The review about this product
I really liked this book. From what I can tell, the author is a techie, a geek, and by nature fairly off the wall and sarcastic. This comes through loud and clear. Clearly, we all know that software can be annoying at best and generally aggravating. Whoever designs this stuff, probably does not use it. Or, worse yet, is software built by someone who assumes you were born knowing how to use their bits. IF that was not bad enough, enter the "Bad guys" who want to screw up your system for fun and profit. (No, not Microsoft, the malicious hackers.) And while I'm on the subject, there are greedy, money grubbing, world dominating hackers - Microsoft! I don't know what is worse - when they just ignore security or try to protect me with cute features like Outlook not letting me attach exe files! (If there was any truth in advertising - Microsoft would rename Outlook to "Look Out!")
This is a book you either love or hate. The cool thing is that Why Software Sucks has captured both the technical aspects and accumulated angst of both users and developers, and the poor folks they work for and with. This book talks about how things evolved to where they are. I really liked figure 3-1 and the chapter "Tangled in the Web"
In addition to the rants, raves, and off color humor, there is insightful commentary and advice on privacy, security, and usability. The author's recommendation to Alaska Airlines regarding their web site has actually made my life better. (I was surprised when Alaska updated their site, as customer service and usability are clearly lost arts to the airlines! - Now I understand their sudden insight ïŠ )
Overall, a great read and a lot of fun !
