All articles tagged with #retro computing
Originally Published 8 days ago — by Hackaday
A developer successfully runs the classic text-based game Zork on the Intel 4004, the first commercially available microprocessor, demonstrating the game's portability and pushing the limits of early computing hardware.
Originally Published 27 days ago — by Hackster.io
The Commodore 64 Ultimate is a modern, FPGA-based recreation of the classic 1985 home computer, offering high compatibility with original hardware and software, modern connectivity, and enhanced features like overclocking and multiple SID chips, making it a compelling device for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Priced from $299.99, it blends nostalgic design with contemporary technology, though it lacks some original features like the RF output and user port.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by bgr.com
You can now run Windows 95 directly in your web browser using an emulator, offering a nostalgic and seamless retro computing experience.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Hackaday
A retro computing enthusiast has created a full Windows 95 installation using only a floppy drive by employing innovative tricks like a FlashPath peripheral and compressed DriveSpace volumes, demonstrating a remarkable feat of minimalistic OS installation.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Liliputing
The Pocket 386 is a mini laptop designed for retro computing, featuring a 7-inch display, a 386 SX compatible processor, and support for MS-DOS and Windows 95. Available for under $200 on AliExpress, it includes 8MB of memory, a CompactFlash card reader, and various vintage connectors. Two configurations are offered: a standard black chassis and a slightly more expensive transparent case.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Ars Technica
Microsoft is releasing a limited-edition ugly sweater featuring the iconic default wallpaper from Windows XP, known as Bliss. The sweater pays homage to the popular operating system and includes design elements such as a blue hemming reminiscent of the taskbar and a giant mouse pointer. Sales of the sweater will support The Nature Conservancy's initiatives to combat the climate and biodiversity crisis. Additionally, Microsoft has released retro-themed high-resolution wallpapers, including a 4K rendering of the Bliss wallpaper, on its Microsoft Design site.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Hackaday
Dr. Scott M. Baker has created the Mini-08, a single-board computer based on the Intel 8008 processor. The Mini-08 features 128KiB RAM and ROM, an 8251 UART, and an optional display board with 7-segment displays, a hexadecimal keypad, a real-time clock, and a 4-voice sound generator. Dr. Baker has also ported BASIC, FORTH, a Star Trek clone, and utilities to the Mini-08, showcasing its capabilities in a video demonstration. Design files and resources are available for those interested in exploring this retro computing project.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Ars Technica
A new independent project called "Windows Update Restored" is hosting lightly modified versions of old Windows Update sites and the update files themselves, allowing fresh installs of Windows 95, 98, and NT 4.0 to grab years' worth of fixes that aren't present on old install CDs and disks. The project supports Internet Explorer 5 and offers download links for it. However, it's important to note that even with a functioning update site, these old operating systems are not safe to use on the modern Internet, as updates for them stopped years ago. They are best used for non-Internet-connected activities.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Slashdot
Over 2,200 vintage computers from the 1980s, manufactured by NABU and featuring a groundbreaking pre-internet network, have been discovered in a barn in Massachusetts. These "new old stock" computers, which had sat unopened and unused for nearly four decades, were sold on eBay for $59.99 each. The machines gained attention from the retro computing community and were brought back to life by enthusiasts. The NABU computers, equipped with the Z80 processor, offered a platform suitable for device hackers. The flood of interest in these obscure computers caused the seller's eBay account to be temporarily suspended. The discovery has sparked a renaissance in these once-considered e-waste machines, allowing for hardware and software hacking that was not possible in previous years.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by TechSpot
A Massachusetts man named James Pellegrini is selling 2,200 vintage NABU computers, which contain Z80 processors, on eBay. Pellegrini had stored the computers in his barn for 20 years before deciding to sell them. Initially priced at $20 each, the computers quickly gained popularity among retro computing enthusiasts, prompting Pellegrini to increase the price to $100. He has sold about 560 machines so far and plans to continue selling them in batches. Once he sells all his stock, Pellegrini may start developing software for the aging systems.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Ars Technica
The developer who created the Windows 3.1 version of Wordle has returned with a Windows 3.1 ChatGPT client called WinGPT, which supports any 16- or 32-bit version of Windows 3.1 or newer. To get WinGPT working without a proxy, the developer has also developed a 16-bit port of the WolfSSL library to support TLS 1.2 and 1.3 connections on the ancient operating system. Other retro-computing enthusiasts have also found ways to make modern AI chatbots work on long-forgotten computers and operating systems.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Liliputing
Chinese PC maker launches a mini-laptop called "Book 8088 DOS system" with an Intel 8088 chip, IBM-CGA graphics card, 640KB of memory, and a 16-color, 640 x 200 pixel display. It supports MS-DOS 6.22 and Windows 3.0 or earlier, and comes with a 512MB CompactFlash card for storage and a USB port for peripherals. Optional accessories include an OPL3 sound card module, an ISA expansion card connector, or an 8087 co-processor. The mini-laptop is designed for running decades-old software and is a fascinating device for playing DOS games or running classic programs.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Hackaday
Lost Retro Tapes has recreated the ZX Spectrum unboxing experience by sourcing components and assembling a new ZX Spectrum along with the box, instruction manuals, and more. The mainboard was ordered from PCBWay, and most of the other components were sourced from retro computing shops around the UK. The box was created, and the manuals were professionally printed and bound. The total cost was around £412.