Pet peeve: Volume controls

This annoying problem occurs on Win32 and Linux based platforms.

Problem: WTF is my sound?

Cause: Some stupid program or device has a volume control which gets inadvertently adjusted affecting playback.

Solution: Don’t fuck with the master volume control.

Do not put volume control functionality in your program. I beg of you. Current suspects are:

• Google video
• Rhythmbox
• Skype
• BBC‘S embedded realplayer applet