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Art Bits From HyperCard

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HyperCard, Apple’s early hypermedia system, influenced web development significantly. It included sample stacks like “Art Bits,” showcasing two-color clip art. Over 700 images from this collection have been optimized and shared online for users’ enjoyment, maintaining a small size. Categories include beasts, buildings, media, and more, each containing various clip art examples.

https://archives.somnolescent.net/web/mari_v2/junk/hypercard/

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“Our Programs Are Fun to Use.”

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Beagle Bros, a nostalgic 1980s software company for Apple II, was known for its quirky and fun applications. Their products combined practical tools with whimsical design, fostering a playful programming environment. Despite their eventual decline due to competition, their legacy inspires a community that values creativity in software development, illustrated by the ongoing interest in their catalog.

https://unsung.aresluna.org/our-programs-are-fun-to-use/

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PageMaker Pioneer Paul Brainerd, 1947-2026: Aldus Founder Devoted His Second Chapter to the Planet

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Paul Brainerd (1947-2026), founder of Aldus Corporation and pioneer of desktop publishing, died at 78 after battling Parkinson’s disease. He co-created PageMaker, revolutionizing printing for non-professionals and empowering many with desktop publishing tools. Following Aldus’s merger with Adobe in 1994, Brainerd focused on environmental philanthropy, founding the Brainerd Foundation, IslandWood, and supporting various initiatives in the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand. A respected leader and innovator, he significantly impacted both technology and conservation efforts throughout his life.

https://www.geekwire.com/2026/pagemaker-pioneer-paul-brainerd-1947-2026-aldus-founder-devoted-his-second-chapter-to-the-planet/

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C64 Graphics Explorer — View C64 Graphics the Authentic Way

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C64GraphicsExplorer is a macOS app for exploring modern Commodore 64 art, utilizing CRT simulation and pixel inspection. Users can view curated artwork, analyze creation techniques, and input their images for palette mapping. Features include a gallery of C64 graphics, authentic CRT effects, pixel magnification, mode detection, and adjustable pixel grids. It supports macOS Sequoia 15.0+ on Apple Silicon and maintains user privacy.

https://c64graphicsexplorer.com/

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Thin Is In

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The piece discusses the historical context of “thick” vs. “thin” clients in computing, highlighting a shift towards thin clients re-emerging through AI interactions. In the past, thick clients (like PCs) dominated, but with AI, the focus on networks for processing has made complex local UIs less relevant, as chat-based interfaces allow for easy interaction regardless of device capability. Future AI advancements suggest an increased reliance on cloud computing due to better model performance and lower costs for shared resources. However, rising memory shortages could impact technology availability and prices, as demand surges from AI developments. Overall, the trend leans towards minimal local compute reliance due to enhanced cloud capabilities.

https://stratechery.com/2026/thin-is-in/

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The Story of Wall Street Raider

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“Wall Street Raider,” a complex financial simulator, evolved over decades from Michael Jenkins’ original concept at Harvard Law to a nearly abandoned codebase. Multiple attempts to modernize it failed until 2024, when software developer Ben Ward successfully reimagined the game, preserving its depth while updating its interface. Their collaboration revitalizes a legacy that has inspired many in finance. Now, it’s set for a Steam release, ensuring its educational impact continues.

https://www.wallstreetraider.com/story.html

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Flashpoint Archive

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Flashpoint Archive is a community initiative preserving web games and animations, aiming to safeguard internet history as it rapidly evolves. Launched in December 2017, it has preserved over 200,000 games through various plugins and technologies. The project offers flexible software for navigating and playing preserved content, including a launcher and secure playback tools. Started by BlueMaxima to address the loss of web games, Flashpoint is now a major effort involving many contributors, operating as a non-profit to enhance digital preservation and accessibility.

https://flashpointarchive.org/

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Rise of the Triforce

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Sega partnered with Nintendo and Namco to create the Triforce arcade system, leveraging GameCube technology to revitalize the arcade scene in the face of declining interest. The Triforce, featuring unique game storage and innovative save options, aimed to create persistent player engagement through personalized high-quality arcade experiences. Despite the collaboration, Nintendo did not develop games for it, leading to only nine titles being released, including notable arcade adaptations of popular franchises like Mario Kart.

https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/2026/02/16/rise-of-the-triforce/

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Byte Magazine Artist Robert Tinney, Who Illustrated the Birth of PCs, Dies at 78

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Robert Tinney, the artist behind Byte magazine’s iconic covers from 1975 to the late 1980s, passed away at 78. His surrealist-influenced illustrations, created using airbrushed Designers Gouache, helped define the visual language of personal computing for a generation. Tinney’s work, characterized by its non-technical metaphors, made complex computing topics accessible and memorable.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/02/byte-magazine-artist-robert-tinney-who-illustrated-the-birth-of-pcs-dies-at-78/

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