March 2025

Old Mac Software Archive

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Old Mac Software Archive offers 680.3TB of classic Mac OS files, with over 137,850 members. Users can run old software on actual hardware or using various emulators like QEMU, SheepShaver, or Basilisk II. Nostalgic games can be played in-browser, and new emulators for Mac OS 9 and early Mac OS X are in development. The archive encourages software uploads and donations to support hosting costs. Users can also find popular software and games, along with community contributions and a call for help in preserving old Mac software.

https://www.macintoshrepository.org/

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A USB Interface to the “Mother of All Demos” Keyset

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USB interface created for Engelbart’s 1968 keyset, part of his “Mother of All Demos.” Engelbart revolutionized computing with innovations like the mouse and GUI, showcasing them at a conference but the keyset was less successful. The author created a modern USB interface for the keyset, detailing technical aspects and challenges. The term “Mother of All Demos” originated from a 1991 Intel presentation, later retroactively applied to Engelbart’s demo. Engelbart’s work faced long-term neglect, but eventually gained recognition, influencing future technology.

https://www.righto.com/2025/03/mother-of-all-demos-usb-keyset-interface.html

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Iconography of the PuTTY Tools

PuTTY icons evolved from hand-drawn designs in the late 1990s to a scripted generation system by 2007, maintaining a consistent, recognizable style. Each tool, like PuTTY, PSCP, Pageant, and PuTTYgen, has its icon, primarily depicting computer-related themes. Initial icons faced limitations in color palettes and sizes, but later enhancements included varied versions for different dimensions and true color outputs. In 2021, SVG versions were created for scalability. Despite suggestions for redesigns, the original 1990s style remains integral to PuTTY’s identity.

https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/quasiblog/putty-icons/

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Technical History of Acorn (Version 0.6 Beta)

Acorn Computers’ technical history highlights major technological developments from 1978 to 2002. Notable events include the launch of various systems like the BBC Micro and RISC PC. The timeline shows significant product launches and corporate changes, including ARM Ltd’s spinoff in 1991 and the rebranding to Element 14 in 1998. Gaps in the history and requests for more information are mentioned. This is an unofficial and under-construction account focused on technology.

https://www.mcmordie.co.uk/acornhistory/index.shtml

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Graphing Calculator Story

In 1985, Ron Avitzur began developing Pacific Tech’s Graphing Calculator while under contract with Apple, which faced cancellation due to office politics. Determined to finish his work, he unofficially continued using Apple facilities, gaining support from engineers. After collaborating with friends and introducing innovative software, they managed to complete the project. Despite security issues, their efforts resulted in the inclusion of their software in over twenty million Macintosh computers. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to aid education and the thrill of showcasing the PowerPC’s capabilities. Eventually, they legitimized their work by licensing it to Apple.

https://www.pacifict.com/story/

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Why 56k Modems Relied On Digital Phone Lines You Didn’t Know We Had

56k modems utilized digital phone lines despite originally using analog audio due to technological advancements. While speeds peaked at 33.6 kbps under the old system, the shift to digital transmission in the phone network allowed modems to achieve higher speeds, namely 56 kbps, by sending digital data directly through the network instead of converting it to analog for transmission. This innovation led to new standards like V.90, which improved internet use before broadband became prevalent. However, actual speeds varied due to line quality and distance, with 53 kbps being a more common realistic peak.

https://hackaday.com/2025/03/06/why-56k-modems-relied-on-digital-phone-lines-you-didnt-know-we-had/

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The Early Days of Linux [LWN.net]

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Lars Wirzenius reminisces about the early days of Linux, beginning with his studies at the University of Helsinki and friendship with Linus Torvalds. Initially starting as a small project, Linux grew from exploring Unix and coding simple multitasking examples to the development of a fully functional kernel. Linus’s journey included buying a PC, experimenting with MINIX, and engaging in community collaboration, leading to the eventual public release of Linux in 1991. The introduction of the GNU GPL and support for virtual memory further contributed to Linux’s evolution. Over the years, Linux became a global phenomenon, ultimately running on billions of devices worldwide.

https://lwn.net/Articles/928581/

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