It sends data about the crash to Netscape. Tossing out Talkback will cure the problem and not harm Communicator. Most of these problems will be solved pretty quickly, and everyone will be able to use Mac OS 9 before Christmas. You'll read a lot of nasty hyperbole from software publishers about how Apple blind-sided them with massive operating system changes. This has been a very successful Microsoft strategy for many years.
Developers make lots of money selling upgrades.
Everybody except the consumer wins. The November 23 meeting of the Louisville Computer Society will have demonstrations of various digital cameras, just in time for Santa to slip one into your stocking. Everyone is welcome to attend.