Weathering Software Winter
12 days ago
- #programming
- #sustainability
- #technology
- Devine discusses the challenges of using modern software and technology while living on a solar-powered sailboat, highlighting issues with dependency on cloud services, DRM, and subscription-based software.
- The post explores the concept of data preservation and the difficulties in ensuring long-term accessibility of digital content, referencing historical examples like the BBC Domesday project.
- Devine shares their journey into learning about virtual machines (VMs) and simpler computing systems as a way to create more resilient and personal technology solutions.
- The narrative includes experiments with various programming languages and systems, such as Smalltalk, Lisp, Forth, and Brainfuck, aiming to find a minimal, understandable, and sustainable computing foundation.
- A key realization is the value of simplicity and the potential of older, less complex systems for creating durable and inspectable software, contrasting with the fragility and opacity of modern tech stacks.
- The post concludes with the idea of 'permacomputing,' inspired by permaculture, advocating for diversity in technology solutions to build resilience against obsolescence and centralization.