hardware

Defeating a 40-year-old Copy Protection Dongle

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Dmitry Brant’s blog features recent challenges with outdated software protection, including defeating a 40-year-old hardware dongle for a legacy RPG-based accounting program still running on Windows 98. The blog details a software archaeology process to extract data and bypass the dongle’s simplistic copy protection, ultimately allowing access to the software’s source code and enabling historical preservation.

https://dmitrybrant.com/2026/02/01/defeating-a-40-year-old-copy-protection-dongle

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M8SBC-486 (Homebrew 486 Computer)

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M8SBC-486 is a homemade 486 computer motherboard, built from scratch, aimed at running Linux and DOOM. It’s “kinda PC compatible” with some limitations (e.g., missing DMA impacts sound support). Features include a 4-layer PCB, 5V 486 CPU socket, and support for certain ISA cards and DOS operating systems. The project is experimental and a hobby, reflecting extensive research on older x86 chips. Supported by PCBWay, the project has various compatibility notes for hardware and software. More details can be found on multiple dedicated subpages.

https://maniek86.xyz/projects/m8sbc_486.php

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Learning Retro Computer Electronics Fault Finding and Restoration

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TLDR: Guide for retro computer repair: focus on safety, visual inspection, mechanical checks, cleaning, power checks, and diagnosing issues without extensive disassembly. Use minimal invasive methods and grow skills through experience while avoiding unnecessary damage. Join communities for support and resources.

https://retrogamecoders.com/learning-retrocomputer-electronics/

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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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