computer

Desktopcolors.com – Desktop Background Colors, by Operating System

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Desktopcolors.com is an online archive cataloging every solid desktop background color used by classic operating systems and desktop environments, spanning 229 colors across 26 platforms. The site provides categorized collections from systems like Windows 95, Mac OS 8, Amiga Workbench, and others, serving as a nostalgic resource that documents the visual history of desktop computing aesthetics. It includes setup guides and platform listings, and it accepts community contributions through its GitHub repository.

https://desktopcolors.com/

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Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum Return as $130 Handhelds [2026]

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Blaze Entertainment and Retro Games Ltd are launching official handheld versions of the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum on October 15, 2026, priced at $130 USD each. The clamshell devices feature 4.3-inch IPS screens, 25 licensed built-in games, microSD support for additional legally sourced titles, and aim to offer a curated, authentic retro experience distinct from budget emulation handhelds. Collector’s editions with limited runs and extras are also available, while Canadian buyers should expect import pricing and fees due to the lack of local retail presence.

https://tech-insider.org/ca/commodore-64-zx-spectrum-handheld-2026/

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Democracy v the Machine: The Birth of the Digital Age and the Warnings That Were Ignored

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From the 1950s onward, pioneers in computing foresaw both the potential for technology to enable democratic participation and the risk of it creating an “automated state” driven by machines that could replace human judgment in governance. Early political data simulations, like those by Simulmatics Corporation, hinted at how computers might influence elections and public opinion, raising ethical concerns that largely went unheeded. As computing power grew and networks like the internet emerged, warnings about data-driven manipulation, loss of shared cultural frameworks, and the rise of hyper-personalized information predicted challenges to liberal democracy that continue to unfold today.

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/aug/18/the-long-read-democracy-v-the-machine-digital-age-warnings-computer-history-technology

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The Amiga Is Back, Too!

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The newly reformed Amiga Corporation has resolved long-standing legal disputes and secured licensing agreements with key stakeholders, including a collaboration agreement with the revived Commodore brand. Amiga Corp. is now developing future AmigaOS updates for classic 68K-era machines and plans to ship a new Amiga 1200 computer by the end of 2026, featuring AmigaOS 3.1 and updated hardware capabilities. These moves mark a significant revival of the Amiga platform, with further partner agreements and new product developments anticipated.

https://www.thurrott.com/classic-technology/340528/the-amiga-is-back-too

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Japan Tried to Build an Operating System for the Entire World, Then the US Government Intervened

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In 1984, the University of Tokyo launched the ambitious TRON project to create a vertically integrated, open operating system family for everything from embedded devices to desktop PCs, with the desktop variant BTRON featuring an advanced hypermedia document model and extensive multi-language character support. Despite government backing and industry adoption plans, the U.S. government cited TRON in a 1989 trade barrier report, which contributed to reputational damage and withdrawal of Japanese manufacturers from BTRON’s development, effectively ending its mainstream adoption; meanwhile, TRON’s embedded variant, ITRON, quietly became a dominant OS in billions of devices worldwide. Controversially, SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is alleged to have lobbied against BTRON’s adoption, leveraging the U.S. report to hinder the project, though the embedded TRON systems continue to form critical infrastructure in modern electronics.

https://www.xda-developers.com/japan-tried-build-operating-system-entire-world-us-government-intervened/

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I Played These Special Edition C64 and ZX Spectrum Remakes to Settle the 8-Bit Feud Once and for All

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The reviewer compares special edition remakes of the Commodore 64 (TheC64 Mini Black) and ZX Spectrum (The Spectrum White Edition), noting improvements like a better joystick and a modern game selection on TheC64 Mini, while The Spectrum stays more authentic with a classic keyboard and nostalgic extras. Despite prior preference for The Spectrum due to its authenticity and fun, the updated games lineup and improved controls give TheC64 Mini Black the edge this time, making it the better buy for fans seeking 8-bit nostalgia.

https://www.stuff.tv/features/i-played-these-special-edition-c64-and-zx-spectrum-remakes-to-settle-the-8-bit-feud-once-and-for-all/

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Os8088 — a Mac-style GUI OS for the IBM PC XT

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os8088 is a graphical operating system that boots directly from a floppy on an Intel 8086/8088-based IBM PC/XT, providing a Macintosh System 1-style desktop with overlapping windows, pull-down menus, and pre-emptive multitasking—features not present in the original 1984 Macintosh. Written entirely in real-mode assembly and fitting within 256KB of RAM, it supports VGA, Hercules, and CGA displays, runs multiple loadable programs simultaneously, and includes applications like Minesweeper, a text editor, and a MOD music player. This hobby project revives an early Macintosh-like GUI on original-era hardware without relying on DOS, offering a modern take on retro computing through open-source code and real hardware demonstrations.

https://os8088.com/

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“The Circle Is Closing” – Duo Of Deals Establishes a “Clear Framework For Commodore And Amiga”

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Two new licensing agreements have clarified the complex ownership of Commodore and Amiga intellectual property, with Commodore International obtaining rights to produce software and documentation for Commodore’s 8-bit computers under license from Amiga Corporation, which retains rights to Amiga software, hardware designs, and trademarks. Additionally, Hyperion Entertainment will continue developing AmigaOS 4 under license, establishing a clearer framework that could pave the way for new hardware releases, including a potential reproduction of the Amiga computer alongside Commodore’s FPGA-based C64 Ultimate.

https://www.timeextension.com/news/2026/08/the-circle-is-closing-duo-of-deals-establishes-a-clear-framework-for-commodore-and-amiga

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PCjs Machines

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PCjs is a JavaScript-based project that emulates a variety of vintage computing hardware and software from the 1970s through the 1990s, including original IBM PCs, IBM compatibles, minicomputers, programmable calculators, terminals, and classic arcade games. It allows users to experience these systems and software directly in modern web browsers, featuring a rich library of historical programs, operating systems, utilities, and games such as Microsoft Word 1.15, Lotus 1-2-3, Windows 3.0, and Wolfenstein 3D. The project serves as a digital preservation effort, offering extensive documentation and open-source code for enthusiasts to explore and contribute to retro computing history.

https://www.pcjs.org/

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The Computer That Helped Win World War II

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During World War II, the British developed Colossus, the world’s first large-scale programmable electronic digital computer, to decrypt complex German encrypted communications from the Lorenz cipher machine known as Tunny. Designed by engineer Tommy Flowers, Colossus automated and accelerated cryptanalysis at Bletchley Park, enabling the Allies to intercept critical military intelligence that significantly aided their war efforts. The machine’s success marked a pioneering use of digital electronics in computing and is recognized as an IEEE Milestone for its historical and technological significance.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/colossus-computer-ieee-milestone

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