Windows 3.1, launched in 1992, is likely not getting any updates. So, when CrowdStrike pushed the faulty update to all its customers, Southwest wasn’t affected (because it didn’t receive an update to begin with).
Aside from Windows 3.1, Southwest also uses Windows 95 for its staff scheduling system.
One X user suggested that the company switch to Windows XP—it’s also no longer updated, and it can run Windows 3.1 applications via compatibility mode.
It becomes an issue when hardware is involved. I’ve seen industrial machines with 386 based touchscreens. Things as simple as a PS2 keyboard start getting hard to find and downtime costs a lot.
Are there PS2 to USB dongles?
They exist, but they might not work with all hardware and keyboards. The problem with the industrial space is that nobody really thinks to keep something around like that just in case. Something stops working and then it’s a scramble to get it back up and running again.