Re: kernel panic with aol

Chu-En Ginsberg wrote
(in article <O4GdnW_DjLo3aRjeRVnygA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>):

> Randy Howard wrote:
>> nlehrer@xxxxxxxxx wrote
>> (in article
>> <1132849081.618578.46580@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>):
>>
>>
>>> hi,
>>>
>>> we just got an imac for my mother-in-law. os x 10.4, 512 MB mem. she
>>> uses it with aol, 10.3, on dialup. it frequently kernel panics during
>>> use with aol. so far, applecare points to aol, and aol points to
>>> apple. any suggestions on resolving this issue would be great. thanks.
>>
>>
>> Well, it is probably the AOL software inducing the panic. That
>> said, it is still Apple's fault. Kernel panics should not
>> happen because of an application. Ever. Any time a kernel
>> panic comes up using an app, that is a kernel bug that needs
>> fixing. No exceptions. So, whether AOL induces it or not, it
>> is still Apple's responsibility.
>
> What you appear to be saying that AOL's software is buggy but that Apple
> should fix it!

Correct. Slow down and read the above again. Kernel panics are
an overt pointer to a bug in the kernel. Usually drivers can
expose kernel panics easier, and even then it is still a kernel
problem. The kernel is supposed to be hardened so as to not get
into a situation where it can't proceed (i.e. a panic trap).
Any time an application can induce a panic in the kernel, for
whatever reason, that implies that there is a whole in the
'defense' for the kernel. When a stress test tool panics a
computer, it is not the stress tool's fault, it is the kernel.
The same is true for AOL software.

In fact, the AOL software may be doing everything 'buy the
book', but in a way that Apple never tested for before. If the
kernel panics, at all, there is only one place to look for a
solution. No user-level application code should be able to
induce one, or any reason.

> Judging by the way the AOL are currently losing customers hand over
> fist, a better suggestion might be to find a decent ISP.

That's a different point entirely.


--
Randy Howard (2reply remove FOOBAR)
"The power of accurate observation is called cynicism by those
who have not got it." - George Bernard Shaw





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