{
  "id": 13074677,
  "title": "BOFH: Smells like team spirit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/bofh-smells-like-team-spirit",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-09T09:04:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register Science",
    "slug": "the-register-science",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/bofh/2026/10/09/bofh-smells-like-team-spirit/5301871"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The ancient computer in the basement, essential for the waste water system, suddenly stopped functioning. The PFY and the reporter attempted to troubleshoot the issue, but soon realized the two outdated ISA cards #1 and #2 would likely cause compatibility problems with any replacement machine. As a result, the situation was deemed beyond their control. If the crisis persisted, the reporter advised the boss to wear waterproof shoes and waders by the following evening, and suggested burning his shoes in an incinerator. The boss, however, opted to pass the problem up the chain of command, leading to a series of interactions with higher-ups. Eventually, a team of IT experts was brought in to examine the sump's float tree arrangement and variable-speed pumps. They concluded that the PC was redundant and that the issue could be resolved with a standard pump controller. Despite the cost, the team assured the boss that the investment would be worthwhile given the circumstances. The boss was eventually locked in the basement room with the sump, presumably motivated to streamline the paperwork.",
  "summary": "In which BOFH and PFY meet 1990s heroes who know how to deal with Bosses",
  "key_points": [
    "Ancient computer in basement fails, causing wastewater system issue",
    "Troubleshooting team realizes compatibility problems with replacement",
    "Boss delegates problem, hires IT experts to replace redundant PC"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Register",
        "title": "BOFH: Smells like team spirit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/bofh-smells-like-team-spirit-13077098",
        "published": "2026-10-09T09:04:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}