Os8088.com: IBM XT OS now has a Browser, CP/M 2.2 with Z80 core and MS Word 1.1a
The os8088 project continues to astound by bringing surprisingly modern capabilities to the vintage IBM PC XT. This latest spotlight showcases a web browser, CP/M, Microsoft Word 1.1a, and even dual monitor support running on a 4.77 MHz 8088 processor. It's a testament to extreme retrocomputing and optimization, consistently captivating Hacker News with its impressive technical feats.
The Lowdown
The os8088 project, dedicated to pushing the limits of the classic IBM PC XT, has unveiled a new "Spotlight" showcasing its latest impressive additions. These updates demonstrate remarkable ingenuity in bringing functionality typically associated with much more powerful hardware to a 4.77 MHz 8088 machine.
- Web Browser: A custom browser can now fetch and lay out real web pages, rendering text and tables over an Ethernet connection, though the bottleneck is often screen drawing speed rather than network latency.
- CP/M in a Window: os8088 can now emulate a Zilog Z80 processor, allowing the vintage CP/M operating system and its applications, like Microsoft BASIC, to run within a draggable window.
- C-Written Word Processor: The project has developed a C compiler for os8088, leading to the creation of a new word processor written in C, proving the viability of higher-level language development on the platform.
- Microsoft Word 1.1a: A fully functional port of Microsoft Word 1.1a, complete with its familiar 1990s interface and .DOC file saving capabilities, now runs efficiently within a compact 47KB footprint.
- Dual Monitor Support: Leveraging the XT's ability to host both monochrome and color graphics cards, os8088 can now span a single desktop across two monitors, creating a 1,360 x 348 pixel workspace.
- Infocom Games (Frotz): A Z-machine interpreter written in 8086 assembly allows classic interactive fiction titles like Mini-Zork and Colossal Cave Adventure to be played natively.
These advancements highlight a dedicated effort to explore and expand the capabilities of a nearly 40-year-old computer, continually surprising with what can be achieved through deep technical understanding and optimization.