"Raymond Chen is the original raconteur of Windows." - Scott Hanselman, ComputerZen.com "Raymond has been at Microsoft for many years and have seen many other nuances of Windows that can only ever hope to get a glimpse tell. Raymond tale of why Windows is the way it is." - Eric Gunnerson, Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation "Absolutely essential reading for understanding the history of Windows, the intricacies and habits, and why they arise." - Matt Pietrek, Magazine 's MSDN under Columnist Hood "Raymond Chen has become something of a legend in the software industry, and in this book you will discover why that is. His high level of memory on the Windows Start button design of its low level to a discussion about GlobalAlloc only your inner-geek could love, The Old New Thing is a captivating collection of anecdotes that will help you to truly appreciate the difficulties inherent in designing and writing quality software. " - Stephen Toub, Technical Editor, MSDN Magazine Why does Windows work the way it is? Raymond Chen - who spent more than a decade on Microsoft's Windows development team - reveals "hidden Windows" you need to know. Chen attractive style, deep insight, and thoughtful humor have made him one of the leading bloggers in the world of technology. Here he brings together behind the scenes explanations, invaluable technical advice, and illuminating anecdotes that bring Windows to life - and help you make it. Some things you will find in it: What vending machines can teach you about effective user interfaces A deeper understanding of window and dialog management Why performance optimization can be so opposite A peek in the stomach COM object and Visual C + + compiler Key details about backwards compatibility - what Windows does and why the hole Windows security program which most developers do not know about How to make your program a better Windows citizen