Computer

Here’s the 50-year-old Microsoft Source Code That Inspired the First Apple Computer

Microsoft’s 50th anniversary features a downloadable source code for Altair BASIC, its first product, inspired by the Altair 8800 computer. Bill Gates and Paul Allen created this programming language to broaden personal computing access. Steve Wozniak later adapted this BASIC version for the Apple I, leading to the Apple II’s success. The 157-page Altair BASIC source code is now available as a PDF.

https://www.macworld.com/article/2657449/heres-the-50-year-old-microsoft-source-code-that-inspired-the-first-apple-computer.html

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The 50 Best Things Microsoft Has Ever Made

Microsoft, celebrating its 50th anniversary, has produced numerous notable products, including gaming systems, operating systems, and innovative design concepts. The Verge compiled a list of 50 best offerings, highlighting historical significance and consumer impact. The list features memorable products, both successful and less so, reflecting on the company’s evolution from two founders in New Mexico to a global tech giant. Noteworthy mentions include Clippy, Zune, Windows 10, and the Xbox Adaptive Controller, showcasing creativity, design, and cultural influence over decades.

https://www.theverge.com/microsoft/636951/microsoft-50-best-products-anniversary

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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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