Modern websites, bloated with JavaScript and complex designs, are increasingly demanding on older PC hardware. This makes browsing with older machines a slow and frustrating experience, effectively rendering them obsolete for general internet use, even if they are perfectly capable of handling other tasks. The video demonstrates this by comparing the performance of a modern high-end PC with older machines, highlighting the significant difference in loading times and resource usage when browsing current websites. This trend pushes users towards newer hardware, contributing to e-waste even when older machines are still functionally viable for less demanding applications.
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is discreetly funding community-owned fiber optic networks, bringing affordable, high-speed internet access to underserved areas. These networks offer gigabit speeds for just $50-$65 per month, significantly undercutting incumbent ISPs often providing slower speeds at higher prices. This funding is helping bridge the digital divide by empowering communities to build and control their own internet infrastructure, fostering local economic development and improving access to essential services.
Hacker News commenters generally lauded the ARPA-funded community-owned fiber initiatives. Several pointed out the significant difference between publicly owned/community-owned networks and the usual private ISP model, highlighting the potential for better service, lower prices, and local control. Some expressed concerns about the long-term sustainability and scalability of these projects, questioning whether the initial funding would be enough and if these smaller networks could compete with established giants. Others noted the importance of community engagement and technical expertise for success. A recurring theme was the frustration with existing ISPs and their perceived lack of investment in underserved areas, with commenters expressing hope that these community projects could serve as a model for broader change. Several commenters also discussed the regulatory hurdles and lobbying power of incumbent ISPs, emphasizing the need for continued public support and advocacy for these alternative models.
People without smartphones face increasing disadvantages in daily life as essential services like banking, healthcare, and parking increasingly rely on app-based access. Campaigners argue this digital exclusion unfairly penalizes vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals who may not be able to afford or operate a smartphone. This "app tyranny" limits access to basic services, creating a two-tiered system and exacerbating existing inequalities. They call for alternative access options to ensure inclusivity and prevent further marginalization of those without smartphones.
Hacker News commenters largely agree that over-reliance on smartphones creates unfair disadvantages for those without them, particularly regarding essential services and accessibility. Several point out the increasing difficulty of accessing healthcare, banking, and government services without a smartphone. Some commenters suggest this trend is driven by cost-cutting measures disguised as "convenience" and highlight the digital divide's impact on vulnerable populations. Others discuss the privacy implications of mandatory app usage and the lack of viable alternatives for those who prefer not to use smartphones. A few argue that while some inconvenience is inevitable with technological advancement, essential services should offer alternative access methods. The lack of meaningful competition in the mobile OS market is also mentioned as a contributing factor to the problem.
Summary of Comments ( 109 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43226546
Hacker News users discussed the challenges of running modern web browsers on older hardware. Several commenters pointed to the increasing bloat and resource demands of browsers like Chrome and Firefox, making them unusable on machines that could otherwise handle less demanding tasks. Some suggested that the shift to web apps contributes to the problem, blurring the lines between simple websites and full-fledged applications. Others recommended lightweight alternatives like Pale Moon or using a lightweight OS to extend the life of older machines. The idea of planned obsolescence was also raised, with some speculating that browser developers intentionally allow performance to degrade on older hardware. A few users pushed back, arguing that web development advancements often benefit users and that supporting older systems indefinitely isn't feasible.
The Hacker News post titled "The internet is killing old PC hardware [video]" sparked a discussion with several insightful comments focusing on the increasing demands of modern web browsing. Users generally agreed with the premise of the linked YouTube video, which argues that bloated websites and web applications are making older hardware obsolete.
Several commenters pointed to the prevalence of JavaScript and complex web frameworks as a primary culprit. One commenter specifically mentioned the shift from server-side rendering to client-side rendering, which puts more processing burden on the user's machine. This was echoed by another who highlighted the increasing use of JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, which, while offering rich user experiences, often come at the cost of performance, especially on older hardware.
Another commenter suggested that advertising and tracking scripts also contribute significantly to the bloat, consuming resources and slowing down browsing speeds. This was further elaborated upon by others who noted the increasing number of third-party scripts embedded in web pages, many of which are not essential for core functionality.
The increasing use of HTTPS and encryption, while beneficial for security, was also mentioned as adding overhead and contributing to the performance issues on older hardware. One comment highlighted the computational cost of encryption and decryption, which can be particularly taxing for less powerful processors.
Beyond the technical aspects, some comments touched on the economic implications. One commenter argued that the constant push for "newer and shinier" websites and the rapid obsolescence of older hardware contribute to e-waste and unsustainable consumption patterns. Another suggested that the increasing demands of web browsing create a digital divide, excluding users with limited access to newer, more powerful devices.
Some users also shared personal anecdotes and experiences. One mentioned struggling to browse modern websites on an older laptop, while another pointed out the irony of websites promoting sustainability while simultaneously contributing to the problem by requiring powerful hardware.
A few comments offered potential solutions, including using browser extensions to block ads and scripts, as well as opting for lighter-weight browsers or operating systems. One user suggested that developers need to be more mindful of performance and optimize their websites for a wider range of hardware.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News reflected a general consensus that the increasing demands of modern web browsing are indeed making older PC hardware obsolete. The discussion highlighted the various factors contributing to this issue, from JavaScript frameworks and advertising to encryption and the constant push for newer technologies. The comments also touched upon the broader implications of this trend, including e-waste, the digital divide, and the need for more sustainable web development practices.