Re: Is anyone using UPnP anyway?
configuration of a router requires significant technical knowledge that most people do not possess nor will they possess. To do it properly needs a lot of wider IT related knowledge too.
Basic configuration of a HOME router? Surely you jest. It's significantly less complicated than, say, filing your tax report online, or indeed getting your new Windows laptop to work properly. The basic instructions and warnings would largely fit on 2 paper pages. We're talking about people who want Skype or their Playstation to work. These days it's litterally 4 fields on a configuration webpage (originating IP, port ; destination IP, port. That's it.). Some people argue that it's dangerous because lusers might open things they don't want open; that's ridiculous, since UPnP does exactly that but without any oversight -and without the end-user actually realizing that any such thing had happened at all.
Whith manual settings, you can individually disable each rule as soon as you think you don't need it anymore -just untick the box. Some home routers will even allow you to define specific periods of times in advance. How is that worse than letting any and all device set their own "holes" without you even knowing? (Yes, that is what UPnP does, by design).
It’s for manufacturers to be more responsible AND accountable.
Exactly. As much as car manufacturers should be held responsible for any and all car crash, or toy manufacturers should be held responsible for kids jumping out the window because they did not realize that the Superman costume did not grant flight ability. With your patronizing attitude, you -and many more- are that kid's parents.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
