Microsoft automatic update nagged at me for a couple of days regarding a security patch which I should supposedly install. I run a total of five computers at home, four of which run Linux exclusively; the other is a dual-boot system with both Linux and Windows XP installed. The gateway is a Linux box running iptables, providing firewall protection for the internal systems.
Along with thousands of others across the globe, installation of this "security" patch knocked me off the 'net! It turns out that the patch changes the network configuration files such that Check Point's Zone Alarm can no longer function correctly. That users of Microsoft's own firewall weren't affected is not really surprising. What WAS impressive was the extraordinary effort put forth by Check Point in order to deliver a solution within 24 hours of the Microsoft patch release.
I took me about 24 hours to get my system back up and talking to the 'net. Multiple cycles of software installs, removals, reboots, etc. and I was finally able to get reconnected. I followed all the on-line solutions posted but they didn't work for me. I honestly don't know what the "magic bullet" was since I wasn't recording every step in the process. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut and rely on experience. The outcome was positive but the process was incredibly painful.
The issue here is that when you start messing about with DNS resolution, even when you're trying to address a potential DNS spoofing attack, it behooves you to exercise "due diligence". The QA process obviously failed since Microsoft didn't test with one of the most pervasive third-party firewall solutions in the world today. Breaking other people's software is simply unacceptable. When you force other companies to incur costs, that's hardly what I consider to be fair trade practices.
It turns out that even Apple isn't immune to making mistakes. While their track record is much better than Microsoft's, battery issues with the iPod and iBook product lines have caused much consumer frustration. The activation issues with the iPhone G3 underscore how important it is to build an infrastructure which can handle the load when you launch a new product. That Apple, of all companies, dropped the ball on this one is inexcusable. We have far too much experience in the industry to improperly size the activation servers for such a momentous occasion.
I was amazed when I first saw the iPhone! The touch screen, the GUI, it was all so incredibly neat. If I was to carry only one portable device, it would have to be the iPhone. But I started thinking about it and realized that I don't really like all-in-one devices. I want a cellular telephone which just makes calls, not one which includes a digital camera. I have a Creative Muvo MP3 player with FM tuner and a ZEN with MPEG4 player. Why would I need yet another device which duplicates functionality I already have?
This is actually linked to the previous item. Since Rogers/Fido has the only GSM network in Canada, they were the only possible provider for iPhones in this country. Unfortunately, they don't exactly have a "stellar" reputation when it comes to customer support or product pricing. You don't have to take my word on this: search the 'net and make your own determination. The three-year contract term and pricing led some 60,000 people to register their discontent on ruinediphone.com.
Rogers also implemented an "opt out" pricing policy for cable services. When they introduced new channel packages, it was left up to the customers to opt out else they'd be billed automatically for the new package. In other words, the service provider could increase the monthly charges without securing the permission of their customers! Needless to say, this didn't sit well with subscribers. It's not a smart way to engender customer fealty.
Given the above, I've decided that, no matter how sexy the iPhone might be, I'm not planning on signing myself up for total billings of ~$4,000 over the next three years. I might have paid $400 for a contract-free Motorolla RAZRV3 but it works quite well for me and I purchase air-time as required. The holster keeps the 'phone securely on my belt and the vibrate mode ensures that I don't disturb my co-workers in the office environment.
But as one door closes, another opens. The CRTC is currently auctioning off bandwidth which could make prescient companies or individuals a fortune! Imagine if you were to bid on, and secure, the spectrums necessary to provide an alternate GSM network in Canada. Since Rogers doesn't have an exclusive arrangement with Apple (unlike AT&T in the United States), you could provide an unlimited data plan and sell millions of iPhones. Make up in volume what you lose in price and there's serious profit potential there.
As always, these are just my opinions and observations. Your mileage may vary.