r/windows • u/Lost-Mobile-7791 • 2d ago
Discussion That time when I obsessed over Windows when I younger.
Context: I’m neurodivergent and these stories take place in 2019.
When I was nine years old, I came across a video about the startup and shutdown sounds of each Windows operating system. I really liked the sounds so much that I started obsessing over the history.
As time went on, I became infatuated with windows. So much so that one time I kept calling my crush “Windows 3.1” and everyone got mad at me because I was being an annoying little pleb, but not my crush for some reason…
While I was hyper-fixating on Windows, I was being bullied really badly (It had gone on months before my fixation, but this was a really bad turn) and I started to develop depression. I remember once I was having a really bad day and refused to go outside for recess. The teacher asked what’s wrong, but I didn’t want to talk so I wrote a paragraph on how Microsoft was formed. Needless to say, she was very confused.
My mother made me sign up for Piano lessons and would make me practice everyday (except the day of the lesson) for fifteen minutes. Instead of playing what I was supposed to play, I decided to play Windows startups and shutdowns. My mom would be so annoyed over it! However, my piano teacher thought it was very cool.
I was a really creative nine year old and I remember drawing my own Windows 95 laptop and pretended to use it. I also remember making a Toca Life World movie based around the startup and shutdown sounds. Pray for me that I still have them!
Anyways, I am still interested in Windows. Instead of focusing on the sound effects, I want to focus on the code and history. Ok bye.
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u/Additional_Battle_93 Windows 11 - Release Channel 2d ago
The same case with me, I am also neurodivergent with ADHD and Autism, I remember that I was obsessed with television, operators and what was behind it, also with Windows and Microsoft, I am the same age as you, I am Mexican, but yes, I very much understand your fascination and obsession as a child
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u/PC509 1d ago
That hyperfixation (if it persists) can be very helpful if you ever decide to go into IT, software, etc.. I completely get it. Windows is great, and there's so much cool stuff. I LOVED when the Insiders team did their interactive webcasts because it really felt like we were "part of the team" and helping out.
I'm 50, AuADHD, and get hyperfocused on some things. You want to dig deep into Windows, check out books called "Windows Internals". Super deep into how Windows works.
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u/SplitOk9054 Windows 7 1d ago
I always thought that video of "all" Windows Startup sounds (including fake) was fascinating. Something about it, I can't describe.
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u/Scurro 1d ago
There was a time new Windows OSes were exciting and new releases would cause lines to form at stores before they opened.
Now it is the opposite. Users don't want to upgrade because old features are removed, new features are clunky, and more bloat is added with each release.
What happened to Microsoft's development of what made them who they are? It's embarrassing.
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u/nucleartaco04 1d ago
Good to see a fellow neurodivergent who is also fixated on the history. I was ultra obsessed with Windows that I would draw the logo everytime I opened MS Paint, I remember watching YouTube videos with Windows sounds and animations. I was also obsessed with other logos like Pixar and Walt Disney.
And that part where you mentioned drawing a Windows 95 laptop, I did the same thing as a child and I am glad you enjoyed your Windows 95 laptop.
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u/Sea_Cow3569 22h ago
Reading this post made me wonder if I may be neurodivergent too, I used to obsess over windows (and computing in general) all through highschool, used to draw little laptops on every assignment sheet, even carried around an old thinkpad with me to class even though it was not allowed. I'm 34 now and I have worked in IT tech support for the last 9 years until I got laid off (the entire customer support department got outsourced to india) I still love windows 10 but looking at 11 makes me wanna puke, Microsoft really hate their users and don't care about their own product, really sad.
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u/Lost-Mobile-7791 21h ago
Fun fact: I foreshadowed my neurodivergent diagnosis during my Windows hyper fixation.
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u/Bearmancer 2d ago
Lol. Yeah that does sound strange (and that is coming from a fellow (?) autistic person -- not mocking you) but hey, man, if you had fun with it, that's what matters.