Lex Fridman Podcast29 Aug 2025

#479 – Dave Plummer: Programming, Autism, and Old-School Microsoft Stories

Dave Plummer is a programmer, former Microsoft software engineer (Windows 95, NT, XP), creator of Task Manager, author of two books on autism, and host of the Dave’s Garage YouTube channel, where he shares stories from his career, insights on software development, and deep dives into technology.
Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep479-sc
See below for timestamps, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc.

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EPISODE LINKS:
Dave’s X: https://x.com/davepl1968
Dave’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavesGarage
Dave’s Secondary YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davepl
Dave’s GitHub: https://github.com/PlummersSoftwareLLC
Dave’s Books: https://amzn.to/41qd5IB

SPONSORS:
To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts:
UPLIFT Desk: Standing desks and office ergonomics.
Go to https://upliftdesk.com/lex
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Allio Capital: AI-powered investment app that uses global macroeconomic trends.
Go to https://alliocapital.com/
Shopify: Sell stuff online.
Go to https://shopify.com/lex

OUTLINE:
(00:00) – Introduction
(01:14) – Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections
(10:16) – First computer
(15:54) – Dropping out of high-school
(23:35) – Joining Microsoft
(25:47) – MS-DOS
(28:59) – Windows 95
(35:46) – The man behind Windows
(40:42) – Debugging
(45:59) – Task Manager
(51:08) – 3D Pinball: Space Cadet
(56:07) – Start menu and taskbar
(1:07:06) – Blue Screen of Death
(1:09:15) – Best programmers
(1:17:16) – Scariest time of Dave’s life
(1:24:44) – Best Windows version
(1:26:34) – Slot machines
(1:30:17) – Autism and ADHD
(1:49:37) – Fastest programming language
(1:53:42) – Future of programming

PODCAST LINKS:
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– Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8
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– Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips

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