why can't Microsoft procuce software which works?

Question

why is it that Microsoft, a big corporation which can afford the best programmers the best programmers and which has been developing software for decades, still can't get the bugs out of their software? I am constantly encountering bugs in my software and others tell me they do too, often the same ones I get.

Same goes for the hardware. My HP printer is supposedly a good one, but it has a number of reoccurring glitches too.

Any experts who know the real answer to this? How do they keep getting it wrong after so long?

Answer 1

The answer is complex just like the problem. Microsoft tries to be the best solution for all possible scenarios and it's operating system(s) are world class. The main issue is third party software and hardware components.



When manufacturers produce hardware they also have to create the driver for it, a very complex piece of software that causes a lot problems [because of lacking quality control]. Microsoft has tried to improve the process by requiring that they test and certify it, they have no obligation to do so [for third parties]. It's all in the name of improving your system.



The third party software you install is the biggest problem, Microsoft can't take responsibility for individuals and companies that produce the software you use. It's often a case of bad programming or lacking quality control - or simply too many factors creating situations that have not been tested. Microsoft provides the plattform, and they try to do their best to keep that part stable.



Your HP printer is a typical example, the driver is not written by Microsoft, and any HP software not working is usually HP's problem.



Microsoft provides you with a car and engine, if you fill the wrong kind of petrol/gas or drive wildly down the street it's not Microsoft that's doing it.



Microsoft's biggest problem is trying to be all things to all people, but in their defense they have done an excellent job for the most part. The operating systems of the past are bleak by comparison.



Apple's Mac OS X avoids the issues Microsoft has by not supporting legacy hardware or technologies. And they also don't support hardware from any number of parties, they keep their system stable by keeping strict controls over it.

Answer 2

I think Microsoft, in part, have been complacent. They've also suffered from the usual problems associated with scale, with lots of bureaucracy blocking the way. In the case of HP, they'll never sell their next "new" printer if they don't make their existing ones just a bit crap.



Of course there are always alternatives. You could learn Linux. I made the switch about 6 years ago and never looked back.



One last note, there may be a few Bill Gates haters posting to this answer. Before you judge him take some time to learn about him. He's just another geek like the rest of us, albeit a very rich one. The company he founded is responsible for their software, not Gates.

Answer 3

You answered your own question. Once a company becomes a LARGE corporation, quality falls to the wayside. Greed becomes the primary driving element. People are pressured to produce. Plus, it is very difficult to manage such a large operation. Organizing a company with thousands of employees must be difficult. Things get out of control and the philosophy the business was founded on falls between the cracks. Gotta give the bast*rds the benefit of the doubt....



Greed rules the world, man.

Answer 4

THE main problem I have encounted with MS users is they have pirated software running with legit software. The "borrowed" stuff has been patched and often is eating out of the clock cycles.



MS made it a point to offshore their labor in an effort to maintain exclusive insights when there was plenty of domestic talent. I think it shows in the end product.

Answer 5

Microsoft can produce good software but it is always version 3.1 that works after that they go downhill again.

DOS 3.1

Windows 3.1

Word 3.1

were all excellent programmes with all the problems of earlier versions ironed out then they started to add bells and whistles complete with bugs.

Answer 6

Operator error? I have no problems.