Royal Navy Nuclear Fleet now controlled by Windows XP

Berserker · 19 Dec 2008 at 16:26

KNiVES said:
'Windows has encountered an error'

I suspect that was meant to be in jest, but it's no joking matter when lives are involved.

The main big screen up the front of MCC Houston runs an application called (I think) Worldmap, on Windows XP (upgraded from Windows 2000 a year or so ago). Most of the command and control of ISS (and, to a much lesser extent, the Shuttle) is also done on old laptops running Windows, and they do go wrong occasionally, but they're non-critical, and they always carry spares.

I don't know what NASA use on mission-critical hardware. Some form of embedded OS, possibly based on Linux, I'd guess. The main software the shuttle runs was originally written in the 70s/80s, before the PC became popular.

PS - I'd be more worried about your bank account. The vast majority of cashpoints run some form of stripped-out Windows. It used to always be Windows NT, but some of them might use something more recent. I'm sure quite a few of us have seen a BSOD on a cashpoint (I know I have).

ljt · 19 Dec 2008 at 17:28

Shame the USA don't use it for their military gear, as it would come up with "You have performed an illegal operation" prompt when Bush gets a little trigger happy or bored and decides to declare war on another middle east country

meghatronic · 19 Dec 2008 at 21:10

Oh how people make me laugh.

It'll be a closed system for a start, with extensively tested hardware.

Most windows problems (e.g. BSODs) come from third part hardware/software.... a problem Macs don't suffer with as they're about as configurable/flexible as a cast iron anvil.

petemyster · 19 Dec 2008 at 21:47

"windows has detected new hardware -Enemy sacthel charge- windows must shut down so the new hardware can work"

I just hope the sailors remember to use "safely remove hardware" on those nuclear subs...

Stelly · 19 Dec 2008 at 21:59

knowledge123 said:
Does this mean the US Govt. can control our subs now ?

and also any half wit hacker

Stelly

regulus · 19 Dec 2008 at 22:08

I don't see the problem. I frequent the deepest darkest corners of the internet and roll the dice constantly with my PC. Not one virus since XP came out in 2000, not one random restart since I got my new hardware, not one problem.

My only concern is the fact that it is closed source propriety software. I want us to be able to peak into the heart of Windows and make sure no mission critical information is being slip out of the backdoor.

meghatronic · 19 Dec 2008 at 23:03

regulus said:
My only concern is the fact that it is closed source propriety software.

gumbald · 19 Dec 2008 at 23:46

There's plenty of redundancy...

MarcLister · 20 Dec 2008 at 00:20

knowledge123 said:
Does this mean the US Govt. can control our subs now ?

No. Don't be silly. Microsoft however?

gumbald said:
There's plenty of redundancy...

Yes well times are hard.

Strife212 · 20 Dec 2008 at 00:27

meghatronic said:
Oh how people make me laugh.

It'll be a closed system for a start, with extensively tested hardware.

Most windows problems (e.g. BSODs) come from third part hardware/software.... a problem Macs don't suffer with as they're about as configurable/flexible as a cast iron anvil.

The USS Yorktown ran a modified/stripped down desktop OS and the network crashed and bought the engines down.

Tefal · 20 Dec 2008 at 00:35

Strife212 said:
The USS Yorktown ran a modified/stripped down desktop OS and the network crashed and bought the engines down.

She was built in the second world war though.

LordSplodge · 20 Dec 2008 at 01:10

Good job they don't run Mac OS X or all the Navy would be gay...er...hang on.

Berserker · 20 Dec 2008 at 01:19

Nah, if it was Mac OS X, the ships would all cost twice as much and be painted white to look pretty.

Strife212 · 22 Dec 2008 at 00:43

Obligatory

2StepSteve · 22 Dec 2008 at 02:16

worrying

UK|AL · 22 Dec 2008 at 02:23

wh4mmy said:
BAE have totally stripped down Windows and can barely be compaired to a destop OS anymore.

Id say more, but id lose my job etc.

Windows XP emdedded?

You just add the componants you want. Quite easy to use for a emedded os. still would not use it for critical systems though.
Its used a lot in pay phones and other consumer items.

QNX or VxWorks sounds more sensible. Garanteed timings etc.

TheMightyTen · 22 Dec 2008 at 08:55

It will make an interesting addition to the 'I'm a PC adverts'

I'm a PC and I can destry whole cities and irradiate millions in one go

a1ex2001 · 22 Dec 2008 at 09:10

Berserker said:
I suspect that was meant to be in jest, but it's no joking matter when lives are involved.

The main big screen up the front of MCC Houston runs an application called (I think) Worldmap, on Windows XP (upgraded from Windows 2000 a year or so ago). Most of the command and control of ISS (and, to a much lesser extent, the Shuttle) is also done on old laptops running Windows, and they do go wrong occasionally, but they're non-critical, and they always carry spares.

I don't know what NASA use on mission-critical hardware. Some form of embedded OS, possibly based on Linux, I'd guess. The main software the shuttle runs was originally written in the 70s/80s, before the PC became popular.

PS - I'd be more worried about your bank account. The vast majority of cashpoints run some form of stripped-out Windows. It used to always be Windows NT, but some of them might use something more recent. I'm sure quite a few of us have seen a BSOD on a cashpoint (I know I have).

The Shuttle is that ancient now technology wise that NASA have had to resort to ebay to purchase replacment electrical components that are no longer available on the open market