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In a perfect world, every software and hardware
vendor would rigorously test all of their products on all
operating systems and service packs.
But, with more than a half-dozen current
versions of Microsoft Windows on small business PCs, and the many
service releases and service packs required to keep operating
systems functioning reliably, there are lots of opportunities for
vendors to drop the ball. Unfortunately, this carelessness in
software integration, testing and quality assurance can cause serious,
expensive computer support migraines.
Software Reliability & The Value of Testing as Part of Your
Due Diligence
Technology professionals routinely test any unknown
piece of software and hardware in a controlled, simulated lab
environment, before deploying it on mission-critical user
systems. In larger companies with big Information Technology (IT)
departments, these kinds of best practices are commonplace.
Note:
Before installing new software or hardware on a server, it
is even more crucial to perform this kind of testing.
Unlike a desktop PC, a crashed server easily could cripple
your entire company.
In small businesses, where the only formal IT
support is often from an internal guru or outsourced computer
consultant, many times the due diligence is glossed over.
However, because installing a flaky piece of
software or hardware can crash a PC, ignoring the need for testing
can be a huge mistake. Until now, you could do little besides
doing your homework, to protect yourself from this risk.
Fortunately, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional introduced a
feature to protect the innocent.
Software Reliability Tools to Protect the Innocent
Windows File Protection can prevent one
software vendor’s files from overwriting another software
vendor’s key system files. Unguarded, this file egotism,
especially when affecting a key operating system file in the crucial
..\system32
folder, can trash your PC configuration.
Making for a much more reliable PC
configuration, Windows File Protection automatically prevents
these critical files from being inadvertently replaced.
Device Driver Signing, also introduced with
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, ensures that the hardware
device drivers you are about to install have passed the
Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Labs testing. Or, alternatively,
if the device drivers are not signed, you are warned.
Just as important, the Windows File Protection
and Device Driver Signing can help save your small business from the
huge expense of an emergency service call from your local
computer consultant.
Software Reliability Action Items
Have you ever installed third-party
software or hardware whose installation broke something else in the
process?
In evaluating third-party software and
hardware for your computer systems, do you ask about quality control
procedures and compatibility testing?
Do these third-party software and hardware
vendors submit their products to Microsoft for operating system
certification?
How much confidence do you have that
third-party vendors are testing their products for all major
versions of Microsoft Windows, with all possible service packs and
patches, and all common hardware configurations?
Do you do your own testing in a controlled
lab environment of all new third-party software and hardware before
installing these products into your mission critical systems?
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