Although I completely agree with this is being a bug in the viewpoint of performance. I am reluctant it say never use this construct. I can see instance where it could be used. How about a Push/Pop type of utilization of the list? FIFO (First In First Out)? While at it's core it is less efficient; The question would be utilization? What is the unknown it's the //.. do something portion of the logic? What's it doing?? Is it going to take more that 5 seconds (based off a previous message)? Does the extra processing outweigh this performance hit? Can it ever break out the loop so fakeList.Clear() cannot be use? What about if I really need to go down the list and not up, and walking backwards isn't an option? I'm not very familiar with C#, so I cannot comment on List vs LinkedList and performance. However, sometimes there is a rational which a code was used. Sometimes it's just wrong. I have used this construct before, and still don't think it was incorrect, yet I wasn't working with a 10k or 100k list. Just my two cents, IMHO..

S Houghtelin wrote:

I'd rather spend 20 hours on a fix than pay some kid to pull out all the cards and say "I dunno" and charge me $75 to reformat my drive.

I go by another philosophy, when my computer is sick, I may spend 1-2 hours looking into the problem. Research, re-install drivers and the what not... However, if after a short time, I will format and re-install. Spending 20 hours costs way more than the additional few hours to re-install. And throughout the years, I have gotten really skilled in organizing my important file by backing up to another drive or machine, burn a ROM in cases of important data like tax returns. Hey, the benefits would be maybe time to upgrade OS (although I still run XP and don't intend to switch), or just to have a super clean machine and just re-install the apps I need when I need them. And relocate the Desktop to another drive. Simple and easy peezy.

Although, I know doesn't look all that good. There may be come consideration to optimization. Does the huge case statement cost less than a few function calls? Just a thought, and like to play devils advocate.

Kinda like rubber necking watching some TV show. You know what I'm talking about guys.. ;P

The issue may pertain if it possible to hack, windows update site. I suppose not, as the SSL via XML and the certificate may be the issue. Is it possible to fake what a user sees through a windows update? Well, consider this do a little phishing, and change the windows update shortcut on the start menu? Possible? Might be a **spoiler** but not necessarily, it will take a little doing and ole script kiddies well at least give em a challenge...

Personally to me, this is a very interesting question. Many moons ago (over 15 years), I had to make a decision similar to this. Of course, many moons ago technology choices were a little limiting with defined camps. So my decision was based on what I enjoyed doing the most? To which technology will can I see myself doing every day? Back in the day, many may laugh and some reminisce, I was mainly doing DOS based development and before any type GUI based development. The ole command line with line numbers in BASIC when the IBM/Intel based PC was a relatively new technology. Development languages were emerging and technologies growing in all directions. Being a little seasoned, already in the in industry for several years, experience with microcomputers and main frames. I did a little of this and a little of that from desktop publishing, database development and applications on the various platforms, the question was still what do I enjoy doing every day? I have digressed, but to make a longer story short, I did pick a technology I enjoyed. I learned every aspect of it inside and out. Like looking through the source code, understanding its design structures, how the entire system ran and relationships between the systems. I understood the system to the point where, I could make the thing sing and a cup of coffee. And I learned not just the technology or system, but I also picked up design, architecture and the appreciation of how development is an art form. Not knowing your background the answer would be make a choice that you will enjoy doing.