sent him a broken link. You can’t make this up.
Anyone else getting annihilated by this idiot @Windows update? pic.twitter.com/icqEGkMTkm
— Michael Flores (@fivewithflores) May 28, 2018
This link is perhaps even less useful than the auto update. pic.twitter.com/Fm86bI6sbb
— Michael Flores (@fivewithflores) May 29, 2018
Thus, an automatic Windows update killed our hero’s computer. He brought it to the local Microsoft Store. There, Michael learned that automatic update knockouts are common killers. The Microsoft Store volunteered to fix the computer “for free”. But even after that, it’s still pretty darn dead. Had the update been a choice, he might still have a working PC. But like many computer and phone updates these days, it was automatic. The kiss of death.
What you THINK about these updates is SUCH A CROCK
Katherine shares the truth behind automatic updates… And it’s fascinating.
“A common perception is that updates merely fix defects. However, one study indicates over 80% of maintenance effort is used for non-corrective actions. This perception is perpetuated by users submitting problem reports that in reality are functionality enhancements to the system. More recent studies put the bug-fixing proportion closer to 21%.
“Sometimes called a patch, an update is a set of changes to a computer program or its supporting data designed to update, fix, or improve it. This includes fixing security vulnerabilities and other bugs, with such patches usually being called bug fixes, and improving the usability or performance. Although meant to fix problems, poorly designed patches can sometimes introduce new problems sometimes called software regressions. In some cases updates even break the functionality or disable a device.”
Learn more at The Balance: The Difference Between Software Updates and Upgrades
Planned Obsolescence with Computer and Phone Updates is SUCH A CROCK
Michael finds Apple just as annoying for computer and phone updates.
For instance, in a different new laptop tribulation, he rants and raves about the new MacBook Pro’s lack of USB ports.
USB ports are universal necessities for most people. Do you charge your phone? How about record with a mic? Pulling these ports deprives you of access to these common computer needs.
We wrapped up the podcast with an ode to last week’s serving size discussion. Specifically, Michael tried a 100 calorie serving size packet of tasty cashews. Turns out that’s about a handful of yummy.
As always, please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts and check out our instagram @crockcast for pictures and fun posts for our favorite crocks.