More 'Easter Eggs' sneak into software as programmers show off, seek to amuse
Article Abstract:
Software programmers at companies such as Activision Inc, General Magic Inc, Quark Inc and Apple frequently include illicit 'Easter Eggs', extra bits of code that perform amusing functions when key combinations are pressed. Easter Eggs are so common that some analysts believe that nearly every program has at least one. They are a way for programmers to add personalized humor to otherwise serious applications, and to rebel against sometimes strict company policies. Microsoft has an official policy against putting Easter Eggs into programs, but it does not try hard to search for them. An Easter Egg in Quark Inc's QuarkXpress is activated when the shift, k, command and option keys are pressed simultaneously. When activated, a small alien creature comes on the screen and wipes out a text box with a death ray. General Magic Inc's Magic Cap PDA operating system includes an estimated 200 Easter Eggs. Computer game developers encourage programmers to include Easter Eggs.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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Apple pushes IBM to ditch OS/2 for Mac
Article Abstract:
Apple is trying to convince IBM to market its Macintosh software to compete with Microsoft. Although the companies formed an alliance several years ago, efforts at coordinated action have not succeeded. The companies were planning to develop new hardware and software that would propel them past Microsoft in the market, but were unable to reach an agreement on a common computer for three years. Apple's proposal may be IBM's last opportunity to regain market share since its failed attempts to market its own OS/2 operating system. IBM had tried previously to come to a similar agreement with Apple which would have allowed IBM to incorporate elements of its own operating system, but Apple refused and IBM redirected its efforts to acquiring Lotus. A decision by IBM to clone Apple Macintosh software would likely be followed by widespread application development supplying the company with a major market advantage.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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Year-2000 problem is bearing down on certain states
Article Abstract:
Some states are well along in their work to prepare for the Year 2000 software crisis, but others, such as Wyoming, lag behind. Wyoming currently ranks last among all states in updating its electronic equipment. Officials admit that a third of the state's computer code remains to be debugged, and only about 15% of necessary testing has so far been completed. Moreover, Wyoming's legislators have not yet approved any funding for Y2K projects, and so far, the state's agencies have had to pay for what has been accomplished themselves. Wyoming represents an extreme case, but many states and local agencies elsewhere are also guilty of procrastination, and some observers say breakdowns in public services are inevitable.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1998
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