The Minds Behind Windows: Raymond Chen

This is the "Directors Cut" :-). I removed the intro, re-rendered in 4K60, and re-uploaded.

My other channel, join now so you're there for episode 01 of my AudioBook!

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[DavesGarage]

For the curious, this is a re-upload of the original, but I removed the intro section and re-rendered in 4K60, so decided to re-upload it!

[patrickm.]

My all time favorite Raymond Chen story was back from Windows 2000, late in the product cycle. On NTDEV alias, a tester raised an issue that the calendar failed if you set it to December 31st, 2999 11:59pm and let it roll over. Raymond jumped in and tried to politely explain that if there was computer that was still functional and capable of running Windows 2000, and they chose to actually run Windows 2000, they could open a service request.

The tester would not let it go after a few more replies, so Raymond wrote a custom implementation of calendar.exe, sent it to the tester and effectively told him to go away.

[of]

Wow Mr. Chen is a wonderful storyteller - seems like he was a fun person to work with back in the day - thank you for the interview Dave! Would love to see another one with him.

I really enjoyed this conversation with Raymond. Thanks Dave! What a great history lesson. It was a treat to walk through those old days of Windows, apps, and programing. I started with DOS and Windows 1.01.

[PeeterJoot]

I worked for IBM for 19 years (til 2016). I occasionally left anonymous fake security violations on peoples desks, citing security failures like leaving porn that wasn't IBM-sanctioned on the desk overnight. I wonder if they still do those violation chits? If they still do them, I hope other people have taken up the mission of ridiculing them.

[mikescott]

I worked with a guy years ago who actually tried doing his federal income tax return in hex one year. Needless to say, the IRS was not amused and rejected it.
I guess he was lucky they didn't audit him.
Love these "inside baseball" stories and Raymond Chen is a very engaging storyteller.
I would love to see more of these.

[Hazrd]

I could listen to Raymond for hours. Seems truly passionate in what he's done, great book as well.

[DavesGarage]

BTW, there's a brief 2-second audio drop-out at 1:46 or so. That seems to happen every hour or two on my Atomos Ninja V reccorder. If anyone knows why, please let me know!

[oliverx]

It's criminal if this interview doesn't blow up in views.

[YetAnotherOne]

These interviews are awesome, keep them coming!

[Steveshub]

Just finished this podcast and watched Dave Cutlers podcast yesterday and love the passion you guys have all these years later

[The_Tinkering_Geek]

This is so good, I could watch you both all day. I find it sad that Raymond never met Bill G considering the important role he played.

[technkalty]

Haha "I thought the racing stripes would make it go faster." That's probably what devs were hoping for, too!

[hareshkainth]

Best two hours on YouTube. Fantastic interview. I love Microsoft history. Thank you Dave and Raymond. Keep them coming!

[bfriesen]

I've diligently read Raymond's blog daily for decades now. I thoroughly enjoyed this interview, it's like Raymond's blog in podcast format. Keep up the great work, both of you!

[toasTrn]

This was a fantastic treat, Dave! If your other guests are even half as interesting as Raymond, I'm very much looking forward to their interviews.

[radiofan]

I was a beta tester for Windows 95 and was part of a group that were invited to the launch party along with a party the night before being held for beta testers. It was an amazing experience that I'll never forget. At the party before launch day we got to meet a few MS execs, including (I believe) Brad Silverberg. I still have my sealed copy of the Windows 95 special edition and Windows 95 tote bag that they gave out to all that attended the launch. Later went on to test the Windows 95 Direct X version, Windows 98, Windows ME and Windows XP. All of those beta programs were before the current (mostly) open beta program.

Great video that brought back a lot of memories :)

[richardcini]

I’ve watched some of the parts of this but this is the first time watching the entire thing. What great stories and he’s a great story teller. I was at the W95 launch in the tent. Just an awesome experience. I just wish I had more direct interaction with the devs.

[richshealer]

Terrific interview. Thank you. Yes, more computer history please. Doesn't have to be just Microsoft.

[mnotgninnep]

Thank you. These interviews are really enjoyable. Please keep them coming. Looking forward to whatever you have planned next!