From 19 Jan 2002 New Scientist p.53: " Liabilities Management Authority.....will be responsible for systematically and progressively reducing the hazard posed by legacy facilities and wastes....
(of nuclear plants).

I have seen the word used to describe obsolete software, but the usage above is probably relatively new, and gratifyingly appropriate, it seems to me.

The word "legacy" in IT generally means an old system, not just software. Legacy systems are usually sitting on mainframes which are well past their use-by date.

Seems appropriate to expand that use of the word. So kill me.

Dear CK: You're too used to see me bitching. I said I liked it, fills a need, well chosen. Relax.

Ah, come on Bill, you're just lulling us into relaxing our guard. Tell what you really think!

Dear CK: your attitude is quite quango. From same page as legacy.

Quango: Pronounced kwango. Used to describe something good. Current use in British army.
Example: That car is quango.

Same page from what, Bill? As Max so rightly points out, NZ has quangos coming out of its ears. Stands for Quasi Autonomous Non Governmental Organisation. It was coined, if I remember correctly (here we go again) by a lecturer at some university in England, Essex, I think.

A quango is typically set up as a means for government to give the appearance of independence to an organisation while it firmly hangs on to the purse strings.

Dear CK: Now you've got me crying tears as big as horseturds. I wrote in first of post that "legacy" was taken from New Scientist for 19 Jan 2002. p.53, written by Tam Dalyell, MP. You don't read what I write, Sob!Sob! He was gently mocking statement by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt.

The company I work for took over the business of another last year. All the equipment and supply contracts aquired from this transaction are referred to as "legacy items". Seems to me this is an appropriate use of the word.

stales

Dear CK: One thing about quango. It could easily get mispronounced and sound like guano.

It could easily get mispronounced and sound like guano. You do like the have the last word, Bill. Only in LA, I'm afraid. Although a lot of people on quangos might easily talk guano.