Software bloat—the phenomenon where programs demand exponentially more resources without proportional functionality gains—is often rationalized using flawed arguments. A recent analysis dissects three pervasive fallacies that perpetuate this inefficiency, revealing their environmental, security, and practical contradictions.

The Environmental Miscalculation

Critics challenge the claim that bloated software should intentionally obsolete older hardware because "new computers are more efficient." As the source notes:

"New computers generally consume more power than old ones... Bloated code causes also new computers to use more electricity."

Older x86 CPUs (like pre-Pentium II) consume single-digit watts, whereas modern processors idle at higher baselines. More critically, discarding functional hardware creates e-waste—a far greater environmental burden. The solution isn't forced obsolescence but optimizing for expired instruction sets, enabling free replication of efficient hardware and preserving digital freedoms.

The Security Mirage

Corporate security arguments that "new hardware is inherently more secure" face sharp rebuttal. Novelty doesn't equate to robustness:

"Everything new is NOT always more secure... battle-tested software [is] the result of decades of small, incremental... changes."

Encryption relies on mathematics, not hardware generation—a 1990s machine can execute AES as securely as a 2024 chip. Modern restrictions like UEFI Secure Boot often reduce computational flexibility without enhancing safety. Blaming "old computers" conflates hardware with operating systems, ignoring that software can be updated independently.

The Display Efficiency Paradox

Enthusiasts claim bloated UIs are justified because modern monitors use less power than CRTs. Data contradicts this:

"Old CRTs don't really use that much power... a typical 15" color CRT uses less than most lightbulbs."

CRTs consume 15–30W—far below the "hundreds of watts" myth. Meanwhile, OLED/LCD power scales with screen area, making resolution-agnostic interfaces crucial. Prioritizing scalable design reduces energy demands across all devices.

Why This Matters

These fallacies prioritize commercial agendas over sustainability and user autonomy. Targeting legacy instruction sets preserves access to efficient, patent-free hardware. Rejecting bloat isn't nostalgia—it's a commitment to software longevity, reduced e-waste, and computational efficiency. As hardware evolves, the principles of lean software remain timeless.

Source: sininenankka.dy.fi