Windows 3.1, launched in 1992, is likely not getting any updates. So, when CrowdStrike pushed the faulty update to all its customers, Southwest wasn’t affected (because it didn’t receive an update to begin with).
Aside from Windows 3.1, Southwest also uses Windows 95 for its staff scheduling system.
One X user suggested that the company switch to Windows XP—it’s also no longer updated, and it can run Windows 3.1 applications via compatibility mode.
I’m not sure what is more terrifying - one company screwing up global economy with a single update, or airlines running on windows 3.1
It’s a news article of a tweet that was originally a joke on a year-old article which says some were still on 3.1.
That’s harder extrapolation than my grade-school essay assignments.
I couldn’t find any sources either. In 2022, they had issues that were attributed to aging technology and reluctance to go digital on their processes, but nothing to suggest Windows 3.1
The was a quote from a union rep that said their programs “looked like they were designed on Windows 95”.
The tweet is from the founder of Android Authority and APKMirror, so while it’s indeed filmsy sourcing, the credibility hasn’t completely vanished.
Now that this is known the hackers will come.
They’re infamous for it, and it’s bitten them in the ass before.
Once upon a time I couldn’t understand why companies and governments still used ancient computer systems running DOS, Win3.1, or 9x, or computers like C64s. “Upgrade! Your new systems will be far more powerful and efficient; and that means they’re better!” -teenage me at some point, probably.
However, as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized that it’s because “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. While Southwest may spend more money than necessary on maintenance due to the ancient systems needing now-specialized skills, those systems are also time-proven to be as functional and dependable as they need them to be. Ironically, they might actually be more secure than most modern systems due to a combination of decades of specialized security/stability patches they’ve probably had and simple security-through-obsolescence.
Edit: misremembered the phrase, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
Auto mechanics were also not affected, since they’ve been using the same computers since the Carter administration.
That’s why Southwest is so cheap. They never sprang for the Win95 site license.
