Bugs in large computer systems in the past have led to failed space missions, airplane crashes, and the death of hospital patients. In the personal computer world, bugs in Norton Utilities 3.0 caused a huge number of problems, including corrupting vital system files that rendered computers inoperable. Many people who upgraded to Microsoft Windows 98 found that some of their programs or hardware peripherals no longer worked. Most PC bugs are caused by insufficient product development cycles. Companies often feel compelled to release versions every year or sooner to keep up with competition and maximize quarterly earnings figures.
Product testing is sacrificed.
Also, many bugs are inevitable, particularly those affecting WinTel machines. The popularity and open architecture of PCs running Microsoft Windows and based on an Intel or equivalent microprocessor has led to the development of hundreds of thousands of software and hardware products, and tracking the many millions of possible combinations is virtually impossible. Conflicts are the unavoidable result. Nonetheless, the computer industry is largely responsible. Too many companies feel it's cheaper to release buggy products and fix them only when there's an uproar.