Bill Gates reflects on the recently released Altair BASIC source code, a pivotal moment in Microsoft's history. He reminisces about the challenges and excitement of developing this early software for the Altair 8800 with Paul Allen, including the limited memory constraints and the thrill of seeing it run successfully for the first time. Gates emphasizes the importance of this foundational work, highlighting how it propelled both Microsoft and the broader personal computer revolution forward. He also notes the collaborative nature of early software development and encourages exploration of the code as a window into the past.
Four early Microsoft employees reflect on the company's nascent years, painting a picture of a demanding yet exhilarating environment. They describe long hours fueled by passion and a shared belief in the transformative power of personal computing. From cramped offices to late-night coding sessions, the article highlights the scrappy, collaborative culture that defined early Microsoft, emphasizing the dedication and camaraderie that propelled the company's rapid growth. These firsthand accounts reveal not just the technical challenges overcome, but the personal sacrifices and deep connections forged during Microsoft's formative period.
HN commenters largely reminisce about their own experiences with early Microsoft products and the company's impact on the tech industry. Several share anecdotes about using early versions of Windows, MS-DOS, and various development tools, recalling both the excitement and frustrations of those early days. Some commenters discuss the company's shift in focus over time, contrasting its earlier, more innovative reputation with its current perception as a more corporate entity. A few highlight the importance of Microsoft's role in popularizing personal computing and its influence on subsequent tech giants. Others express skepticism about the rosy portrayal of the company's history, pointing to its past anti-competitive practices. Overall, the comments reflect a mix of nostalgia, respect, and critical reflection on Microsoft's legacy.
Windows 11's latest Insider build further cements the requirement of a Microsoft account for Home and Pro edition users during initial setup. While previous workarounds allowed local account creation, this update eliminates those loopholes, forcing users to sign in with a Microsoft account before accessing the desktop. Microsoft claims this provides a consistent experience across Windows 11 features and devices. However, this change limits user choice and potentially raises privacy concerns for those preferring local accounts. Pro users setting up Windows 11 on their workplace network will be exempt from this requirement, allowing them to directly join Azure Active Directory or Active Directory.
Hacker News users largely expressed frustration and cynicism towards Microsoft's increased push for mandatory account sign-ins in Windows 11. Several commenters saw this as a continuation of Microsoft's trend of prioritizing advertising revenue and data collection over user experience and privacy. Some discussed workarounds, like using local accounts during initial setup and disabling connected services later, while others lamented the gradual erosion of local account functionality. A few pointed out the irony of Microsoft's stance on user choice given their past criticisms of similar practices by other tech companies. Several commenters suggested that this move further solidified Linux as a preferable alternative for privacy-conscious users.
Microsoft's older USB mice often included a small USB-to-PS/2 adapter. This adapter wasn't just a passive wiring converter; it contained active circuitry that translated USB signals into PS/2 signals. This allowed the mouse to function on computers with only PS/2 ports, and importantly, enabled support for the "Wake-on-Mouse" feature in some systems, which required a PS/2 connection. The adapter effectively made the USB mouse appear as a PS/2 device to the computer's BIOS, enabling this functionality even on motherboards lacking USB wake support. Therefore, discarding the seemingly insignificant adapter meant losing the potential for wake-on-mouse capabilities.
Hacker News users discuss the intricacies of the Microsoft USB-to-PS/2 adapter, focusing on its active conversion of USB signals to PS/2 rather than simple pin mapping. Several commenters praise the adapter's sophistication, highlighting its ability to handle higher polling rates than standard PS/2 and even emulate multiple PS/2 devices from a single USB port. Some express surprise at learning this detail, having previously assumed passive conversion. Others reminisce about similar PS/2 to serial port adapters, while some debate the technical challenges and cleverness of the implementation. The discussion touches on the historical context of transitioning between these technologies, the complexities of bidirectional communication, and the surprising amount of intelligence packed into this seemingly simple adapter.
Nature reports that Microsoft's claim of creating a topological qubit, a key step towards fault-tolerant quantum computing, remains unproven. While Microsoft published a paper presenting evidence for the existence of Majorana zero modes, which are crucial for topological qubits, the scientific community remains skeptical. Independent researchers have yet to replicate Microsoft's findings, and some suggest that the observed signals could be explained by other phenomena. The Nature article highlights the need for further research and independent verification before Microsoft's claim can be validated. The company continues to work on scaling up its platform, but achieving a truly fault-tolerant quantum computer based on this technology remains a distant prospect.
Hacker News users discuss Microsoft's quantum computing claims with skepticism, focusing on the lack of peer review and independent verification of their "majorana zero mode" breakthrough. Several commenters highlight the history of retracted papers and unfulfilled promises in the field, urging caution. Some point out the potential financial motivations behind Microsoft's announcements, while others note the difficulty of replicating complex experiments and the general challenges in building a scalable quantum computer. The reliance on "future milestones" rather than present evidence is a recurring theme in the criticism, with commenters expressing a "wait-and-see" attitude towards Microsoft's claims. Some also debate the scientific process itself, discussing the role of preprints and the challenges of validating groundbreaking research.
Microsoft is developing a new TypeScript compiler implementation called "tsc-native" built using native C++. This new compiler aims to drastically improve TypeScript compilation speed, potentially making it up to 10x faster than the existing JavaScript-based compiler. The project leverages the V8 JavaScript engine's TurboFan JIT compiler to optimize performance-critical parts of the type checking process. While still experimental, initial benchmarks show significant improvements, particularly for large projects. The team is actively working on refining the compiler and invites community feedback as they progress towards a production-ready release.
Hacker News users discussed the potential impact of a native TypeScript compiler. Some expressed skepticism about the claimed 10x speed improvement, emphasizing the need for real-world benchmarks and noting that compile times aren't always the bottleneck in TypeScript development. Others questioned the long-term viability of the project given Microsoft's previous attempts at native compilation. Several commenters pointed out that JavaScript's dynamic nature presents inherent challenges for ahead-of-time compilation and optimization, and wondered how the project would address issues like runtime type checking and dynamic module loading. There was also interest in whether the native compiler would support features like decorators and reflection. Some users expressed hope that a faster compiler could enable new use cases for TypeScript, like scripting and game development.
This video showcases a young, energetic Steve Ballmer enthusiastically pitching the then-new Microsoft Windows 1.0. He highlights key features like the graphical user interface, multitasking capabilities (running multiple programs simultaneously), and the use of a mouse for easier navigation, contrasting it with the command-line interface prevalent at the time. Ballmer emphasizes the user-friendliness and productivity gains of Windows, demonstrating basic operations like opening and closing windows, switching between applications, and using paint software. He positions Windows as a revolutionary advancement in personal computing, promising a more intuitive and efficient working experience.
Commenters on Hacker News reacted to the Windows 1.0 video with a mix of nostalgia and amusement. Several noted the awkwardness of early software demos, particularly Ballmer's forced enthusiasm and the clunky interface. Some reminisced about their own experiences with early versions of Windows, while others pointed out the historical significance of the moment and how far personal computing has come. A few highlighted the surprisingly high system requirements for the time, and the relative affordability compared to other graphical interfaces like the Macintosh. There was some debate about the actual usefulness of Windows 1.0 and whether it was truly a "killer app." Overall, the comments reflected a sense of appreciation for the historical context of the video and the progress made since then.
According to a TechStartups report, Microsoft is reportedly developing its own AI chips, codenamed "Athena," to reduce its reliance on Nvidia and potentially OpenAI. This move towards internal AI hardware development suggests a long-term strategy where Microsoft could operate its large language models independently. While currently deeply invested in OpenAI, developing its own hardware gives Microsoft more control and potentially reduces costs associated with reliance on external providers in the future. This doesn't necessarily mean a complete break with OpenAI, but it positions Microsoft for greater independence in the evolving AI landscape.
Hacker News commenters are skeptical of the article's premise, pointing out that Microsoft has invested heavily in OpenAI and integrated their technology deeply into their products. They suggest the article misinterprets Microsoft's exploration of alternative AI models as a plan to abandon OpenAI entirely. Several commenters believe it's more likely Microsoft is hedging their bets, ensuring they aren't solely reliant on one company for AI capabilities while continuing their partnership with OpenAI. Some discuss the potential for competitive pressure from Google and the desire to diversify AI resources to address different needs and price points. A few highlight the complexities of large business relationships, arguing that the situation is likely more nuanced than the article portrays.
A vulnerability in Microsoft Partner Center (partner.microsoft.com) allowed unauthenticated users to access internal resources. Specifically, improperly configured Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) application and service principal permissions enabled unauthorized access to certain Partner Center APIs. This misconfiguration potentially exposed sensitive business information related to Microsoft partners. Microsoft addressed the vulnerability by correcting the Azure AD application and service principal permissions to prevent unauthorized access.
HN users discuss the lack of detail in the CVE report for CVE-2024-49035, making it difficult to assess the actual impact. Some speculate about the potential severity, ranging from trivial to highly impactful depending on the specific exposed data and functionality. The vagueness also raises questions about Microsoft's disclosure process and the potential for more serious underlying issues. Several commenters note the irony of a vulnerability on a partner security portal, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining perfect security even for organizations focused on it. One user questions the use of "unauthenticated access" in the title, suggesting it might be misleading without knowing what level of access was granted.
Microsoft has introduced Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX) Copilot, an AI-powered assistant designed to reduce administrative burdens on healthcare professionals. It automates note-taking during patient visits, generating clinical documentation that can be reviewed and edited by the physician. DAX Copilot leverages ambient AI and large language models to create summaries, suggest diagnoses and treatments based on doctor-patient conversations, and integrate information with electronic health records. This aims to free up doctors to focus more on patient care, potentially improving both physician and patient experience.
HN commenters express skepticism and concern about Microsoft's Dragon Copilot for healthcare. Several doubt its practical utility, citing the complexity and nuance of medical interactions as difficult for AI to handle effectively. Privacy is a major concern, with commenters questioning data security and the potential for misuse. Some highlight the existing challenges of EHR integration and suggest Copilot may exacerbate these issues rather than solve them. A few express cautious optimism, hoping it could handle administrative tasks and free up doctors' time, but overall the sentiment leans toward pragmatic doubt about the touted benefits. There's also discussion of the hype cycle surrounding AI and whether this is another example of overpromising.
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (Beta Channel) brings several fixes and improvements. Key changes include resolving an explorer.exe crash, improving Narrator performance with large amounts of text, fixing an issue affecting the reliability of Start menu badges, and addressing problems with app defaults and searchindexer.exe crashes. This build also removes the previously available live captions settings within Quick Settings, directing users to the full settings page instead. While this build doesn't introduce new features, it focuses on stability and bug fixes for a smoother user experience.
Hacker News users discuss the new features in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build, mostly focusing on practical improvements rather than revolutionary changes. Several commenters express appreciation for the return of ungrouped taskbar icons, viewing it as a positive step back from a less popular design choice. Some discuss the new screen recording feature in Snipping Tool, noting its basic functionality and comparing it to existing third-party options. Others mention the addition of a native VPN status indicator in the system tray, considering it a welcome, if overdue, feature. A few comments also touch on more technical aspects, such as the performance improvements and changes to Windows Ink. Overall, the sentiment seems to be one of cautious optimism, with users appreciating the iterative improvements but remaining somewhat reserved about the overall direction of Windows 11.
Microsoft is shutting down its classic Skype for Business Online service on May 5, 2025. The company has been encouraging users to migrate to Microsoft Teams, its newer communication and collaboration platform, for several years. While consumer Skype will remain unaffected, businesses still using the legacy Skype for Business platform are urged to complete their transition to Teams before the deadline to avoid disruption. Microsoft highlights Teams' enhanced features and integration with other Microsoft 365 services as key benefits of the switch.
Hacker News commenters largely lament the loss of Skype, focusing on its previously excellent quality and reliability, particularly for international calls. Many express frustration with Microsoft's handling of the platform, believing they intentionally let it degrade after acquisition. Some suggest Microsoft prioritized Teams integration to the detriment of Skype's core functionality. Alternatives like Zoom, Teams, and Discord are discussed, but several users feel none fully replicate Skype's specific strengths, like its robust handling of poor connections. A few commenters also reminisce about Skype's history and innovative features, noting its pioneering role in video calling and screen sharing.
Reports suggest Microsoft is planning to shut down Skype for Business Server in 2025, although the consumer Skype app will seemingly remain. After acquiring Skype in 2011, Microsoft gradually shifted focus to its Teams platform, integrating many of Skype's features and positioning Teams as the preferred communication tool for both business and personal use. This has led to a perceived neglect of Skype, with limited updates and dwindling user engagement, ultimately paving the way for its eventual demise in the enterprise space.
Hacker News users generally agree that Skype's decline is attributable to Microsoft's mismanagement. Several commenters point to missed opportunities, like failing to capitalize on mobile messaging and neglecting the platform's UI/UX, leading to a clunky and less desirable experience compared to competitors. Some users reminisced about Skype's early dominance in video calling, while others criticized the integration of Lync/SfB, arguing it made Skype more complex and less appealing for personal use. The forced migration of Skype users to Teams is also a common complaint, with many expressing frustration over the loss of features and a perceived degradation in call quality. A few commenters suggest the downfall began with the eBay acquisition and subsequent sale to Microsoft, highlighting a series of poor decisions that ultimately led to Skype's demise. There's a sense of disappointment in what Skype could have been, coupled with resignation to its inevitable fate.
Microsoft Edge users are reporting that the browser is disabling installed extensions, including popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin, without user permission. This appears to be related to a controlled rollout of a new mandatory extension called "Extensions Notifications" which seems to conflict with existing extensions, causing them to be automatically turned off. The issue is not affecting all users, suggesting it's an A/B test or staged rollout by Microsoft. While the exact purpose of the new extension is unclear, it might be intended to improve extension management or notify users about potentially malicious add-ons.
HN users largely express skepticism and concern over Microsoft disabling extensions in Edge. Several doubt the claim that it's unintentional, citing Microsoft's history of pushing its own products and services. Some suggest it's a bug related to sync or profile management, while others propose it's a deliberate attempt to steer users towards Microsoft's built-in tracking prevention or Edge's own ad platform. The potential for this behavior to erode user trust and push people towards other browsers is a recurring theme. Many commenters share personal anecdotes of Edge's aggressive defaults and unwanted behaviors, further fueling the suspicion around this incident. A few users provide technical insights, suggesting possible mechanisms behind the disabling, like manifest mismatches or corrupted profiles, and offering troubleshooting advice.
The YouTube video "Microsoft is Getting Rusty" argues that Microsoft is increasingly adopting the Rust programming language due to its memory safety and performance benefits, particularly in areas where C++ has historically been problematic. The video highlights Microsoft's growing use of Rust in various projects like Azure and Windows, citing examples like rewriting core Windows components. It emphasizes that while C++ remains important, Rust is seen as a crucial tool for improving the security and reliability of Microsoft's software, and suggests this trend will likely continue as Rust matures and gains wider adoption within the company.
Hacker News users discussed Microsoft's increasing use of Rust, generally expressing optimism about its memory safety benefits and suitability for performance-sensitive systems programming. Some commenters noted Rust's steep learning curve, but acknowledged its potential to mitigate vulnerabilities prevalent in C/C++ codebases. Several users shared personal experiences with Rust, highlighting its positive impact on their projects. The discussion also touched upon the challenges of integrating Rust into existing projects and the importance of tooling and community support. A few comments expressed skepticism, questioning the long-term viability of Rust and its ability to fully replace C/C++. Overall, the comments reflect a cautious but positive outlook on Microsoft's adoption of Rust.
Microsoft has reportedly canceled leases for data center space in Silicon Valley previously intended for artificial intelligence development. Analyst Matthew Ball suggests this move signals a shift in Microsoft's AI infrastructure strategy, possibly consolidating resources into larger, more efficient locations like its existing Azure data centers. This comes amid increasing demand for AI computing power and as Microsoft heavily invests in AI technologies like OpenAI. While the canceled leases represent a relatively small portion of Microsoft's overall data center footprint, the decision offers a glimpse into the company's evolving approach to AI infrastructure management.
Hacker News users discuss the potential implications of Microsoft canceling data center leases, primarily focusing on the balance between current AI hype and actual demand. Some speculate that Microsoft overestimated the immediate need for AI-specific infrastructure, potentially due to inflated expectations or a strategic shift towards prioritizing existing resources. Others suggest the move reflects a broader industry trend of reevaluating data center needs amidst economic uncertainty. A few commenters question the accuracy of the reporting, emphasizing the lack of official confirmation from Microsoft and the possibility of misinterpreting standard lease adjustments as a significant pullback. The overall sentiment seems to be cautious optimism about AI's future while acknowledging the potential for a market correction.
Scott Aaronson's blog post addresses the excitement and skepticism surrounding Microsoft's recent claim of creating Majorana zero modes, a key component for topological quantum computation. Aaronson explains the significance of this claim, which, if true, represents a major milestone towards fault-tolerant quantum computing. He clarifies that while Microsoft hasn't built a topological qubit yet, they've presented evidence suggesting they've created the underlying physical ingredients. He emphasizes the cautious optimism warranted, given the history of retracted claims in this field, while also highlighting the strength of the new data compared to previous attempts. He then delves into the technical details of the experiment, explaining concepts like topological protection and the challenges involved in manipulating and measuring Majorana zero modes.
The Hacker News comments express cautious optimism and skepticism regarding Microsoft's claims about achieving a topological qubit. Several commenters question the reproducibility of the results, pointing out the history of retracted claims in the field. Some highlight the difficulty of distinguishing Majorana zero modes from other phenomena, and the need for independent verification. Others discuss the implications of this breakthrough if true, including its potential impact on fault-tolerant quantum computing and the timeline for practical applications. There's also debate about the accessibility of Microsoft's data and the level of detail provided in their publication. A few commenters express excitement about the potential of topological quantum computing, while others remain more reserved, advocating for a "wait-and-see" approach.
Microsoft has announced Majorana 1, a quantum processor built using topological qubits. This marks a significant milestone as it's the first processor of its kind and a major step towards Microsoft's goal of building a fault-tolerant quantum computer. Topological qubits are theorized to be more stable and less prone to errors than other qubit types, a key hurdle in quantum computing development. Microsoft claims they've demonstrated the existence of Majorana zero modes, the foundation of their topological qubit, and are now working towards demonstrating braiding, a crucial operation for topological quantum computation. While still early, this development represents significant progress in Microsoft's unique approach to quantum computing.
Hacker News users expressed significant skepticism towards Microsoft's claims about Majorana-based topological qubits. Several commenters highlighted the history of retracted papers and unfulfilled promises in this area, particularly referencing prior announcements from Microsoft. Some questioned the definition of "quantum processor" used, arguing that demonstrating basic qubit operations doesn't constitute a true processor. Others pointed out the lack of independent verification and the absence of key metrics like coherence times. The overall sentiment was one of cautious pessimism, with many waiting for peer-reviewed publications and independent confirmation before accepting Microsoft's claims. Several commenters also discussed the challenges inherent in topological qubit development and the potential implications if Microsoft's claims prove true.
Microsoft has announced a significant advancement in quantum computing with its new Majorana-based chip, called Majorana 1. This chip represents a crucial step toward creating a topological qubit, which is theoretically more stable and less prone to errors than other qubit types. Microsoft claims to have achieved the first experimental milestone in their roadmap, demonstrating the ability to control Majorana zero modes – the building blocks of topological qubits. This breakthrough paves the way for scalable and fault-tolerant quantum computers, bringing Microsoft closer to realizing the full potential of quantum computation.
HN commenters express skepticism about Microsoft's claims of progress towards topological quantum computing. Several point out the company's history of overpromising and underdelivering in this area, referencing previous retractions of published research. Some question the lack of independent verification of their results and the ambiguity surrounding the actual performance of the Majorana chip. Others debate the practicality of topological qubits compared to other approaches, highlighting the technical challenges involved. A few commenters offer more optimistic perspectives, acknowledging the potential significance of the announcement if the claims are substantiated, but emphasizing the need for further evidence. Overall, the sentiment is cautious, with many awaiting peer-reviewed publications and independent confirmation before accepting Microsoft's claims.
Despite Windows 10's approaching end-of-life in October 2025, nearly half of Steam users are still using the operating system, according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. While Windows 11 adoption is slowly growing, it still sits significantly behind Windows 10, leaving a large portion of PC gamers potentially facing security risks and a lack of support in the near future.
Hacker News users discussed the implications of nearly half of Steam users still running Windows 10, despite its approaching end-of-life. Some questioned the statistic's accuracy, suggesting the data might include Windows Server instances or older, unsupported Windows builds lumped in with Windows 10. Others pointed out the apathy many users feel towards upgrading, especially gamers who prioritize stable systems over new features. Several commenters mentioned the potential security risks of staying on an unsupported OS, while others downplayed this, arguing that games often run in sandboxed environments. The cost of upgrading, both in terms of hardware and software, was also a recurring theme, with some suggesting Microsoft's aggressive upgrade tactics in the past have led to distrust and reluctance to upgrade. Finally, some users speculated that many "Windows 10" users might actually be running Windows 11 but misreported due to Steam's detection methods.
This blog post from 2004 recounts the author's experience troubleshooting a customer's USB floppy drive issue. The customer reported their A: drive constantly seeking, even with no floppy inserted. After remote debugging revealed no software problems, the author deduced the issue stemmed from the drive itself. USB floppy drives, unlike internal ones, lack a physical switch to detect the presence of a disk. Instead, they rely on a light sensor which can malfunction, causing the drive to perpetually search for a non-existent disk. Replacing the faulty drive solved the problem, highlighting a subtle difference between USB and internal floppy drive technologies.
HN users discuss various aspects of USB floppy drives and the linked blog post. Some express nostalgia for the era of floppies and the challenges of driver compatibility. Several commenters delve into the technical details of how USB storage devices work, including the translation layers required for legacy devices like floppy drives and the differences between the "fixed" storage model of floppies versus other removable media. The complexities of the USB Mass Storage Class Bulk-Only Transport protocol are also mentioned. One compelling comment thread explores the idea that Microsoft's attempt to enforce the use of a particular class driver may have stifled innovation and created difficulties for users who needed specific functionality from their USB floppy drives. Another interesting point raised is how different vendors implemented USB floppy drives, with some integrating the controller into the drive and others requiring a separate controller in the cable.
Microsoft's blog post announces changes to their Go distribution starting with Go 1.24 to better align with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). While previous versions offered a partially FIPS-compliant mode, Go 1.24 introduces a fully compliant distribution built with the BoringCrypto module, ensuring all cryptographic operations adhere to FIPS 140-3. This change requires updating import paths for affected packages and may introduce minor breaking changes for some users. Microsoft provides guidance and tooling to help developers transition smoothly to the new FIPS-compliant distribution, encouraging adoption for enhanced security.
HN commenters discuss the implications of Microsoft's decision to ship a FIPS-compliant Go distribution. Some express concern about the potential for reduced performance and increased complexity due to the use of the BoringCrypto module. Others question the actual value of FIPS compliance, particularly in Go where the standard crypto library is already considered secure. There's discussion around the specific cryptographic primitives affected and whether the move is driven by government contract requirements. A few commenters appreciate Microsoft's contribution, seeing it as a positive step for Go's adoption in regulated environments. Some also speculate about the possibility of this change eventually becoming the default in Go's standard library.
ZDNet argues that the Microsoft 365 Copilot launch was a "disaster" due to its extremely limited availability. While showcasing impressive potential, the exorbitant pricing ($30 per user/month on top of existing Microsoft 365 subscriptions) and restriction to just 600 enterprise customers renders it inaccessible to the vast majority of users. This limited rollout prevents widespread testing and feedback crucial for refining a product still in its early stages, ultimately hindering its development and broader adoption. The author concludes that Microsoft missed an opportunity to gather valuable user data and generate broader excitement by opting for an exclusive, high-priced preview instead of a wider, even if less feature-complete, beta release.
HN commenters generally agree that the launch was poorly executed, citing the limited availability (only to 600 enterprise customers), high price ($30/user/month), and lack of clear value proposition beyond existing AI tools. Several suggest Microsoft rushed the launch to capitalize on the AI hype, prioritizing marketing over a polished product. Some argue the "disaster" label is overblown, pointing out that this is a controlled rollout to large customers who can provide valuable feedback. Others discuss the potential for Copilot to eventually improve productivity, but remain skeptical given the current limitations and integration challenges. A few commenters criticize the article's reliance on anecdotal evidence and suggest a more nuanced perspective is needed.
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will no longer receive security updates or technical support on Windows 10. While the apps will still technically function, using them on an unsupported OS poses security risks. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 to continue receiving support and maintain the security and functionality of their Microsoft 365 applications.
HN commenters largely discuss the implications of Microsoft ending support for Office apps on Windows 10. Several express frustration with Microsoft's push to upgrade to Windows 11, viewing it as a forced upgrade and an attempt to increase Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Some highlight the inconvenience this poses for users with older hardware incompatible with Windows 11. Others note the potential security risks of using unsupported software and the eventual necessity of upgrading. A few commenters point out the continuing support for Office 2019, although with limited functionality updates, and discuss the alternative of using web-based Office apps or open-source office suites like LibreOffice. Some speculate this is a move to bolster Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making offline productivity increasingly dependent on the service.
Windows 95's setup process involved three distinct operating systems to ensure a smooth transition and maximize compatibility. It began booting from a DOS-based environment to provide basic hardware access and initiate the installation. Then, a minimal Windows 3.1-like environment took over, offering a familiar GUI for interacting with the setup program and allowing access to existing drivers. Finally, the actual Windows 95 operating system was installed and booted, completing the setup process and providing the user with the full Windows 95 experience. This multi-stage approach allowed the setup program to manage the complex transition from older systems while providing a user-friendly interface and maintaining compatibility with existing hardware and software.
Hacker News commenters discuss the complexities of Windows 95's setup process and the reasons behind its use of MS-DOS, a minimal DOS-based environment, and a pre-installation environment. Several commenters highlight the challenges of booting and managing hardware in the early 90s, necessitating the layered approach. Some discuss the memory limitations of the era, explaining the need to unload the DOS environment to free up resources for the graphical installer. Others point out the backward compatibility requirements with existing MS-DOS systems and applications as another driving factor. The fragility of the process is also mentioned, with one commenter recalling the frequency of setup failures. The discussion touches upon the evolution of operating system installation, contrasting the Windows 95 method with more modern approaches. A few commenters share personal anecdotes of their experiences with Windows 95 setup, recalling the excitement and challenges of the time.
Summary of Comments ( 197 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43575884
HN commenters discuss the historical significance of Microsoft's early source code release, noting its impact on the industry and the evolution of programming practices. Several commenters reminisce about using these early versions of BASIC and DOS, sharing personal anecdotes about their first experiences with computing. Some express interest in examining the code for educational purposes, to learn from the simple yet effective design choices. A few discuss the legal implications of releasing decades-old code, and the potential for discovering hidden vulnerabilities. The challenges of understanding code written with now-obsolete practices are also mentioned. Finally, some commenters speculate on the motivations behind Microsoft's decision to open-source this historical artifact.
The Hacker News post titled "Microsoft’s original source code" (linking to a GatesNotes piece about the release of the Altair BASIC source code) generated a fair amount of discussion, with a number of commenters reminiscing about early personal computing experiences and the historical significance of this code release.
Several commenters focused on the technical aspects of the code. Some praised the ingenuity and efficiency of the code, considering the limited resources of the Altair 8800. Others pointed out the challenges faced by early programmers working with such constraints. The simplicity and readability of the code were also highlighted, with some contrasting it with the complexity of modern software. The use of assembly language and the small size of the interpreter were recurring topics.
A few commenters discussed the business aspects of Microsoft's early days, especially the licensing of Altair BASIC. The story of how Microsoft licensed the interpreter, rather than selling it outright, was recounted, emphasizing the shrewdness of this decision which helped propel the company's growth. Some also mentioned the controversies surrounding the unauthorized copying of early software, a practice sometimes referred to as "piracy," which was prevalent at the time.
Nostalgia for the early days of personal computing was a common theme. Commenters shared personal anecdotes about their experiences with the Altair and other early machines, recalling the excitement and experimentation surrounding this nascent technology. Some discussed the impact of BASIC on their careers and the accessibility it offered to budding programmers.
The historical significance of Altair BASIC and its role in the development of the personal computer industry were repeatedly emphasized. Several commenters considered the code a valuable artifact of computing history, offering a glimpse into the origins of a now ubiquitous technology.
Some technical details about the development and implementation of Altair BASIC were also discussed, such as the use of a paper tape reader for input and the challenges of debugging code on limited hardware. The porting of BASIC to other early computer platforms was also mentioned.
Finally, a few commenters expressed skepticism about the originality of the released code, questioning whether it truly represented the earliest version. This led to some discussion about the evolution of the codebase and the challenges of preserving historical software. Overall, the comments reflected a mix of technical analysis, historical reflection, and personal anecdotes related to this important piece of software history.