Breathalyzer software

SteveDallas · 05-15-2009, 10:49 AM

We don't often think about it (well, most of us don't), but every digital gadget around uses some kind of software that somebody had to write. We just sort of assume that devices like, say, breathalyzers, work the way they're supposed to. But maybe we shouldn't . . . .

Quote:

. . . the code is excessively complex, poorly maintained, and includes at least one reproducible bug—a buffer overflow error that will occur under specific conditions.

And that's just from the company that was paid by the gadget's manufacturer!

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/n...rce-review.ars

Elspode · 05-16-2009, 06:48 PM

The ultimate goal of breathalyzers is not to take drunks off of the road, but to take money from their pockets and inject it into the legal system. Therefore, the reliability of the software is irrelevant.

Radar guns, too.

jinx · 05-16-2009, 06:59 PM

Fuck 'em. Drunk drivers are scum, they don't deserve to have any money.

Elspode · 05-16-2009, 07:04 PM

Yeah, but they deserve to have a legitimate breath test.

jinx · 05-16-2009, 07:37 PM

I'm not gonna lose sleep over it... there are always blood tests.

lumberjim · 05-16-2009, 07:52 PM

i think they should be tested rectally

05-16-2009, 06:48 PM	#2
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	The ultimate goal of breathalyzers is not to take drunks off of the road, but to take money from their pockets and inject it into the legal system. Therefore, the reliability of the software is irrelevant. Radar guns, too. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

05-16-2009, 06:59 PM	#3
jinx Come on, cat. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: general vicinity of Philadelphia area Posts: 7,013	Fuck 'em. Drunk drivers are scum, they don't deserve to have any money. __________________ Crying won't help you, praying won't do you no good.

05-16-2009, 07:04 PM	#4
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	Yeah, but they deserve to have a legitimate breath test. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

05-16-2009, 07:37 PM	#5
jinx Come on, cat. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: general vicinity of Philadelphia area Posts: 7,013	I'm not gonna lose sleep over it... there are always blood tests. __________________ Crying won't help you, praying won't do you no good.

05-16-2009, 07:52 PM	#6
lumberjim I can hear my ears Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 25,571	i think they should be tested rectally __________________ This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality Embrace this moment, remember We are eternal, all this pain is an illusion ~MJKeenan

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