I need to get something straight: QA and QC are different

Why must I point this out? Because programmers don't seem to get it and use these terms interchangeably

QA is QualityAssurance

but

QC is QualityControl

The difference is that QA inspects the process and QC controls the process and the end product

Testing, therefore is product oriented and thus is in the QC domain. Testing for quality isn't assuring quality, it's controlling it

Quality Assurance makes sure you are doing the right things, the right way

Quality Control makes sure the results of what you've done are what you expected

Why all the fuss?

There are lots of reasons to ensure the distinction between the two. Easily, the ones that come to mind are

You'll need to know the difference for CMM or ISO-9000

QC and QA may at times over lap and at times may be accomplished by the same people, but the QC and QA roles are different and must be addressed seperately

QC can not overrule QA and vise versa, they must work independantly but together to be effective