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Ask HN: Who's still keeping a DOS machine up because the business depends on it?

297 points · 304 comments · mlaux

  1. Aldipower · · focus · HN ↗
    The Detusche Bahn still runs DOS and Window 3.11 in their ICE I trains! They searched for admins 2 years ago. <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.tomshardware.com&#x2F;software&#x2F;windows&#x2F;ms-dos-and-windows-311-still-run-train-dashboards-at-german-railway-company-listed-admin-job-for-30-year-old-operating-system" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.tomshardware.com&#x2F;software&#x2F;windows&#x2F;ms-dos-and-win...
    1. carefree-bob · · focus · HN ↗
      You should check out the NYC subway, which has electromechanical relays, cloth covered wiring, and pre-WW2 analogue panels.

      They do not even have an OS!

      1. throwaway7356 · · focus · HN ↗
        Let me assure you that Deutsche Bahn also still operates about 500 mechanical signal boxes, about 100 are from pre-WW1. Not these fancy, modern electromechanical relays (which Deutsche Bahn of course also has).
        1. eqvinox · · focus · HN ↗
          &gt; about 100 are from pre-WW1

          You&#x27;re underselling it. The ex oldest operating signal box in Hörlkofen was finally removed from service less than a year ago, 2025-12-12.

          It entered service in 1899.

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