Breitbart-
The Trump Administration’s FAA has announced plans to overhaul outdated air traffic control (ATC) systems, which currently rely on floppy disks and Windows 95 operating systems to keep America’s airports running safely and efficiently. Recent high profile failures make it clear that relying on old systems is no longer an option.
Tom’s Hardware reports that in a recent House Appropriations Committee meeting, Trump’s acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau outlined an ambitious goal to bring the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) systems into the 21st century. The current state of the ATC infrastructure is a major concern, with most towers and facilities using outdated technologies such as paper strips, floppy disks, and computers running Windows 95.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the importance of this modernization project, stating, “This is the most important infrastructure project that we’ve had in this country for decades. Everyone agrees — this is non-partisan. Everyone knows we have to do it.” more
Dang it! There goes my chance to sell the large collection of 5.25″ and 3.5″ floppies I still have for a handsome profit.
OMG! If it wasn’t so tragic, it would be funny. Airport systems running on Windows 95!? Lord help us. Push has come to shove in this situation. It’s going to take more than four years to fix this mess. Better pray a conservative administration follows the Trump Administration to finish upgrading airport operating systems or all bets are off.
They should’ve gone with Windows NT when they had the chance.
too many people with “floppy disks” stirring the soup
I’d be willing to bet that the IRS uses floppy disks too.
Better move to linux.
please make sure no h1b visa holder is coding the new system.
I worked as an engineer for a now defunct computer company back in 1976.
These machines were used to control nuclear reactors and because of that, the government subsidized the field service group to keep them running 25 years after the company went out of business. Stayed that way until the last power plant that used them was shutdown.
Kids today don’t even know what a ‘floppy disk’ is. 🤣
Help wanted ad for FAA systems engineer:
Looking for an experienced computer systems engineer to travel to FAA sites to upgrade old systems. Must have 5-1/4″ and 8″ floppy disk drive and controller knowledge circa 1990. Knowledge of voice coil-driven drives a plus. 40- and 80- MByte hard disk experience helpful in 6802 and 68000-family microprocessor systems. DOS, CP/M and Windows 95 knowledge a must. People under 50 without these requirements need not apply. Old guys only. Do your hands shake? Are you retired and stuck with old DOS and early Windows computers? Do your grand kids think you’re a dinosaur? Apply today!!
^^^^^The kids call them the save button.
@GoB,
FreeBSD 14.3 just came out… We really don’t want Lennart Pottering’s bastard child (systemd) mucking about with air traffic control now do we?
KR
Wait til you find out about SCOTUS using Apple IIe.
OMG Kali – that Pottering freak f’up up linux forever – systemd is absorbing all functionality.
And I hear he’s working for Mocroslop… F’n traitor.
Anyway, Windows 95 was an extremely stable OS. I did phone support for Compaq shortly after it was released. But I’m surprised the hardware still works, as I bet no replacement parts have been built for 15 years…
What’s unbelievable to me is that they lasted this long. 😲
I woulda gotten around to this, but beastfeeding took up alot of my time
I worked for a defense contractor that used dozens of PCs running DOS to control post-process gages. They were not networked (essentially air-gapped) and, when programs were loaded, they came from (drumroll) floppies. Those PCs were purpose built, new machines (not antiques) and were some of the most reliable computers in our plants.
Having said all that, Air Traffic Control needs an upgrade.