0xB16B00B5



MS has apologized for inserting a 'naughty' phrase, which was found lurking in code that helps a Microsoft program to run Linux.

That's right, the hexadecimal string 0xB16B00B5 was discovered lurking in code that helps the Microsoft's HyperV virtualization environment to work with Linux open source software.

The string came to light on a mailing list for developers who oversee the core, or kernel, of Linux.

In that code, the magic constant passed through to the hypervisor reads '0xB16B00B5,' or a slightly camouflaged 'BIG BOOBS.'

After Linux developer/blogger Matthew Garrett criticized Microsoft for the stunt, the predictable debate over sexism in the technology world ensued.
Microsoft, of course, issued an statement apologizing...

"We thank the community for reporting this issue and apologise for the offensive string," it said to Network World.

"We have submitted a patch to fix this issue and the change will be published in a future release of the kernel."
Also, Garrett noted that the first version of the Microsoft code used a similar string of 0x0B00B135 or "boobies".

"Puerile sniggering at breasts contributes to the continuing impression that software development is a boys' club where girls aren't welcome," Dr Garrett wrote.
He also wondered on how easy it would prove to change the string, as other services, like Microsoft's Azure cloud service, are believed to make extensive use of it.

NEWS SOURCE #1: Technology #18922629 (via) BBC News
NEWS SOURCE #2: Microsoft code contains phrase big-boobs yes really (via) Network World

Our thanks to 'Gauss' for this news item!