In Memoriam: Dev2
DEV2: 1999 - 2008
Dev2 passed away this morning. Developers were unable to revive the nine-year-old former desktop computer after a routine reboot, which was precipitated by a planned move from the dynamic media cave to the server room.
Cause of death has been reported as, "catastrophic hard-drive failure", although it's unclear whether a full autopsy will be performed.
Although sudden hard-drive failure is not uncommon in computers of dev2's advanced age, authorities have named Broadcast Producer Anson Burtch - dev2's long-time roommate - as a "person of interest" in the incident.
The computer that eventually became known and loved simply as "dev2" came to Capstrat (then Capital Strategies) in 1999 as a powerful cutting-edge desktop computer running Windows98, and served with distinction until it was replaced a few years later. In 2002, dev2 got a new operating system (WindowsXP) and a new lease on it's career when it became the first desktop machine for a bright new Capstrat employee named Donna Jackson. By 2004, however, dev2 was quickly approaching obsolescence, and was relegated to the role of "intern desktop".
The aging computer had a close scrape in 2005, when it was selected for retirement. But just as it was to be hauled off to be recycled, it was rescued by Capstrat developer Paul Smith, who brought the machine back into active service with a new look (Linux!), and a new name, "dev2".
Between 2005 and 2008, dev2 was an integral part of the growing Interactive team, and served as staging point and launch pad for some of the team's biggest successes. With the recent introduction of newer processes and technologies, however, dev2's role has steadily declined.
Dev2 has already outlived most of it's peripherals, but is survived by many devoted users.
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Rob is a nerd. He rebuilt dev2 in his free time over the weekend. Just for the heck of it.
Wait a second, was dev 2 a star in Basket Case?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083624/
A young man carrying a big basket that contains his deformed Siamese-twin brother seeks vengeance on the doctors who separated them against their will.
I can no longer remain silent. My only hope for cleansing is confession.
It was the old computer’s processor. It grew loader with age… whimpering, screaming for me to put it down. Amid the dreadful silence of that old fishbowl, came a noise, a whimper so strange as this excited me to uncontrollable terror. Yet, for some months longer I refrained and sat still. But the whimper grew louder, louder! I thought the processor must explode. And now a new anxiety seized me – with the coming dawn the sound would be heard by my co-workers! The old machine’s hour had come! With a loud yell, I threw open Anson’s door and leaped into the room. He whimpered once - once only. In an instant I toppled him over, and pulled his side open, his screeching processor exposed. I reached in and ripped the processor from its motherboard. I then smiled gaily, to find the deed so far done. But, for many minutes, the processor whined on with a muffled sound. This, however, did not vex me; it would not be heard through glass wall. At length it ceased. The old machine was dead. I unclenched my hand and examined the processor. There was no pulsation. He was stone dead. His cries would trouble me no more.
The authorities should bring Ashley Kate in for questioning.
Dev 2 was a really cool computer. We enjoyed hanging out, humming our favorite song - "cooling fan" - and viewing websites we probably shouldn't at work. I will miss him. As for what happened, I'm not saying anything until I talk to my lawyer....
I hardly knew ye, D. But you made me look really cool and smart on many an occasion. I'm going to move on, only because I know you'd want it that way.
dev2 I will miss our good times. I had some of my first projects with you. RIP dev2.
RIP, dev2.
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