Computer

The RESISTORS Were Teenage Hackers and Computer Pioneers

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TLDR: In the late 1960s, a group of teenage computer enthusiasts in New Jersey, called the RESISTORS, innovatively connected computers using acoustic couplers, showcasing early personal computing despite being largely overlooked. Mentored by Claude Kagan, they engaged in programming and technical exploration, contributing to their future careers in technology. Their story adds depth to the history of computing, highlighting hobbies beyond professional realms and collaboration in tech and arts, influencing visionaries like Ted Nelson.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/teenage-hackers

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Microsoft Download Center Archive

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Legacy Update archives deleted Microsoft downloads for legacy Windows versions (95 to 7) and related tools. Users can access these downloads, which may have security risks, via the Internet Archive. Support and contributions are acknowledged, and the site operates independently of Microsoft. Backup data is recommended before using archived software.

https://legacyupdate.net/download-center/

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One Too Many Words on AT&T’s $2,000 Korn Shell and Other Usenet Topics

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Usenet offers insights into the Unix and BSD systems of the 1980s, reflecting the high costs of early computing, AT&T’s pricing for software, and the collaborative spirit of users. Unix evolved from a Bell Labs experiment into a foundational system influencing modern OS like Linux and macOS. The article examines the culture, economic aspects, and hardware/software struggles of the era, including the Korn shell’s high price and the need for standardization amid diverse Unix variants.

https://blog.gabornyeki.com/2025-12-usenet/

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Typewriter Plotters

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Typewriter plotters utilize ballpoint pens to draw text and graphics. Panasonic produced multiple models, such as the RK-P400C with RS-232 for computer control and the RK-P440, requiring an external interface. Other manufacturers included Silver Reed, Smith Corona, and Brother, with each offering unique features. These devices operated with colored pens and were portable, appealing to retro computing enthusiasts. Basic plotters were also integrated into calculators and music keyboards, while some early personal computers had built-in plotters as accessories.

https://biosrhythm.com/?p=2143

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In 1995, a Netscape Employee Wrote a Hack in 10 Days That Now Runs the Internet

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In 1995, Netscape’s Brendan Eich developed JavaScript in 10 days to create interactive web applications. Officially released later that year, it has since become dominant, powering 98.9% of websites, server backends, and beyond. Initially called Mocha, it was rebranded to JavaScript to leverage Java’s popularity. Despite its quirks and early industry conflicts, JavaScript has evolved into the most used programming language, now facing a trademark issue with Oracle, which has led to a petition for the name’s public use. JavaScript’s success continues, marking its 30th anniversary as a foundational web technology.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/12/in-1995-a-netscape-employee-wrote-a-hack-in-10-days-that-now-runs-the-internet/

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Maxduino Review: Tape Cassette Emulator for Multiple Retro Computers

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MAXduino: Tape cassette emulator for retro computers (ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, MSX, etc.). Supports audio file formats (TAP, TZX, WAV). Cost: €24,90. Simplifies tape loading for multiple devices. Easy to use with SD card for file access. Common issues involve volume and audio settings. Focused on compatibility and original hardware coding.

https://retrogamecoders.com/maxduino-review/

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Memories of .us

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Memories of elementary school include various personal experiences and the evolution of computer networking. The text discusses the development and structure of the Domain Name System (DNS), explaining how it was initially hierarchical for convenience but has become outdated. The history of TLDs, particularly the U.S. ccTLD “.us” and its comparison to other TLDs, reveals a misalignment between intended organization and actual practice. Problems like user-friendliness, government policies, and the influence of private entities have hindered the adoption of more intricate hierarchical names in favor of simpler, accessible ones. Overall, the text reflects on the complexities and failures of DNS organization, emphasizing how historical decisions shaped its current state.

https://computer.rip/2025-11-11-dot-us.html

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In 1982, a Physics Joke Gone Wrong Sparked the Invention of the Emoticon

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In 1982, Scott Fahlman’s post on Carnegie Mellon’s bulletin board introduced emoticons 🙂 and 🙁 to distinguish jokes from serious comments. This innovation arose from a prior misunderstanding of a joke about a physics problem, highlighting the need for clarity in text-based communication. Fahlman’s concise proposal synthesized ideas from earlier discussions and was easily adopted across networks, ultimately leading to the widespread use of emoticons and later emojis in digital communication.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11/in-1982-a-physics-joke-gone-wrong-sparked-the-invention-of-the-emoticon/

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Preserving Code That Shaped Generations: Zork I, II, and III Go Open Source

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Zork I, II, and III now open-source under MIT License by Microsoft and Activision to preserve gaming history, allowing study and play. The Z-Machine engine revolutionized gaming with cross-platform compatibility. Source code and documentation available on GitHub, excluding commercial content. Zork remains accessible through commercial platforms and modern interpreters like ZILF. The initiative encourages community contributions for education and exploration, honoring the original creators and preserving a significant cultural artifact.

https://opensource.microsoft.com/blog/2025/11/20/preserving-code-that-shaped-generations-zork-i-ii-and-iii-go-open-source

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