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History of Software Patches?

NinaBeth asks: "I'm interested in the history behind software patches for an academic paper I'm writing. In particularly, I'm wondering what motivates shrink-wrap software companies to release patches? Why send out 'broken software'? Is it purely financial? Has anyone done a cost-savings analysis of QC prior to release versus user-reported problems? Any stats on the average number of patches an application will require? Is any one particular company more patch-happy than others? I don't need much, just a reference or two would be helpful. Thanks for any suggestions!"

2 of 39 comments (clear)

  1. Troll. by Marsh+Jedi · · Score: 0, Troll

    Why send out 'broken software'? Is it purely financial?

    This entire story is a troll.

  2. Dear Slashdot!! by Wakko+Warner · · Score: 2, Troll

    I have a paper to write, and I'm too damned lazy to research it. Can you guys do it for me? Please be as specific as possible, and try to include full references if you can.

    Thanks for all the help!!

    - A.P.

    --
    "Remember when the U.S. had a drug problem, and then we declared a War On Drugs, and now you can't buy drugs anymore?"