[Dominic Harr]

What is so special about software that makes it unlike, say, pharmaceuticals?

Pharmaceuticals are heavily tested before they're allowed to be sold to the public.

Interesting point, in fact, as it is a perfect example for what I mean. Once upon a time, pharmaceuticals put cocaine in cough syrup because they didn't have to tell anyone what went into their products. Only forcing them to publicly label the pharmaceuticals put an end to it.

Are you advocating a return to those days? Somehow I doubt it . . .

And we're not just talking about bugs and holes. Spyware is becoming a problem with software. I write financial information systems, and if I were of such a mind to, I could build in some pretty "useful" spyware.

Once upon a time, companies didn't want to release what they put into sausage

[Bush2000]

Pharmaceuticals are heavily tested before they're allowed to be sold to the public.

Ever hear of Thalidomide? Fen Phen? Didn't think so. Like software, all human products have bugs in them.

Interesting point, in fact, as it is a perfect example for what I mean. Once upon a time, pharmaceuticals put cocaine in cough syrup because they didn't have to tell anyone what went into their products. Only forcing them to publicly label the pharmaceuticals put an end to it.

A label is not equivalent to releasing the formula, Harr. Nice try. You want a label? Look at the outside of the Windows box. Done.

Are you advocating a return to those days? Somehow I doubt it . . .

Here ya go, Harr: 90% Operating System, 10% Middleware.

And we're not just talking about bugs and holes. Spyware is becoming a problem with software. I write financial information systems, and if I were of such a mind to, I could build in some pretty "useful" spyware.

I have to wonder how having the source code is going to help your mother or my grandmother find spyware.

Once upon a time, companies didn't want to release what they put into sausage

10% pig snouts ain't source code, Harr.