Spam

I don't trust software. I've spent over 25 years in the software industry. I've worked on many - big user applications, simple utilities, hardware drivers, embedded firmware. I am very familiar with software. And that is why I don't trust it.

I don't trust it because I know how difficult it is to write error-free code. On a system with moderate to high complexity it is nearly impossible. Despite the developer's best intentions and testing efforts, there are always nooks and crannies, dark corners where bugs can hide. On the best programs, these are obscure situations that are unlikely to occur. The problem gets even harder if the program must interact with humans. People do such unpredictable things.

This all leads me to a piece of software that I trust the least - the spam filter on my email. I would hate to try to write such a piece of code. It's really the worst-case scenario. Not only does it interact with humans, but it must combat humans and other programs that are purposefully trying to outsmart it. I admire my filter but I have a hard time believing it always makes the right choice. The fact that I rarely see spam in my inbox does not reassure me. Instead, it makes me worry that the filter is too restrictive and may be throwing legitimate emails away. Because of this paranoia, I occasionally sift through my spam folder.

A few months ago, I was looking through my spam folder when a single message caught my eye. At first, it looked similar to the rest of the junk in the folder. It purported to be in regards to a lawsuit/settlement over a PC problem. There were other messages in the folder about lawsuits and settlements but this one just looked different. I cautiously opened the email to get a closer look.

A few years ago, I bought a rather expensive laptop. After a couple of years of intermittent problems and manufacturer recalls, it finally died. The warranty had expired on it and I was disgusted with the computer and its maker. After reading online about other people having similar issues with similar computers I realized that the problems with my laptop were severe. I was aware that there was a movement afoot to get some sort of restitution, but I didn't hold out much hope that I would ever see anything. I put my expensive laptop in the closet and forgot about it.

One of the things that caught my eye with the email message was that it listed my laptop model number along with the details of the problem, which I had earlier researched. I did some further checking and convinced myself that the message was real. The email led me to a web site and to court records. Weeks later, I was packaging up the dusty laptop in a pre-paid shipping container and sending it in for a replacement.

My replacement laptop arrived yesterday. It seems nice - maybe not top of the line, but probably better than my original laptop given that 5 years have passed.

I'll likely use it when I occasionally check my spam folder in the future.