Daves GarageRetired Microsoft operating systems engineer Davepl reveals some of his favorite C++ tips and tricks accumulated during nearly 40 years as a C/C++ programmer.
Dave was a developer for Windows Task Manager, ZIP Folders, Space Cadet Pinball, the Windows Shell, OLE/COM, MS-DOS, and much more.
Some Microsoft Campus photos are copyright and credit to Ken Sykes, used with permission.
ERRATA: None yet, but if you spot a mistake, please raise it in the comments and I'll update here as appropriate!
E01: Stupid C++ Tricks with DaveDaves Garage2021-08-07 | Retired Microsoft operating systems engineer Davepl reveals some of his favorite C++ tips and tricks accumulated during nearly 40 years as a C/C++ programmer.
Dave was a developer for Windows Task Manager, ZIP Folders, Space Cadet Pinball, the Windows Shell, OLE/COM, MS-DOS, and much more.
Some Microsoft Campus photos are copyright and credit to Ken Sykes, used with permission.
ERRATA: None yet, but if you spot a mistake, please raise it in the comments and I'll update here as appropriate!Critical Windows Exploit: What You Need to Know, Explained by a Windows DeveloperDaves Garage2024-08-20 | Retired Windows developer Dave explains the latest major exploit in Windows involving the TCP/IP IPV6 network stack. Also, China's new cybersecurity laws and how they impact zero day exploit discovery. For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968 davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/daveplCutting Open an Apple Titanium Card to See Whats Inside! #hacks #sawingforteensDaves Garage2024-08-17 | We cut an Apple Titanium card open with a diamond cutoff wheel and a demolition blade to verify it's Titanium construction and to see what's inside!Learn Docker NOW! From Hello World to Doom in 15 Minutes!Daves Garage2024-08-15 | Dave explains everything you need to know in order to understand and make effective use of Docker. From running Doom to a Web server to an LED controller and more, Dave starts with a simple "Hello World" app and proceeds to build in complexity and power. For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
Errata: At one point I say I'll be using an Ubuntu base image but the code actually uses Alpine, as you can see in the dockerfile on the screen. Sorry for any confusion this caused!Solving the Primes to ONE TRILLION on the desktop! Plus PDP-11 vs Threadripper tested!Daves Garage2024-08-09 | A custom prime sieve seeks the numbers up to one trillion before it is used to compare the performance of the legendary PDP-11 to the Threadripper. For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968 davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/davepl
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968 davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/daveplUNIX on the PDP-11: Zork, Star Trek, and More Live on the Internet!Daves Garage2024-08-04 | Dave installs 211BSD Unix on the PDP-11/83 and connects it to the Internet using a DEC ethernet card. See the PDP-11/34, PDP-11/73, and PDP-11/83 in action. For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968 davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/daveplRaspberry Pi Drag Racing - Vs All Comers! P3, Pi4, Pi5, Nano, BBB, M2, 7995WX and more!Daves Garage2024-08-02 | How much faster is a Pi5 than a Pi3? What about vs a Threadripper? Find out in today's showdown! For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968 davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/davepl
Shirt is from GeeksOutfit.comCrowdStrike Update: Latest News, Lessons Learned from a Retired Microsoft EngineerDaves Garage2024-07-24 | Dave brings you up to date on the CrowdStrike IT outage and considers its broader implications. For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968 davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/davepl
1. Introduction to the CrowdStrike Falcon IT Outage: • Overview of the recent CrowdStrike Falcon IT outage and its impact on various industries. 2. Technical Details of the Outage: • Explanation of the faulty sensor configuration update and how it led to system crashes (BSOD) on Windows systems. • Specifics about the corrupted “Channel File 291.” 3. Impact and Response: • Description of the scale of the outage, affecting approximately 8.5 million devices worldwide. • Steps taken by CrowdStrike to deploy a fix and provide mitigation guidance to affected customers. 4. Previous Issues with Linux Systems: • Recap of earlier incidents where CrowdStrike updates caused crashes on Debian and Rocky Linux systems. 5. CrowdStrike on macOS: • Discussion about CrowdStrike’s security solutions for macOS and their use of Apple’s System Extensions. 6. Kernel vs. User Mode in Security Software: • Analysis of why kernel-mode access is used by CrowdStrike and the associated risks. • Historical context of kernel vs. user mode in Windows drivers. 7. Regulatory Challenges: • Narrative on Microsoft’s attempt to introduce an API to prevent such issues and the regulatory hurdles faced from the European Union, which deemed it anticompetitive. 8. Conspiracy Theories and Broader Lessons: • Overview of conspiracy theories that emerged around the outage. • Lessons to be learned from the incident, drawing a parallel to the Tylenol crisis management.
I'm long since retired, and any opinions are mine alone; not a spokesperson!CrowdStrike IT Outage Explained by a Windows DeveloperDaves Garage2024-07-21 | Dave explains the Crowdstrike IT outage, focusing in on its role as a kernel mode driver. For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968 davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/davepl
Opinions are mine only, not a spokesperson!
I should add that I don't know if the channel definition update files were privately signed or not; what I meant is that I presume they do not go through the WHQL signing process. But even if they do, we've learned that trusting their content (which was all zeros in this case) didn't go well.Prices: What Will Paul Allens Amazing Computers Bring at Auction?Daves Garage2024-07-20 | Dave visits Christies auction house in NYC for a sneak peek at some of the most important items from the Paul G. Allen estate's sale of the artifacts and computers from the Living Computer Museum in Seattle. For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968 davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/daveplI Worked on the Windows Start Menu!Daves Garage2024-07-16 | UPDATE: This only shipped in the NTSUR release, as far as I can now tell. I've confirmed with team members that I'm not crazy, I did write and we did ship the code I describe in this episode, but it was ultimately replaced circa NT4 with bitmaps!
So they wound up doing exactly what I was trying to avoid (a bitmap per SKU per language) but it works! --- How does the Start Menu paint? Find out in this insider tale of the Windows Start Menu. For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
As noted in the video, the Start Menu was a Windows95 feature before being ported to what is "Windows" today; Dave was responsible for making it operate and paint under Windows NT/XP/2000 and later.
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968 davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/daveplAdd WiFi to ANY Device: The Worlds WORST Portable Computer!Daves Garage2024-07-10 | Dave shows you how you can add WiFi capability to almost anything, including his PDP-11/34! For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
For information on the Unibone (and QBone), visit HTTP://RetroCMP.com
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968 davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/daveplBare Metal Coding: Big Iron! Assembly Language on the PDP-11/34Daves Garage2024-07-06 | Dave demonstrates programming the PDP-11/34. For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968 davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/daveplI Bought the HEAVIEST Computer on eBay: The PDP-11/34!Daves Garage2024-07-01 | Dave buys a PDP-11/34 from eBay and adventure ensues! For my book on the spectrum, see: https://amzn.to/3XLJ8kY
For information on the Unibone (and QBone), visit HTTP://RetroCMP.com
Follow me for updates! Twitter: @davepl1968davepl1968 Facebook: fb.com/daveplStudio Tour: More LEDs than Any Man Should Have!Daves Garage2024-06-26 | A behind-the-scenes tour of the Dave's Garage studios. For my book on Autism, check out: https://amzn.to/3KPOKTzDaft Punk Helmet Very Short RevealDaves Garage2024-06-24 | Make sure you're sub'd for the build episode and Amazon recipe! It's cheap and easy to make!Amazing Home Depot Lamp Conversion #leds #electronics #arduinoDaves Garage2024-06-23 | Subscribe for the full build video and complete plans!MindblindnessDaves Garage2024-06-20 | Dave Explores and Explains Mindblindness in autism. For my book on Autism, check out: https://amzn.to/3KPOKTzCan I Freeze a Fan in Time with its RGB Light?Daves Garage2024-06-18 | Dave uses PWM lighting on an RGB fan to "freeze frame" a running fan in time. For my book on Amazon, check out: https://amzn.to/45kWPJC
Note: Contains flashing light elements.
Code: https://github.com/PlummersSoftwareLLC/FanFreezerWorld Record: Tempest High Score!Daves Garage2024-06-14 | Dave sets the world record on the classic game Tempest. For my book on Autism, check out: https://amzn.to/3KPOKTzDNS Demystified: Everything You Should Know for Faster Internet!Daves Garage2024-06-12 | Dave explains DNS, the Domain Name System, as well as how to benchmark and optimize your own DNS. For my book on Amazon, check out: https://amzn.to/45kWPJCHow the amazing technology behind ARGB LEDs worksDaves Garage2024-06-05 | A tour starting with a single LED, then LED strips, addressable strips, matrices, and even WiFi delivery of video. For my book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aOLS4e
Cheap LED Strip for experiments: https://amzn.to/3yWNECQ A good ESP32 Module to start with: https://amzn.to/3xfaLrPWhy You Need a New Internet GatewayDaves Garage2024-05-31 | From Multiwan to Failover, Load Balancing, cellular support and more, Dave investigates the Spitz AX 5G Wi-Fi 6 Cellular Gateway. For my book on Amazon, check out: https://amzn.to/3V5jNzD
Some sequences shortened or accelerated.The Ultimate Robot Mower - Coming Soon!Daves Garage2024-05-23 | Subscribe for Full Episode!Sensory Sensitivity - The Nonvisible Part of the SpectrumDaves Garage2024-05-22 | Free sample of the eBook is available at: https://amzn.to/3yDO5SoMonotropism - The Nonvisible Part of the SpectrumDaves Garage2024-05-22 | Dave discusses Monotropism and autism: https://amzn.to/3yDO5SoMindblindnessDaves Garage2024-05-22 | What is mindblindness, and how does it impact people on the spectrum? For a free sample of the book: https://amzn.to/3yDO5SoCould You Be a Little Bit AUTISTIC?Daves Garage2024-05-19 | Dave also discusses his time at Microsoft on MS-DOS and Windows working on such features as Task Manager, Pinball, Zip files, Format, the Start Menu, and more!
Book and Sample: https://amzn.to/3K79TZhCould You be a Little Bit Autistic?: The Nonvisible Part of the SpectrumDaves Garage2024-05-17 | Dave discusses his journey on the spectrum and the core question of whether or not you can be a little bit autistic. Dave also discusses his time at Microsoft on MS-DOS and Windows working on such features as Task Manager, Pinball, Zip files, Format, the Start Menu, and more!
Book and Sample: https://amzn.to/3K79TZhMS-DOS has been Open-Sourced! We Build and Run it!Daves Garage2024-05-13 | Microsoft has released the code to MS-DOS 4.00 on GitHub; Dave takes you a tour of the code, builds it, and runs it on original hardware. For my book on life on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/4bj29zo
For Clarity on the timeline: - Microsoft licensed (non-exclusively) 86-DOS in Dec 1980 for $25,000 - Paterson left SCP in April 1981 and worked for Microsoft from May 1981 to April 1982. - 86-DOS was purchased outright by Microsoft and renamed to MS-DOS on 27 July 1981 for $50,000 - In March 1982, MarkZ became the dev mgr for MS-DOS 2
Remember that the code is open-sourced, but trademark law still applies!
Any requests to contact me on Telegram, etc, are scams...
Follow me on Facebook at http://fb.com/davepl for daily shenanigans! Follow me on Twitter at @davepl1968MS-DOS is being Open Sourced!Daves Garage2024-05-10 | This makes more sense if you know the story, so make sure you're subscribed to the channel for the upcoming full episode!Windows SUDO Now Available in 24H2 - Not Windows 12 - New Features!Daves Garage2024-04-25 | Dave introduces sudo for Windows, which allows you to run administrative commands from the command like without running as an escalated user! For my book on life on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/49sCbbJ
Any requests to contact me on Telegram, etc, are scams...
Follow me on Facebook at http://fb.com/davepl for daily shenanigans! Follow me on Twitter at @davepl1968Docker vs VM: Whats the Difference, and Why You Care!Daves Garage2024-04-21 | Dave explains the difference between Docker and VMs, how containerization and virtualization work and how they are different. For my book on life on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/49sCbbJ
Any requests to contact me on Telegram, etc, are scams...
Follow me on Facebook at http://fb.com/davepl for daily shenanigans! Follow me on Twitter at @davepl1968How Creating ZIPFolders for Windows almost got me FIRED from Microsoft!Daves Garage2024-04-18 | Dave relates the story of how Windows ZIP file support came to be, and how it almost cost him his job. For my book on life on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/44MFpVL
Any requests to contact me on Telegram, etc, are scams...
Follow me on Facebook at http://fb.com/davepl for daily shenanigans! Follow me on Twitter at @davepl1968Task Manager Author reacts to Task Manager Cartoon!Daves Garage2024-04-06 | The original author of Windows Task Manager reacts to a Task Manager cartoon by theOdd1sOut. For my book on life on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/49sCbbJ
Sorry for the audio quality, I'm out of the studio and working from a laptop, first time!
Any requests to contact me on Telegram, etc, are scams...
Follow me on Facebook at http://fb.com/davepl for daily shenanigans! Follow me on Twitter at @davepl1968
Any requests to contact me on Telegram, etc, are scams...
Follow me on Facebook at http://fb.com/davepl for daily shenanigans! Follow me on Twitter at @davepl1968
Image Credit: Medium.comOPNSense: Protect Your Home LAN With a Transparent Filtering Bridge with Step by Step InstructionsDaves Garage2024-04-01 | Dave details how to set up OPNSense on a miniPC and how to configure it as a transparent filtering bridge. He also sets up IDS (Intrusion Detection System) and IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) via Suricata and deploys the ClamAV antivirus solution on the router. For my book on life on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/49sCbbJ
Any requests to contact me on Telegram, etc, are scams...
Errata: OPNSense is FreeBSD, not Linux! If you do not have a management interface (third port), don't set the LAN interface IP4 config to None - set a static IP for it so you can still reach it later. Sorry for this oversight!
Follow me on Facebook at http://fb.com/davepl for daily shenanigans! Follow me on Twitter at @davepl1968
Download OPNSense: https://opnsense.org/download/Windows War Stories: Why is there a dollar bill on my corkboard?Daves Garage2024-03-27 | Dave explains the origins of the dollar bill he kept pinned to his corkboard for most of his career at Microsoft.Your Home Network is Exposed: Top 10 Ways to Protect it NOW!Daves Garage2024-03-27 | Secure your home network from intrusion with these 10 tips plus PFSense and OPNSense. For my book on life on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/49sCbbJ
Telegram requests in comments are from scammers, so don't respond to them.New C++ LED Tricks for Our Old Truck: Sequential LEDsDaves Garage2024-03-23 | A dazzling LED third brake light system designed for a 1970 GMC Sierra Grande pickup. For my book on life on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/49sCbbJ
Not for on-road or highway use.360 Degree Video Tour of Amazing ShopDaves Garage2024-03-18 | A 360-degree video tour of the late Jim Preston's shop!The Insider Secrets to Task Manager, Pinball, and MoreDaves Garage2024-03-17 | Retired operating systems engineer Dave Plummer participates in a Microsoft "Ask Me Anything" session about his time in MS-DOS and Windows, such as Task Manager, Pinball, Zip files, the Start Menu, and more.
Remember, any requests to contact me on Telegram are a scam...
0:00: 💻 Retired Microsoft engineer discusses project selection and early career impact. 4:01: 💻 Importance of understanding the entire stack from kernel to user code for debugging and development. 8:16: 💡 Lessons learned from legacy code and impromptu decisions leading to long-term consequences. 12:09: ⚙️ Task Manager optimization for efficient foreground activation. 16:23: ⚙️ AI development shifting focus from training GPUs to local CPU inferencing. 20:17: ⚙️ Development of a display at 30 FPS using 6502 assembly with a purpose to educate on topics like 6502 assembly and FFTs. 24:26: ⚙️ Challenges of porting code between Windows 95 and NT, learning through the process. 28:23: 💼 Challenges of balancing work and family led to leaving dream job at Microsoft to focus on own business. 32:30: ⏰ Balancing work and family life while working remotely and running a business.1000W CPU: The Most Powerful Desktop ProcessorDaves Garage2024-03-12 | Dave tests three Threadripper Pro 7995WX configurations from HP, Dell, and a homebrew system that pulls more than 1000W, or one mechanical horsepower. For my book on life on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/49sCbbJ
Anton's Notes: He says "Asustek" when he means "Asetek" in reference to the pump.Ultimate LED: The PDP-11 DASBLINKENLIGHTS!Daves Garage2024-03-06 | Dave brings an original PDP-11/70 panel back to life, booting and running RSX-11M and connected to a VT220. For my book on life on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/49sCbbJ
Remember, any requests to contact me on Telegram are a scam...One Month with the Best Monitor in the World: The New Dell 40 5K120 HDR U4025QWDaves Garage2024-02-28 | Dave spends a month with the brand new Dell 5K120 HDR monitor. For my book on life on the Spectrum: https://amzn.to/49sCbbJ
0:00: 💻 Review of a high-quality 40-inch curved 5K120 HDR monitor by Dell, emphasizing the speaker's expertise and independence. 3:20: ⚙️ Opportunistic acquisition of a malfunctioning monitor leads to a troubleshooting challenge. 6:00: 💻 High-resolution Dell monitor offers immersive gaming experience but excels in productivity tasks. 9:00: 💻 Versatile monitor with multiple inputs, including USB-C for laptop display and charging, and unique iPad connectivity. 12:17: ⚡️ Impressions of using the Dell 40" 5K monitor for a month, including performance and connectivity features. 15:29: ⚡️ Cutting-edge color accuracy, lightning-fast response time, and innovative Thunderbolt connectivity. 18:30: ⚙️ High-performance monitor with advanced features like variable refresh rate and dynamic refresh rate.Want High Speed Fiber? Watch this First!Daves Garage2024-02-21 | Dave explains modems, ISDN, T1, T3, DS3, DSL, Cable, Fiber and more in this episode covering the scary story of the installation of new 5 gigabit home fiber service. For my book about life on the autism spectrum, check out: https://amzn.to/49y4ULG
Follow me on Facebook at fb.com/davepl where I post all the progress and projects not fit for full episodes!Save Money by Buying a Mac Pro!Daves Garage2024-02-16 | Dave explains how you can save thousands of dollars by purchasing a Mac Pro! For my book about life on the autism spectrum, check out: https://amzn.to/49y4ULG