Hackers' Pub

Syntax	Description	Examples
`"` keyword `"`	Finds the string within quotes, including spaces. Case-insensitive. (Escape quotes inside with `\"`)	`"Hackers' Pub"`
`from:` handle	Finds content written by the specified user.	`from:hongminhee` `from:hongminhee@hollo.social`
`lang:` ISO 639-1	Finds content written in the specified language.	`lang:en`
`#` tag	Finds content with the specified tag. Case-insensitive.	`#HackersPub`
condition condition	Finds content that satisfies both conditions on either side of the space (logical AND).	`"Hackers' Pub" lang:en`
condition `OR` condition	Finds content that satisfies at least one of the conditions on either side of the OR operator (logical OR).	`#HackersPub OR "Hackers' Pub" lang:en`
`(` condition `)`	Combines the operators within the parentheses first.	`(#HackersPub OR "Hackers' Pub" OR "Hackers Pub") lang:en`

sam henri gold @samhenrigold@hachyderm.io

8/30/2025, 6:46:16 PM

Public

knowledge base
https://hachyderm.io/@samhenrigold/115118979341150575

What Happens When Windows Shuts Down?

When you choose Shut Down, Windows begins a sequence of orderly steps. It tells each program to close its files, to set down what it was working on. Most comply. Some resist. Windows asks again, more firmly. Eventually, all but one obey. There is always one.

Once the programs are silent, Windows turns to its own parts. It lowers the desktop, dims the icons, pulls the taskbar out of sight. The clock is the last to go. Time has to be persuaded.

You will then see the black screen, and the message: It is now safe to turn off your computer. This is true. You are free to press the button. Many users do.

If you wait, however, something else will happen. Slowly, the monitor will begin to glow again. Not with the desktop, not with any familiar prompt, but with a pale light, as though something is behind the glass. It will not speak, but you will understand that it has been waiting there, patiently, for every shutdown you have ever performed.

You may turn off the machine at this point. You should. If you do not, the light will brighten until it hurts to look at. Some users report that it does not stop. Some report that the monitor grows warm, then hot, then soft.

If this occurs, pull the plug immediately. Windows will forgive you. The thing behind the glass will not.

Windows 95 help viewer.
Q: "Can Windows protect me?"
A: No.

If you have a fediverse account, you can quote this note from your own instance. Search https://hachyderm.io/users/samhenrigold/statuses/115119199155988217 on your instance and quote it. (Note that quoting is not supported in Mastodon.)