Unveiling the Past: A Glimpse into Windows 9x Development
In a recent reflection, Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen provided an intriguing narrative from the development of Windows 9x, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter involving software copyright violations among certain PC manufacturers. While the Plug and Play standard, often humorously dubbed “Plug and Pray” for its occasional unreliability, was a significant leap forward in simplifying hardware configurations, it also inadvertently exposed a web of deceit within the industry.
During the early days of Windows 95, the team embarked on a mission to ensure compatibility with a diverse array of PCs, many of which predated the introduction of Plug and Play technology. This endeavor required gathering a substantial collection of systems from various brands to identify those that would need retrofitting for PnP support. As the developers delved into the BIOS firmware of these machines, they stumbled upon an unusual string: “Not Copyright Fabrikam Computer.” This discovery raised eyebrows and prompted speculation about the motives behind such a peculiar denial of copyright.
In the early 1990s, it was common for branded PC systems to come with preinstalled software that was tied to specific manufacturers. These software packages often featured “lite” versions that would unlock premium functionalities upon detecting a designated string in the system BIOS. For instance, a BIOS string indicating “Copyright Fabrikam Computer” would grant users access to the full version of the software. However, some manufacturers, like the fictional “Contoso,” found a way to exploit this system. By embedding a misleading string in their BIOS, they could trick the software into unlocking premium features without fulfilling the necessary licensing obligations.
- Branded PCs often included preinstalled software locked to specific manufacturers.
- Software would unlock premium features based on specific BIOS strings.
- Contoso’s manipulation of the BIOS string allowed them to bypass licensing fees.
This practice, while clever, was likely illegal, as software piracy was already a serious concern even during the DOS era. The Windows 95 team’s efforts to retrofit Plug and Play onto older systems were not only technically challenging but also fraught with the need to navigate around these deceptive practices without disrupting the functionality of legacy equipment.
As the developers worked through the complexities of integrating modern technology with older hardware, they unwittingly played a role in unveiling a significant issue within the PC manufacturing landscape. The outcome of their efforts ultimately paved the way for a more standardized and reliable computing experience, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of personal computing.
