Comparing Web Browser Performance for Windows Vista

Comparing Web Browser Performance

for Windows Vista

Are you curious how your favorite web browser stacks up against the competition? Wondering which one reigns supreme in terms of rendering modern web standards, adhering to coding best practices, and staying true to web development fundamentals? Look no further! This blog post dives deep into the results of three key web browser tests: HTML5 Test, Browser Audit, and Acid Test. We'll put popular browsers to the test, analyzing their performance across various metrics to help you decide which one delivers the optimal web browsing experience. So, buckle up and get ready to see how your go-to browser performs!

Chromium                 HTML5 Test     Browser Audit      Acid Test

Advanced Chrome 54          482              393                Pass

Baidu Browser v43.23        477              393                Pass

UC Browser v7.0.185         510              371                Pass

SRWare Iron v83.0           486              373                Pass  Chedot Browser v51.0        486              390                Pass  Yandex Browser v14.5        413              377                Pass

Super Bird Browser v45      482              375                Pass

Gecko

Mozilla Firefox 52.9.1 ESR  462              375                Fail

New Moon v28.10             424              379                Fail  Comodo Dragon v46.9.15      480              373                Pass

Comodo IceDragon v49        465              367                Fail

K-Meleon v76.0              421              369                Pass

Waterfox 53.0.3             472              375                Fail

BlackHawk WebBrowser        362              363                Fail

Serpent by v52.9.0          468              379                Fail

Pale Moon 27.9.4            396              371                Fail

IceCat 38.8.0               390              369                Pass

Tor Browser 7.5.6           385              369                Fail                     

Trident

FlashPeak Slimjet 12.0.15   489              393                 Pass

Avant Browser v12.5         113

Maxthon v5                  505              377                 Fail

AOL Shield 1.0.0.35         463              375                 Fail

WebKit

Midori v0.5.8               247              ---                 ----

QupZilla 1.8.9              341              367                 Pass

Otter Browser1.0.01         341              369                 Fail

Multi-Engine

Lunascape v6.8.6            113              ---                 ----

Build Your Own MS-DOS 7.1 Installation CD: Files and Sources

MS-DOS 7.1 was a major release of the Microsoft Disk Operating System, offering a graphical user interface alongside the classic command line. For those who enjoy retrocomputing or want to explore the history of operating systems, creating a bootable MS-DOS 7.1 installation CD can be a fun and rewarding project.

This blog post provides a comprehensive table listing the essential files and their sources needed to build your own MS-DOS 7.1 installation CD. The table includes details on the file name, description, and download link (if applicable) for each component.

By following this guide and gathering the necessary resources, you'll be well on your way to creating a functional MS-DOS 7.1 installation CD and experiencing a piece of computing history!

Files from the Windows 98 Installation Disc
ATTRIB	CHKDSK	CHOICE	ISO.CPI	MOVE	DEBUG
DELTREE	FDISK	DISPLAY.SYS	DOSKEY	EDIT	EGA.CPI
EMM386	FC	COMMAND.COM	FIND	FORMAT	HIMEM.SYS
IFSH LP.SYS	KEYB.COM	KEYBOARD.SYS	LABEL	LOGO.SYS	MEM
MODE	MORE	RAMDRIVE.SYS	MSCDEX	NLS FUNC	SUBST
SETVER	SORT	COUNTRY.SYS	SYS.COM	XCOPY	CVT.EXE
SCANDISK	ANSI	DISKCOPY
Files from the MS-DOS Virtual hard disk
FASTHELP	EXPAND	DISKCOMP	FASTOPEN	GRAPHICS	GRAPHICS.PRO
MEMMAKER	POWER	PRINT	REPLACE	TREE	MSD.EXE
QBASIC	VSAFE	SIZER	DRIVER.SYS	DRIVESPACE
Files from the MS-DOS 6.22 supplemental disk
ADOS.COM	ADOS.OVL	ADOS.TXT	FAKEMOUSE	DOSHELP.COM	DOSSHELL.*
DOSSWAP.EXE	CHKSTATE.SYS	EDLIN	EXE2BIN	LOADFIX	SMARTDRV

 

A Surfer's Guide to Retro Browsers for Windows Vista

A Surfer's Guide to Retro Browsers

for Windows Vista

Calling all retro computing adventurers! Dust off your old Windows Vista machine because we're diving into the digital archives to resurrect the web browsers of yesteryear. This guide serves as your one-stop shop for finding and downloading compatible browsers that'll have you cruising the web highways like its the late 2000s. Whether you're yearning for the familiar embrace of Internet Explorer or seeking a more modern experience, we've got you covered. Buckle up and let's embark on a nostalgic journey through the bygone era of Windows Vista web browsing!

Browser	Version	Download	Notes
Mypal Browser	28.9.3	Link
Mypal Browser	28.6.1	Link
Chromium	109	Link
K-Meleon	76.5.1	Link
Lunascape			Supports IE7-9 (Trident), Gecko, and Webkit rendering engines.
Otter Browser
Polarity Portable	8.4.4
QupZilla	1.8.9
Windows Internet Explorer	9	Link
360 Extreme Explorer		Link
Advanced Chrome	54.20.6530.0
Comodo Dragon	46.9.15.425	Link
Epic Browser Version	58.0.3300.190	Link
Google Chrome	49.0.2623.112m	Link
Google Chrome	50.0.2661.102m	Link
Kafan Mini-Browser		Link
Maxthon
Opera	36.0.2130.80	Link
Opera	37.0.2178.54	Link
Slimjet	10.0.13	Link
Slimjet	11.0.8	Link
Slimjet	12.0.15	Link
Vivaldi	1.0.435.46	Link
Vivaldi	1.1.453.59	Link
Vivaldi	1.1.443.3	Link
Yandex Browser	17.4.1.1026	Link
Yandex Browser Portable	17.6.0.1633	Link
AOL Shield	1.0.0.35	Link
Basilisk	2018.03.21
Cliqz	1.12.1	Link
Cocoon	52.1.1
Comodo IceDragon	52.0.0.4	Link
Cyberfox	52.9.1
GNU IceCat	38.8.0	Link
Mozilla Firefox	52.9.1 ESR	Link
Mozilla Firefox	53.0.3	Link
MyPal by Feodor2	68.x	Link
New Moon by roytam1		Link
Pale Moon	27.9.4	Link
SeaMonkey	2.49.5	Link
SeaMonkey 2.50a1	109	Link
Serpent by roytam1		Link
Tor Browser	7.5.6	Link
Waterfox	53.0.3	Link
Torch Browser	45.0.0.10802	Link
Baidu Browser
Super Bird Browser	45.0.0	Link
BlackHawk	39.0.2132.2
Citrio Browser	50.0.2661.276
Côccôc Browser	50.3.2661.162
UC Browser	55.0.2883.87	Link
Chedot Browser	51.0.2704.5311	Link
Orbitum Browser	109	Link
Cent Browser	43.0.2357.134	Link
QQ Browser	53.0.2785.104	Link
Sogou Browser		Link
Uran Browser	35.0.1916.153	Link
Apple Safari	5.1.7	Link
SR Ware Iron Browser		Link
Avant Browser	28.6.1	Link
CometBird	11.0	Link
CoolNovo	2.0.9.20

 

Surfing the Past: A Quest for Websites Compatible with Internet Explorer 5.0

A Quest for Websites Compatible with Internet Explorer 5.0

The tide of technology relentlessly marches forward, leaving behind a trail of obsolete hardware and software. Yet, the internet is a vast and curious place. For every forgotten floppy disk, there's a niche community keeping its digital flame alive. This is especially true for enthusiasts of retro computing!

As a passionate explorer of yesteryear's technologies, I'm on a mission: to unearth websites that can still be accessed with the venerable Internet Explorer 5.0. Released in 1999, IE5 was a pioneer in the early days of web browsing. While it may seem like a relic in today's landscape, there's a certain charm in revisiting the web as it once was.

The goal? To compile a comprehensive list of these digital time capsules! Imagine a portal where you can revisit the internet through the lens of the late 90s, with its simple layouts, bright colors, and text-heavy content. Who knows what hidden corners of the web we might discover?

This isn't just about nostalgia, though. Preserving these remnants of the internet's past holds historical value. It allows us to understand how the web evolved and how technology has shaped our online experiences.

So, if you have a dusty copy of Windows 98 lying around and a hankering for a digital time warp, stay tuned! This blog will be your one-stop shop for exploring the web with Internet Explorer 5.0. We'll delve into the challenges and workarounds of using such an outdated browser, and most importantly, we'll build a community resource of websites that have withstood the test of time.

Together, let's embark on this expedition into the forgotten corners of the internet!

Exciting News! You Can Now Experience the adventure on YouTube!

You Can Now Experience the adventure

on YouTube!

I'm thrilled to announce that you can now delve into the world of nostalgia not just through written content, but also through engaging videos on YouTube!

That's right, a little over a year ago, I embarked on a journey to bring the same insightful and informative content you find here on the blog to life in video format.

Whether you're a longtime reader or just discovering [Your Blog Topic], this is a fantastic opportunity to:

• See it in Action: Visual learners rejoice! Videos allow you to see concepts come to life through demonstrations, tutorials, and even behind-the-scenes glimpses.
• A More Dynamic Experience: The combination of sight and sound can create a more immersive and engaging experience compared to text alone.
• On-the-Go Learning: Videos are perfect for consuming content on your own schedule, whether you're catching up during your commute or relaxing on the couch.

Don't miss out on the adventure! Head over to my YouTube channel today and subscribe to join the fun. I'm constantly uploading new videos, so you'll always have fresh content to explore.

See you there!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPqX5u8BadZl5R7SEQb4lOQ

The MS-DOS 6.22 Boot Disk: A File-by-File Breakdown

The MS-DOS 6.22 Boot Disk:

A File-by-File Breakdown

Ever tinkered with the idea of customizing a boot disk? Then understanding the inner workings of a boot disk is crucial. Today, we'll dissect an MS-DOS 6.22 boot disk, unveiling the essential files that bring it to life. This serves as the foundation you'll need to tailor a boot disk to your specific needs.

Source:

A huge shoutout to allbootdisks.com for providing the initial file list that forms the foundation of this exploration.

Boot Disk File Manifest

The following table details the files found on an MS-DOS 6.22 boot disk, including their size and type:

File Name	Size (KB)	File Type
ATTRIB.EXE	11,208	Application
AUTOEXEC.BAT	45	MS-DOS Batch File
C.BAT	34	MS-DOS Batch File
CD1.SYS	34262	System file
CD2.SYS	16504	System file
CD3.SYS	19984	System file
CD4.SYS	41302	System file
CHKDSK.EXE	12241	Application
COMMAND.COM	54645	MS-DOS Application
CONFIG.SYS	377	System file
DELTREE.EXE	11111	Application
DOSKEY.COM	5861	MS-DOS Application
DRVSPACE.BIN	66294	BIN File
EDIT.EXE	69662	Application
EDIT.HLP	17898	Help File
EDIT.INI	192	Configuration Settings
EMM386.EXE	120926	Application
FDISK.EXE	29336	Application
FIND.EXE	6770	Application
FORMAT.COM	22974	MS-DOS Application
HIMEM.SYS	29136	System file
IO.SYS	40,774	System file
LABEL.EXE	9,390	Application
MEM.EXE	32,502	Application
UNDELETE.INI	235	Configuration Settings
UNFORMAT.COM	12,738	MS-DOS Application
XCOPY.EXE	16,930	Application

ATTRIB.EXE A utility that allows you to view and modify file attributes (read-only, hidden, etc.). Common uses include making hidden files visible, setting files to read-only to prevent accidental modification, and marking files as archive bits to be backed up.

AUTOEXEC.BAT A batch file that is automatically executed whenever you boot up your computer. It's like a startup script, containing commands that configure system settings, load device drivers, and launch specific programs at startup. Because it runs automatically, it's a convenient way to automate repetitive tasks at system startup.

CD1.SYS CD-ROM driver, version 1. This file provides the necessary instructions for the operating system to interact with the CD-ROM drive. It acts as a translator between the operating system and the CD-ROM drive hardware, allowing you to access data on CDs.

CD2.SYS Possibly another CD-ROM driver or an alternative version of CD1.SYS.Having two CD-ROM driver files might indicate: Support for multiple CD-ROM drives installed in the system. The presence of a secondary or alternative driver for the primary CD-ROM drive.

CD3.SYS Potentially a driver for a different type of optical drive, such as a DVD-ROM drive. While MS-DOS primarily dealt with CDs, CD3.SYS suggests the presence of a more versatile optical drive that could read DVDs.

CD4.SYS Another possibility is a driver for a secondary CD-ROM drive installed in the system. The larger file size compared to CD1.SYS or CD2.SYS might indicate a different driver for a secondary CD-ROM drive model.

CHKDSK.EXE This is a vital utility for checking and repairing disk errors. It can scan your disk for problems like lost clusters, bad sectors, or file system inconsistencies. CHKDSK can also be used to fix these errors, potentially saving you from data loss or system instability.

COMMAND.COM this is the heart of the MS-DOS user experience. It's the command prompt interpreter, the program that translates your typed commands (like DIR, COPY, or FORMAT) into actions the computer can understand.

CONFIG.SYS This is a configuration file that loads device drivers and sets system parameters at boot time. Think of it as giving specific instructions to MS-DOS before it even displays the command prompt. CONFIG.SYS plays a crucial role in loading additional hardware support or customizing your system environment.

DELTREE.EXE This handy utility allows you to delete entire directory trees (folders and all their subfolders and files) at once. It's a powerful tool for cleaning up unwanted data or removing stubborn folders that won't delete otherwise.

DOSKEY.COM This is a command line history and macro utility. DOSKEY lets you recall previously used commands using the up and down arrow keys, saving you time from retyping them. It also allows you to create macros, which are shortcuts for running a series of commands with a single keystroke.

DRVSPACE.BIN This file is most likely associated with DriveSpace, a disk compression utility that was sometimes included with MS-DOS. DriveSpace could compress your hard drive to save storage space, but it's not commonly used in modern systems.

EDIT.EXE This is a basic text editor included with MS-DOS. It allows you to view and modify text files. While not feature-rich by today's standards, EDIT.EXE was a valuable tool for creating simple configuration files or editing text documents in the pre-graphical user interface era.

EDIT.HLP This file likely contains the help documentation for the EDIT.EXE text editor. It would have provided basic instructions on how to use the editor's features, like navigating the text, inserting or deleting characters, and saving your work.

EMM386.EXE This is an Expanded Memory Manager (EMM) driver. While HIMEM.SYS provides access to memory above 1MB, EMM386.EXE manages how applications use that expanded memory.

FDISK.EXE This is a powerful disk partitioning tool. It allows you to create, delete, and format partitions on your hard drive. Caution: Using FDISK incorrectly can damage your hard drive, so proceed with care.

FIND.EXE This is a handy text search utility. You can use it to search for specific text strings within files.

FORMAT.COM This is a utility used to format a disk for use with MS-DOS. Formatting erases all data on the disk, so be sure to back up anything important before using FORMAT.

HIMEM.SYS This file is a device driver that provides access to memory above the first 1MB in a PC. Early PCs had a memory limit of 1MB, and HIMEM.SYS helped utilize memory beyond that limit. It often worked in conjunction with a memory manager like EMM386.EXE (mentioned below).

IO.SYS is a critical system file with a size around 40,774 bytes in MS-DOS 6.22, acts like the operating system's maestro. It's responsible for booting up the system and laying the groundwork for MS-DOS to function. Here's a breakdown of its key functionalities:

LABEL.EXE This utility allows you to create or modify the volume label of a disk. A volume label is a user-friendly name assigned to a disk drive.

MEM.EXE This application displays information about your system's memory usage. It can be helpful for troubleshooting memory-related issues.

UNDELETE.INI This configuration file stores settings for the MS-DOS Undelete utility (undelete.exe), which attempts to recover accidentally deleted files.

UNFORMAT.COM This is a data recovery utility. It attempts to recover data from a disk that has been accidentally formatted. However, success rates can be low, so don't rely solely on this for critical data recovery.

XCOPY.EXE This is a versatile file copying utility. It allows you to copy files and folders, including subdirectories. XCOPY offers more options than the simple COPY command available in MS-DOS.

Identifying Natively Supported Optical Drives in Mac OS X 10.3.9 (Panther)

Natively Supported Optical Drives

in Mac OS X 10.3.9

This guide helps you identify optical drives that work natively with Mac OS X 10.3.9, also known as Panther. Native support means the operating system can recognize and use the drive without requiring additional drivers.

Finding Supported Drives:

While Apple doesn't provide an official list, the information can be extracted from system files. Panther includes a built-in list of supported optical drives. Here's how to find it:

Disclaimer: This process involves navigating system folders. Modifying these files can cause unexpected behavior. Proceed with caution and consider backing up your data beforehand.

Locate the File:

1. Open Finder.

2. Navigate to /System/Library/Frameworks/DiscRecording.framework/Versions/A/Frameworks/DiscRecordingEngine.framework/Versions/A/Resources/DeviceSupport.drprofile.

Understanding the File:

This file contains codes that identify supported optical drives. Unfortunately, deciphering these codes requires technical knowledge.

Alternative Approach:

Instead of manually interpreting the file, you can search online resources like forums or communities dedicated to vintage Apple hardware. The community may have information about compatible drives for Panther.

Credits:

This information is credited to kps on the Mac OS X Hints forum. You can find the original discussion here

Manufacturer	Model
AOpen	40X12X48 CD-RW, 48X12X50 CD-RW
Generic	CDBP-121032, CDBP-12432A, CDBP-161040, CDBP-241040A, CDBP-321040A, CDBP-401248A, CRD-BP1300P, CRD-BP1400P, CRD-BP1500P, CRD-BP1600P, CRD-BP1700P
HL-DT-ST	CD-RW CED-8042B, CD-RW GCE-8160B, RW/DVD GCC-4320B
HP	DVD Writer 300n
IDE-CD	JR/RW24, R/RW 16x10A, R/RW 8x4x32, ReWritable-2x2x6, ZIPCD 650, ZIPCD1024EXT
Iomega	CDRW23042EXT3-B, CDRW2304FEXT-B, CDRW38402EXT2-B, CDRW55292EXT3-C, CDRW6402EXT-B, CDRW64892EXT3-B, CDRW9602EXT3-B, JR/RW24, LTR-12101B, LTR-16101B,LTR-24102B, LTR-40125S, LTR-40125W, LTR-48125W, LTR-48126S,LTR-48246S, LTR-52246S, LTR-52327S,R/RW 16x10A, R/RW 8x4x32,ReWritable-2x2x6,ZIPCD 650, ZIPCD1024EXT
LaCie	CD-RW CW-7585, CDBP-121032, CDBP-12432A, CDBP-161040, CDBP-241040A, CDBP-321040A, CDBP-401248A, CRD-BP1300P, CRD-BP1400P, CRD-BP1500P, CRD-BP1600P, CRD-BP1700P, DVDRAM SW-9571, UJDA310, UJDA340, UJDA360
LG	CD-RW CED-8042B, CD-RW GCE-8160B, RW/DVD GCC-4320B
Lite-On	CDRW23042EXT3-B, CDRW2304FEXT-B, CDRW38402EXT2-B, CDRW55292EXT3-C, CDRW6402EXT-B, CDRW64892EXT3-B, CDRW9602EXT3-B, COMBO LSC-24081, LTR-12101B, LTR-16101B, LTR-24102B, LTR-40125S, LTR-40125W, LTR-48125W, LTR-48126S, LTR-48246S, LTR-52246S, LTR-52327S
Matsushita	CD-RW CW-7585, CDRRW07, DVD-RAM SW-9571, UJDA310, UJDA340, UJDA360
Mitsumi	CR-4802TE, CR-4804TE, CR-487ETE, CR-48X9TE, CR-48XATE, CR-48XETE
NEC	CD-RW NR-9300A
Philips	JR/RW24, R/RW 16x10A, R/RW 8x4x32, ReWritable-2x2x6, ZIPCD 650, ZIPCD1024EXT
Pioneer	DVD-R DVR-S201
Plextor	CD-R PX-W1210A, CD-R PX-W124TS, CD-R PX-W1610A, CD-R PX-W2410A, CD-R PX-W8220T, CD-R PX-W8432T
QPS	CD-R PX-W1210A, CD-R PX-W124TS, CD-R PX-W1610A, CD-R PX-W2410A, CD-R PX-W8220T, CD-R PX-W8432T, CD-R/RW SW-208B, CD-RW CW-7585, CD-W216E, CD-W224EA, CD-W24E, CD-W28E, CD-W512E, CD-W516E, CD-W524E, CD-W540E, CD-W54E, CD-W58E, CDBP-121032, CDBP-12432A, CDBP-161040, CDBP-241040A, CDBP-321040A, CDBP-401248A, CR-4802TE, CR-4804TE, CR-487ETE, CR-48X9TE, CR-48XATE, CR-48XETE, CRD-BP1300P, CRD-BP1400P, CRD-BP1500P, CRD-BP1600P, CRD-BP1700P, DVDRAM SW-9571, DW-224E, UJDA310, UJDA340, UJDA360
Ricoh	CD-R/RW RW7163A, CD-R/RW RW8040A, DVD/CDRW RW9120
Samsung	CD-R/RW SW-208B
Sanyo	CDBP-121032, CDBP-12432A, CDBP-161040, CDBP-241040A, CDBP-321040A, CDBP-401248A, CRD-BP1300P, CRD-BP1400P, CRD-BP1500P, CRD-BP1600P, CRD-BP1700P
Sony	CD-RW CRX100, CD-RW CRX10U, CD-RW CRX120, CD-RW CRX140, CD-RW CRX145, CD-RW CRX155, CD-RW CRX160, CD-RW CRX1611, CD-RW CRX700, CD-RW CRX75L, CD-RW CRX800, CD-RW CRX85A, DVD RW DRU-500A
Slimtype	COMBO LSC-24081
TDK	CDRW241032FPX, CDRW241040B, DVDRW0404N
TEAC	CD-W216E, CD-W224EA, CD-W24E, CD-W28E, CD-W512E, CD-W516E, CD-W524E, CD-W540E, CD-W54E, CD-W58E, DW-224E
Toshiba	DVD-ROM SD-R5112, DVD-ROM SD-R6012
Yamaha	CRW-70, CRW-F1, CRW2100, CRW2200E, CRW3200E, CRW4416, CRW6416, CRW8424, CRW8824