Microsoft's ill-chosen magic constants

[mjg59]

Paolo Bonzini noticed something a little awkward in the Linux kernel support code for Microsoft's HyperV virtualisation environment - specifically, that the magic constant passed through to the hypervisor was "0xB16B00B5", or, in English, "BIG BOOBS". It turns out that this isn't an exception - when the code was originally submitted it also contained "0x0B00B135". That one got removed when the Xen support code was ripped out.

At the most basic level it's just straightforward childish humour, and the use of vaguely-English strings in magic hex constants is hardly uncommon. But it's also specifically male childish humour. Puerile sniggering at breasts contributes to the continuing impression that software development is a boys club where girls aren't welcome. It's especially irritating in this case because Azure may depend on this constant, so changing it will break things.

So, full marks, Microsoft. You've managed to make the kernel more offensive to half the population and you've made it awkward for us to rectify it.

Comments

Is 0xDEADBEEF offensive to cows?

[(Anonymous)]

I'd bet if you, a guy, hadn't publicized this, no girl would have EVER found out :-P

But seriously, /troll, does anybody have an estimate on how many women actually touch, or even see, kernel code? I've only ever seen a smattering of posts, but I don't ever recall seeing a female name on kernel-related mailing lists.

Re: Is 0xDEADBEEF offensive to cows?

[mjg59]

Look harder.

Re: Is 0xDEADBEEF offensive to cows?

[(Anonymous)]

If one need to look harder for sth then there's not much of it ;)

Re: Is 0xDEADBEEF offensive to cows?

[(Anonymous)]

Okay, now THAT is misogynistic. Obviously girls would never look at kernel code!

Re: Is 0xDEADBEEF offensive to cows?

[(Anonymous)]

What's wrong with being misogynistic? It's a biological trait. Women are useful for 3 things -- cooking, cleaning and vaginas. Get over it.

Re: Is 0xDEADBEEF offensive to cows?

[(Anonymous)]

I am sick and tired of people with comments and opinions like yours.

First compiler ever was written by Grace Hopper. Radioactivity discovered by Marie Curie. WTH does your ass-backwards opinions come from?

What do you think you achieve? Would you like to be treated the same way?

Just get the fuck out.

Re: Is 0xDEADBEEF offensive to cows?

[(Anonymous)]

0xDEADBEEF might be offensive to Hindus however...

Re: Is 0xDEADBEEF offensive to cows?

[(Anonymous)]

> 2012
> mailing lists

Re: Is 0xDEADBEEF offensive to cows?

[(Anonymous)]

Moooo!

Re: Is 0xDEADBEEF offensive to cows?

[https://www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawneAZprMMGM0eoa4YDxZHyFdEse11Wf6DY]

> But seriously, /troll, does anybody have an estimate on how many women actually touch, or even see,
> kernel code? I've only ever seen a smattering of posts, but I don't ever recall seeing a female name
> on kernel-related mailing lists.

And by your attitude you wish that this will stay in this way for a long time still.