Web Journal!

Okay, so you have an operating system used by millions of people, and want to update a dictionary file to add a handful of words to it. Pretty simple task, right? Just make an updated version of the dictionary file(s), run a diff to see what parts of the file were affected by the change, and then have users download a patch that updates the file. Should be a small download, oh, say the size of the updated words plus the size of the executable to find the affected files and apply the changes to them. Maybe somewhere in the area of 500 KB, maybe even a megabyte if you are a bit careless. WRONG! Apparently Microsoft decided that downloading a fresh copy of the entire dictionary file, plus "many additional support files" is a better decision. Better to the tune of 56.4 MB. 56.4 megabytes to add five measly words to the dictionary files for millions of users. Five words which together total 30 bytes. This update also can't just be swept under the carpet, no, it must be proudly proclaimed, as it is an "important" update. Important so as to justify its hefty size? What words are so important you ask? Well the earth-shatteringly important words that must be immediately added to everyone's dictionary sparing no expense (for example: bandwidth) are as follows:

• Friendster
• Klum
• Nazr
• Obama
• Racicot

That's it, those five words. Also, apparently Obama is an afterthought and is only being added to their dictionary as apparently McCain was already in there? This is just completely and utterly ridiculous! It is yet another reason to avoid Vista like the plague.

Further reading (in case you don't believe me):

The words "Friendster," "Klum," "Nazr," "Obama," and "Racicot" are not recognized when you check the spelling in Windows Vista and in Windows Server 2008

and

Download details: Update for Windows Vista (KB955020)

Also, why does a simple dictionary file update come with the following message: "After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer."?

Thanks to Forumopolis, there's probably good reason for cramming this update down our throats: "Friendster corrects to Fraudster. Klum goes to Kulx, Nazr to Nazi, Obama to Osama and Racicot to Racist." Wouldn't want those famous people (and website) to be upset about those autocorrections, now would you?