Windows brings out the Rorschach test in everyone (2003)

The Windows operating system has a knack for sparking controversy and prompting outrage from various quarters. Every Windows 95 CD case features a hologram depicting an anti-piracy measure. To capture the hologram, photographer John selected his newborn son as the model, as children's faces are difficult to reproduce precisely. As the hologram is rotated, the baby's arm extends and points at the computer monitor, which then transforms into the Windows 95 logo.

The image did not go unnoticed by a government agency that expressed concern over the depiction of naked children. "Naked children!" exclaimed the officials, despite the fact the baby was only visible from the waist up. The government insisted that the baby was not wearing any pants, leading the company to produce a revised hologram in which the baby wore a shirt and overalls.

However, due to a tight deadline, the animation of the baby's arm was not included in the new version.

Windows XP also faced its share of complaints. The initial wallpaper, Red Moon Desert, was deemed to resemble buttocks by some, while others thought a generic person used in the User Accounts control panel resembled Hitler. Additionally, a government entity claimed that a character in the Switch Users dialog appeared to display an obscene body part.

All of these representations were subsequently altered. The evolution of Windows has intrigued Raymond, who has been a key contributor to the series of operating systems for over three decades. In 2003, he established a website, The Old New Thing, which has garnered significant popularity beyond his expectations. Raymond's online presence even extends to the Windows Dev Docs Twitter account, where he shares anecdotes that offer little practical information.