The Quicktime plugin keeps crashing Firefox so I finally install that iTunes update I’ve been putting off for ages (largely because Apple’s update software for Windows doesn’t work). There are pending Windows updates, so while I have all the windows closed anyway I reboot to do them.

On reboot, nTune hangs the machine until it is killed. The Windows update goes through. iTunes gives an error about not being installed correctly. I reboot again. The POST hangs at “detecting IDE devices”. I reset a couple of times trying to sort it, and finally yank the cable from my iPod because I’m convinced it is the cause of the delay. USB support disappears from my machine altogether and the POST hangs with a “keyboard not present” error. This problem persists through several power-cycles. The air is rent with cursing.

I find a PS/2 keyboard and get my machine to boot again. Once Windows loads, USB support magically returns and all my USB devices light up, including the keyboard. nTune hangs the machine until it is killed. I reinstall iTunes. It gives the same error. Another Windows update arrives. I search for the error in the Apple software forums. Apparently iTunes doesn’t install the correct drivers under x64 Windows. Why the fuck not, thinks I. I reboot again. nTune hangs the machine until it is killed. I uninstall nTune. I find, download and install the supposedly correct drivers for iTunes. It has no noticeable effect, as iTunes still gives the same error. As the error doesn’t actually stop iTunes from playing music or syncing my iPod, I decide to go to bed.

Apple annoyed me the most today, largely because they seem to throw their Windows software together without a great deal of care. Their automatic update software has never worked for me, and while iTunes has drivers for ripping CDs under XP x64 (I know this because my iTunes used to be able to do it) they don’t seem to bother making sure the installer does the right thing.

I know they can do software right. My Macs are evidence of this. Why don’t they do it for all of their software?