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2006-07-21 : Why automatic updates are a "bad" thing

I had an interesting discussion about automatic updates today with the GM (of my day job). I was recently considering whether to put in an automatic update process to simplify the support process for the major software project I work on. The GM shook his head in horror and said, "Do you mean the bit that everyone immediately turns off in Windows?"

And it struck me. What's the difference between having automatic updates downloaded to your PC and having the software behind the scenes on a web site updated?

The answer is quite simple. With a web service, the support costs approach zero, but with the automatic updates of software on your PC, the support cost is transferred. From them to you!

You see it's going to take you a long time to re-install your OS when it goes belly up because some obscure DLL you never knew you had gets a stealth upgrade from your OS provider. It's going to fall in your lap to work out why your bloggin app no longer connects to the web because the proxy settings have been obliterated by the last internet update.

With a web service or web site, simply re-open your browser and your surfing away again. With a web page it's the content that's important. With an automatic updated program it's your sanity that's at risk.

That's why automatic updates are a "bad" thing.